Politics

Downtown Jail Fight Heats Up

Mike Paulus |

By now, you may be suffering “Downtown Jail Fatigue” (DJF), but right now is the time to care, because things are really heating up. The county has approved the plan, and now the city must decide what to do. Last time, nearby downtown landowners produced a successful petition, creating a situation where the Eau Claire City Council would need a super majority (75%, or 9 out of 11) in favor of the downtown location plan, or it wouldn’t pass. Fearing it wouldn’t pass, the county withdrew, to fight again another day. Which is now.

Late last week, another landowner petition was filed against the county’s plan, and the city is reviewing its validity. Citizens for Accountable Jail Expansion (CAJE) is confident the petition will be approved. If it is, the petition will force another super majority vote. This time around, county officials say they won’t withdraw, and will take it to the city council vote. 

In one week, on June 15, the Eau Claire Plan Commission is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the current county jail proposal. This is an important time to raise questions and show what side of the issue you support. On June 22, the City Council will hold a public hearing, and the very next day, on June 23, they will vote.

This Leader-Telegram article does a good job detailing some of CAJE’s arguments against the downtown jail plan, as well as some responses from the county.

Tonight, CAJE is hosting a rally from 6-7pm at the 1st Congregational Church.