Opposition

Source: <a href="http://www.bighorncountynews.com/">Big Horn County News</a><br />n<br />n<center>Tester sides with state over jail</center><br />n<br />n<blockquote><br />n<br />nby Daniel Person<br />nBig Horn County News<br />n<br />nU.S. Sen. Jon Tester Tuesday said he has not encouraged federal agencies to contract with the detention center in Hardin because of the state’s stance on using the jail to house out-of-state prisoners.<br />n<br />nHe made the comments during his regular conference call with Montana reporters. When asked if had worked with any federal agencies to promote the jail, which currently is empty and losing money, he responded, “no.”<br />n<br />n“That’s bad news, on the one had,” he continued. “On the other hand, whenever you start shipping people in from out of the state, the state needs to be part of the equation.”<br />n<br />nCurrently, the Montana Department of Corrections has not contracted with the jail to house its prisoners. David Ewer, the governor’s budget director, said the state considers the jail a private prison and that the Schweitzer administration stands opposed to using private jails in Montana.<br />n<br />nBackers of the prison refute the contention that the jail is private, pointing out that the Two Rivers Trade Port Authority, an entity of the city of Hardin, owns the detention center.<br />n<br />nMost recently, Montana Attorney General Mike McGrath had decided Montana law does not allow detention centers like to one in Hardin to house out-of-state prisoners. That decision, which carries the weight of law, has prompted a lawsuit from the city of Hardin against the state of Montana.<br />n<br />n“Out-of-state prisoners have been a bone of contention” in Montana, Tester said. “We’ve really got to make sure the state is fully supportive of it.”</blockquote><br />n<br />nWell, we find out how one of our Senators feel about the Prison in Hardin. Senator Jon Tester falling in lock step with <a href="http://governor.mt.gov/governor/govbio.asp">Gov. Brian Schweitzer</a>, what a surprise (sarcasm intended). This is the first time in print that I have really seen it spelled out that the governor opposes private prisons. That must explain why our local Legislators are keeping silent about it. They don't want to cross the Governor.<br />n<br />nWill this prison ever open? Will the Governor allow it to open? I guess economic development near Indian Reservations isn't important to our states Leaders. All questions that will be answered down the road.<br />n<br />n<strong>Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. Albert Einstein</strong>