Neighbors for Justice Support a New Jail: But not in our back yard

Lastest release from Neighbors for Justice:

In what at first appears to be a contradiction of the lawsuit it filed against the City of Bartlesville and the Bartlesville City Council, Neighbors for Justice (NfJ) issued a statement proclaiming its support for a new jail in Washington County.

“We absolutely believe that a new jail must be built. However, we also believe there should be some conditions regarding where it is built,” said Luwana Brewster, co-spokesperson of the new citizen group in Bartlesville, Oklahoma. “The new jail should not be across the street from our homes and play areas. Currently, the proposed jail site is surrounded by residential neighborhoods on the north, west, and south sides.”

NfJ recently launched its new website, www.neighborsforjustice.com, in order to educate the public about its cause and its stance regarding the jail. On the site, NfJ clarifies its mission in the following four statements:

*We believe that a jail should be built, but only if it is built in a non-residential area.

*We believe that a jail should be built, but only if it will not detrimentally affect the growth and financial condition of the area where it is built.

*We believe that a jail should be built, but only if the City and County follow proper zoning regulations and standard procedures for zoning changes and zoning appeals.

*We believe that a jail should be built, but only if the City and County attribute equal amounts of respect and dignity to all citizens of Bartlesville.

Brewster expressed the group’s appreciation for the City Council members and their service to the Bartlesville community. “However, we believe the action taken by the Council on August 25, 2008 was unacceptable. We also believe that the only way to correct the Council’s mistake on August 25th is, regretfully, to seek legal action.”

The NfJ suit was filed with Washington County District Court on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 by Tulsa law firm, Gibbs, Armstrong, Borochoff, Mullican and Hart. This firm also successfully represented the South Tulsa Citizens Coalition (STCC) in a three-year battle to stop the construction of a privately owned toll bridge. In January 2008, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled unanimously in favor of STCC.

NfJ has also created a legal fund to help pay legal fees that will be incurred during the legal battle, which may be long and arduous. Interested parties can donate through the group’s website, www.neighborsforjustice.com.