Every Voter, a Champion for Children

According to this past Sunday’s edition of the Sunpaper, advocacy groups say that the state should spend more on intervention programs instead of building huge jails. Baltimore’s Safe and Sound Campaign, the Annie E. Casey Foundation and the Public Justice Center all appealed to the governor to stop the juvenile detention center project. It was reported that Maryland will review the $100 million project which was slated to start construction in the fall. An additional $100 million jail for women is in the planning stages by the state.

The article stated further that last week the National Council on Crime and Delinquency questioned the number of juveniles that the state expects to charge with adult crimes in the coming years. These are the figures upon which officials based the maximum capacity of the new detention center.

Former Governor Ehrlich has criticized the Baltimore jail project as representing nothing more than a warehouse for children. In response to his concern, the Sunpaper objectively pointed out that he is trying to win back the governor’s job from O’Malley. Surely, no one is arguing that detention centers are the recommended place to raise children.

The Sunpaper said that state officials say that it is unlikely that the project will be “derailed”. Alex Busansky, president of National Council of Crime and Delinquency, has suggested that part of the facility should be used as a community center. Never let it be said that that guy has no sense of ambiance.

What are the candidates who will be appropriating funds and working on special projects saying about juvenile issues? Are there any writers who need to read the story because they do not already know the plot and the last line? What are candidates offering youth who will soon enter the job force as young adults - the age group most challenged by economic difficulties inherent to the recession.

Jordan Hadfield, candidate for the state senate from the sixth district, says that he is in favor of raising more scholarship money and utilizing the funds that are already available very carefully.

Senator Edward Kasemeyer from District 12 does not have any youth or young adult issues posted on his internet statements. When he gets to press conferences, he will not doubt be asked.

Allan Kittleman from the ninth district – made up of Howard and Carroll Counties - supported Governor Ehrlich’s school construction policy when he was in office, it was the largest such initiative in the history of Maryland.

Andrew Harris from the district seven – covering parts of Baltimore and Howard County – served on a task force to study audiology and speech language services. Handicaps very often lead to misunderstood behavior and problems with communication.

Delores Kelly from district 10 – located in Wicomico County - has previously been awarded the Champion for Children Award. It would be interesting to hear how she would invest funds in youth programs and services.

Every voter has the right to be an advocate.