The Honorable Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
 
Dear Governor Hochul,
 
The St. Lawrence Republican County Committee strongly opposes the closing of the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. This facility was widely supported by local communities years ago when the state considered citing a facility in the Ogdensburg area.  Although it is understood that financially the State of New York cannot keep all current correctional facilities open, the choice of the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility does not demonstrate fiscal responsibility.  Better choices can be made.
 
Expensive renovations to heating, roofs, lighting and windows have just been completed at the Ogdensburg facility.  It is irresponsible not to make use of a facility which tax payers have recently paid more than 12 million dollars to upgrade.  Loss of approximately 268 jobs for the well-trained workforce in Northern New York would seriously affect the financial situation in our area, during an already difficult financial time.
 
This facility plays a unique role in supporting the food needs of Northern New Yorkers. 
The gardening program undertaken at the facility substantially supports food pantries and other services by providing fresh produce to needy individuals and families in Northern New York.  As has been pointed out by Senator Patty Ritchie, Ogdensburg Correctional Facility could easily expand the ongoing program to provide produce for numerous communities in other areas of the state as well.  
 
This prison is located very near the St Lawrence Psychiatric Center and ClaxtoThe Honorable Kathy Hochul
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224
 
Dear Governor Hochul,
 
The St. Lawrence Republican County Committee strongly opposes the closing of the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility. This facility was widely supported by local communities years ago when the state considered citing a facility in the Ogdensburg area.  Although it is understood that financially the State of New York cannot keep all current correctional facilities open, the choice of the Ogdensburg Correctional Facility does not demonstrate fiscal responsibility.  Better choices can be made.
 
Expensive renovations to heating, roofs, lighting and windows have just been completed at the Ogdensburg facility.  It is irresponsible not to make use of a facility which tax payers have recently paid more than 12 million dollars to upgrade.  Loss of approximately 268 jobs for the well-trained workforce in Northern New York would seriously affect the financial situation in our area, during an already difficult financial time.
 
This facility plays a unique role in supporting the food needs of Northern New Yorkers. 
The gardening program undertaken at the facility substantially supports food pantries and other services by providing fresh produce to needy individuals and families in Northern New York.  As has been pointed out by Senator Patty Ritchie, Ogdensburg Correctional Facility could easily expand the ongoing program to provide produce for numerous communities in other areas of the state as well.  
 
This prison is located very near the St Lawrence Psychiatric Center and Claxton-Hepburn Hospital.  These two hospitals are very crucial for mental health or physical health needs of inmates.  The location of the facility is appropriate for outdoor use, especially for gardening, training or other vocational uses for incarcerated individuals. 
 
For these reasons and many more, the Republican Executive Committee recommends Ogdensburg Correctional Facility be removed from consideration for closure.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Connie Elen, St Lawrence County Republican Chair
n-Hepburn Hospital.  These two hospitals are very crucial for mental health or physical health needs of inmates.  The location of the facility is appropriate for outdoor use, especially for gardening, training or other vocational uses for incarcerated individuals. 
 
For these reasons and many more, the Republican Executive Committee recommends Ogdensburg Correctional Facility be removed from consideration for closure.
 
Sincerely,
 
 
Connie Elen, St Lawrence County Republican Chair