Every so often I meet those with innovative ideas generated in the public interest that not only seem likely to work but save a ton of our tax money in the process.
These synchronicities can come anywhere, including the entrance to Fayetteville's Wal-Mart where I encountered Dr. James Stowe. He's an obviously thoughtful man with a concept he hopes Gov. Asa Hutchinson and state lawmakers will consider when dealing with our prison system in an efficient yet economically affordable manner is a major concern.
Stowe, who looks the part of an educator, strikes me as pretty much a selfless man. I could tell his idea is intended to benefit not only the state but those who enter our state's penal system and hopefully emerge as better people.
Since I have a disproportionate voice to make Stowe's informed ideas known (and hopefully considered by those responsible for reforming our prisons and saving as much tax money as possible in the process), I'm sharing his proposal today in hopes our governor and other elected leaders will listen and consider its merits.
Stowe recently sent the following letter (which I've lightly edited) to the governor. I'll just add that, sadly, as we too often have seen, the very best and most workable ideas for all concerned too often fall victim to crass and ugly politics and limelighters with their agendas, as well as big political contributions from those who get the tax-paid contracts and advantages.
"I would like to present an alternative in regards to building a new prison in Arkansas. Every Arkansas county has access to one or more Adult Education and/or Literacy Centers. These facilities are already in place. All low-risk inmates released early could be assigned to one of these centers for Life Skills classes (and GED classes if needed).
"This would only require hiring a part-time life-skills instructor and perhaps a counselor for each relevant center. While life-skills classes are already provided in many of our prisons, inmates seem more apt to apply these lessons the closer they become to their full freedom.
"I've spent the last 21 years as an instructor in life skills and GED classes at Springdale's Northwest Arkansas Work Release Center and have seen the positive results of our classes. As these inmates begin to experience jobs on the 'outside,' interactions with non-inmates and furloughs with family members, the lessons taught begin to positively influence their lives.
"The real joy for me has been meeting former inmates who are doing well, raising families, getting promotions and enjoying their lives as good citizens. The program I envision could be based on a 12-step idea like Alcoholics Anonymous, teaching skills such as personal finances, anger management, attitude adjustment and addiction management. The counselor could be a consultant for inmates with specific problems or situations."
Stowe believes such a program statewide "could easily be developed for these centers to aid and instruct our 'early-release' inmates, saving millions for prison construction and future maintenance while lowering our overall recidivism rates."
And there's the man's good idea, simple yet seemingly filled with potential to be a win-win for all involved. Stowe said he's available to discuss the concept further with the governor or any interested legislator. His e-mail address is [email protected].
From a veteran
When I wonder what effect my words (and those of fellow columnists) might have in the lives of anonymous readers we never will see or know, a letter like the following reminds me of the difference that words can make in our lives.
This message, handwritten on the back of a Fayetteville VA handout sheet, arrived from 70-year-old military veteran Floyd Reeder of Huntsville. I'm still smiling, especially after just seeing the remarkable film American Sniper.
"Dear Mike, please excuse the stationery, but I'm in vets hospital and this is the best I could come up with. This letter is to thank you, thank you, thank you for giving me help you aren't aware of. About two years ago you put an item about veterans' money paid for their spouse taking care of them.
"I've been a victim of Agent Orange for 17 years. I applied but for two years was led around the mulberry bush by a lady at the hospital. I got the American Legion to help me and we resubmitted the paperwork. Three months later we received about $2,000 back pay and a raise for my wife of $458 a month. Even though it took two years ... we finally got it and thanks only to you.
"I just want to add I've read your column for years and enjoy it and almost always agree with you. I may get to go home Friday. Getting over pneumonia. If you're coming through Huntsville, please call and let us meet you. You have made our life so much better. Thanks again."
You are so welcome, Floyd. And thank you for reminding me that words still can--and do--make a difference in the individual lives we share.
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Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Email him at [email protected].
Editorial on 01/24/2015