Good Morning,

After the announcement of a senate ad hoc committee to 'investigate' unspecified allegations, I would be remiss if I did not communicate with you this week.

We have not been given any information about these 'allegations.' Nor have we been given any indication about how or if we will be allowed to respond.

However, we have recently responded to numerous anonymous allegations at the request of several senators. I suspect that many of those old issues will simply be rehashed. Almost all of these allegations have already been investigated and appropriate action has been taken, if warranted. Some were simply false, based on rumor an innuendo. Some were very old.

In many instances, the 'complainants' are obviously upset about some personnel action taken or not taken.

Many of the allegations allege that you and/or your managers acted inappropriately or without integrity. You have every right to respond and should be given an opportunity to respond to such attacks in the same manner and the same forum. 

Here is the good news. Many of these allegations are simply the result of our efforts to enforce standards, without compromise: we did the right thing. We all know that brings opposition, but we will never apologize for doing right.

Maybe there is some new information. Maybe this will be an honest hearing..

At a minimum, any legitimate hearing must allow for prior notice of the allegations to be 'investigated,' presentation of documentary and other evidence, equal examination of witnesses and the opportunity for the employees of this agency to respond to attacks. It will be insufficient and unfair to allow allegations to be made in these hearings without allowing responses to be made in like kind and with equal time.

Will it be a witch hunt? Is this yet another political attack? Time will tell.  

As soon as Senator Fair informs us about specific concerns, we will notify you of the same. If he refuses to do so, we will let you know that as well. 

As always, you are free to contact your senator or any senator to request that you be informed of any allegations that concern you, your areas or your performance. You have every right to request that you be given notice and the opportunity to respond.

Enough about that.

We still do not have a state budget. If the legislature fails to pass a budget, we will operate under a continuing resolution at last year's spending levels. In the areas of maintenance, equipment and receiving new inmates at R&E, this would have a huge negative impact on this agency.

In the meantime, I have been able to get out to visit a few of our institutions. I am grateful that I have found our employees paying attention to detail and that our appearance, order and cleanliness are clear priorities.

Success and doing the right thing will always bring opposition. You run the most efficient prison system in the nation. You are the best employees in all of corrections. Keep your heads up, ignore the cheap seats, keep moving forward and have a great week.