Prison embroiled in political tug-of-war

"I regret to advise you that Downeast Correctional Facility is scheduled for closure." With these words, letters notified 46 employees of the Downeast Correctional Facility (DCF) of the imminent closure of a facility highly regarded in the area community. As the pink slips arrived, rumor and talk spread throughout the area, igniting once more an issue that has been debated for the past eight years.
How can a prison be highly regarded by a community? Just ask the people, and they will explain.
On May 19 when the notifications arrived, the grounds of the facility were quiet with very few staff and inmates visible outside. "It's a sad, sad day," said one of the guards, who would not give his name because of regulations. But the words and their essence could be seen all over his face.
For one family directly impacted by this decision, the frustration and pain is very real. The DCF employee's wife has opted to share her feelings on the condition of anonymity because they fear retribution should the prison remain open longer than anticipated. "My husband is a veteran and has worked at the DCF for almost 20 years. Not a day has gone by in these past five or six years we have not worried about the reality of this situation. Now that it is here and the pink slip has been received, we again find ourselves waiting. I am told the Appropriations Committee met today and did nothing and the Criminal Justice Committee is waiting for a response from the commissioner, but the clock keeps ticking. My husband and I were supposed to have a meeting today with a panel outlining our options, but they postponed it until the end of the month, just days before the closure. Today, my husband was instructed how to apply for unemployment. This waiting is unbearable and simply not right."
Machiasport Selectman Jeff Davis also expresses frustration. He is worried about the impact this closure will have on the town and strongly believes this latest move by Governor LePage circumvents the legislative process that is supposed to play out in matters such as these. "He is short‑circuiting the whole system by implementing a notification of dismissal of the DCF employees," says Davis. "All of this is being done without legislative approval in not waiting for Appropriations [Committee] to make their final decision regarding the budget."
Shortly after the initial draft of the LePage budget was issued earlier in the year, Davis quickly drafted a letter stating the selectmen's opposition and a desire to have a dialogue. That letter, according to Davis, received no response from the governor's office. "This is a substantial impact to our economy as well as all of Washington County, as many businesses and other towns rely on the DCF for manpower," says Davis.
David Whitney, who owns a number of businesses throughout the area, the largest being the seasonal wreath business, is dismayed by the entire political and social situation. "I don't believe that many people can understand how critical that inmate workforce is to companies like ours," says Whitney. "We employ for a very short period of time over 400 people. Delivering on time is paramount to our survival. The management and inmates of DCF have played roles in helping us achieve success. Compensating for that loss will be a significant challenge."
Machias Town Manager Christina Therrien traveled to Augusta earlier in the year with a large contingent of people to make a plea for keeping the DCF open. That effort was rewarded by the unanimous vote by the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee to recommend keeping the facility. She states, "This decision is a hard blow to Washington County C the loss of jobs and the availability of prison workers to assist local businesses with their shortage of dependable workers, the inmates' loss of opportunity to gain much needed job skills and the loss of victim restitution money that is paid back through the prisoners' earned wages. Add to that the community service work performed by the inmates that have saved the municipalities and nonprofits hundreds and thousands of dollars, and of course the direct economic impact from the purchases of food, oil, etcetera, which carries a $1 to $7 economic factor."
The Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce successfully moved to the newly refurbished Station 1898 in Machias last year thanks in part to the efforts by DCF inmates. Sharon Mack, chamber director, believes this decision will have a devastating impact to a county already dealing with many issues. "This is horrible news. Not just in the number of Washington County jobs that have been impacted, but the larger issue of what happens without sufficient prison capacity throughout the state," says Mack. "Here, numerous towns, schools and nonprofits will suffer as the prison labor pool will no longer be available."
Machiasport resident Sandra Prescott, who had been directly involved in the municipal workings of the town for quite some time, believes this will impact residents through increased taxes. "I have known for years this governor wanted to close the facility," says Prescott. "The cost will be passed onto the taxpayers, and I fear the facility, along with the 27 housing units, sitting idle will become a big white elephant. In 1980 then Commissioner Don Allen sold the community on the idea for the prison. I was hesitant at that time, but it has been a tremendous asset that will be lost. A sad day indeed."
Another resident of Machiasport who wished to remain anonymous is very concerned about the impact this decision could have on public safety. "If these rumors are true that sentences may be commuted, and knowing there is already a lack of space for prisoners coming through the system, will this decision result in a catch and release approach to justice? I for one am not comfortable with convicted felons, including sex offenders, being released early perhaps with ankle bracelets or having a statewide system soften in an attempt to save a couple bucks."
The Appropriations Committee is scheduled to render its recommendation in June on what items stay within the proposed budget and what items will be removed. Lawmakers have until June 30 to approve the next two‑year spending measure. Until then, the wait continues for the DCF employees and their families and the many businesses, schools, nonprofit organizations and local communities.