Problems at JCCA Campus is Not a Democratic or Republican Issue
Opinion Advocates for ideas and draws conclusions based on the author/producer’s interpretation of facts and data.
It is unfortunate that the Democratic Party is using the JCCA as their only focus. The state of emergency was enacted due to verified information from inside the facility that the JCCA administration was preparing to house migrants.
The town and the school district are not equipped to handle an influx of migrants in the town. Plain and simple. It would be irresponsible for me to ignore that information and then to try to correct the situation after the fact.
As for the dangerous situation on the campus, it has only gotten worse over the past couple years. This worsening situation is evident by the large number of emergency service calls to the campus and the videotaped assaults I have viewed. The town has tried to work with the JCCA staff over the last few years to make improvements to no avail. The town’s call for closure was justified.
There are numerous residents on campus with severe mental incapacities and the JCCA administration (CEO Robert Richter) recently informed the state Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) that “… this is an emergent situation that requires immediate action.” Moreover, Sen. Stewart-Cousins stated in a letter to OCFS that placing children with significant mental illness at the JCCA must stop and requires “… prompt action on the part of OCFS …”
I will not wait until there is another fatality or a beating of an innocent resident or staff member. In addition, I will not put up with residents of the facility threatening innocent town residents and damaging or looting businesses in the town. I also fear for the safety of our first responders. Volunteer ambulance personnel have informed me that they will not respond to the JCCA campus without the police.
What is misguided is this is not a Democratic or Republican issue; it is a safety issue affecting residents and staff at the facility as well as our town residents and first responders. It is my job to correct it for all involved.
Carl Fulgenzi
Mount Pleasant Town Supervisor
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