How are things at the North Pole? I hope you and Mrs. Claus are well. Here in Scioto County, many of us have been very good. We’ve been working hard to develop our regional recreational facilities. There have been big improvements at our regional university, and Downtown Portsmouth is bustling with activity. We are also grateful for the progress that is being made regarding our communication issues as a result of the MARCS tower improvements and the broadband initiative. Thank you for stopping by Winterfest. We always love seeing you.
Santa, there are a few things we really, really need here. Perhaps you could help.
- A regional in-patient mental health facility. While we have an abundance of drug rehabilitation facilities, we are in need of a place where patients can receive long-term mental health care close to home. Too many troubled individuals are left roaming the streets only to be arrested again and again and again. They are not naughty, they are sick. And despite the best efforts of local officers to find them help, many of them have no place to seek long-term care.
- A regional medical examiner’s office. When someone dies in Scioto County and officials think an autopsy is needed, the body is sent all the way to Montgomery County. Sometimes, family members and law enforcement wait months for the results of tests. The same is true in surrounding counties. Why not build a facility here where we can take care of our own in a timely fashion? Family members and law enforcement deserve the answers they need.
- A regional jail. Scioto County is often called on to board prisoners from other counties in their jail. Why not fully embrace it and build larger men’s and women’s facilities? Nearby counties not only house inmates in Scioto County but sometimes in jails an hour away. And frankly, these same inmates often have court dates in Scioto County as well. Why not make it easier on everyone and keep an eye on them?
- A revamped parole and probation system. Repeat offenders seem to go through the same cycle of catch and release and despite being on parole or probation, many of them repeat the same crimes again and again. A cooperative legislature and court system need to work together to find a way to identify good candidates for this type of supervision and spend their efforts actively supporting them while keeping poor candidates incarcerated so they won’t overwhelm law enforcement and threaten citizens.
- Real numbers on the effectiveness of rehabs. Santa, we want to help those struggling with addiction. But we have questions about the current system and the number of patients sent to our county. We need to know how many local patients are in treatment vs. how many are sent here from out of town. Some numbers about how out-of-town populations contribute to criminal activity and homelessness are needed so we can make plans on how to best fight this crisis.
I realize these items are too large to fit in a stocking, so we may have to settle for you whispering in the ear of some state and national government officials to get the ball rolling. Help yourself to a piece of gingerbread at Spartan Stadium. The steaming mug of latte is from The Lofts Coffee. It might give you just the kick you need to finish your rounds.