From: Jon Ozmint
Sent: Monday, August 11, 2008 12:09 PM
To: Aaron Joyner; Ann Shawkat; Arthur Jordan; Bernice Wiggleton; Bertie Blanding; Bruce Rivers; Doris Edwards; Florence Mauney; Fred Thompson; Gary Lane; George Dodkin; James Parker; Jeanne McKay; Jerry Washington; John Brooks; John Pate; Larry Cartledge; Laura Caldwell; Linda Bradshaw; Margaret Bell; Michael McCall; Nicholas Sas; Phyllis Hopkins; Ralph Hunter; Richard Cannon; Richard Cothran; Robin Chavis; Roland McFadden; Stanley Leaks; Stephen Claytor; Tony Burton; Wayne Mccabe; William Jordan; Daniel Murphy; David Tatarsky; Donna Hodges; Gerri Miro; Josh Gelinas; Marsha Kjoller; Robert Ward; Russell Campbell; Anna Moak; Barbara Grissom; Blake Taylor; Bob Petersen; Colie Rushton; Daryl Giddings; Debbie Barnwell; Dennis Patterson; Doug McPherson; Gary Boyd; Gayle Brazell; Isaiah Gray; Jannita Gaston; Jimmy Sligh; Joel Anderson; John Solomon; Julie Pangle; Kathy Thompson; Linda Corley; Linda Dunlap; Martha Roof; Melanie Davis; Patricia Thrailkill; Randy Reagan; Russell Rush; Tom Barrett; David Dunlap; Elaine Pinson; Elaine Robinson; Glenn Stone; John McCall; Kenneth Weedon; Mildred Hudson; Raymond Reed; Robert Mauney; Sandra Barrett; Cecilia Reynolds; Donald Beckwith; Edsel Taylor; George Hagan; Gregory Knowlin; Levern Cohen; Robert Bollinger; Tim Riley; Bernard Mckie; Catherine Kendall; Judy Anderson; Leroy Cartledge; McKither Bodison; Robert Stevenson; Tony Padula; Willie Eagleton
Subject: Week of August 11, 2008

Good Morning,

 

I had a different message drafted this week, but I cannot get two articles attached to that email, as needed. I will try again, later.

 

Many times, I have written that I expect that the content of these emails and my newsletter messages will be disseminated. I prefer a wider dissemination over missing anyone in this agency. This message is no exception and is especially relevant to inmates/IRC’s.

 

When all television signals change to digital in January of 2009, our current antennae systems will not work. Our Facilities Management Division is working on refining the precise costs for converting to systems that are compatible with the new digital signal. Preliminary estimates are that it will cost approximately $238,000 for the entire system. The cost for converting each prison will vary. For example, the cost of converting Lieber will be approximately $15,000 and the cost at Coastal will be approximately $2300. We are now discussing options such as waiting until sufficient funds are raised system-wide or proceeding on a prison by prison basis. There is no perfect answer.

 

Regardless of how we proceed, IRC’s need to be aware of this coming expense.

 

While we may try to help, SCDC cannot absorb this cost.

 

To the extent that we can, we should allow IRC’s to raise funds for this purpose. I have also asked our Division of Programs and Services to work with our Budget and Resources Division to explore the possibility of allowing lifers who have inmate savings to access those funds for making donations to this purpose. 

 

Selling individual TV’s was a good first step. But, if inmates wish to be able to use community TV’s, they will have to help fund the conversion to digital.

 

On another subject, be safe….IT IS HOT.

 

Limit recreation, in accordance with policy

 

While we cannot safely operate without working inside and outside, maintaining our grounds and cleaning our facilities, we must work smarter in hot conditions. Starting earlier is a smart approach. But, nothing replaces hydration. Preach it. Require it. And, use water. Soft drinks and the like - full of sodium, sugar or caffeine - do not count.

 

I have enjoyed getting out a little more often and I plan to continue to do so.