Spitzer plan might mean fewer prisons

Spitzer plan might mean fewer prisons
Inmate total has dropped in 8 years; first shutdowns would be in Nov. '09
By Mark Johnson
The Associated Press

ALBANY — Gov. Eliot Spitzer wants to consider closing some prisons to cut state spending after a significant drop in the inmate population over the past eight years.

Since hitting a peak of 71,472 inmates in December 1999, the state's prison population will have dropped by more than 8,000 to about 63,400 by April 1, according to the Democratic governor's proposed $120.6 billion state budget.

The state Department of Correctional Services has 31,500 employees, more than 21,000 of them correctional officers. The prisons are major employers in Upstate communities such as Elmira, Auburn and Dannemora, offering well-paying jobs in economically struggling areas.
http://www.theithacajournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070202/NEWS01/702020343/1002

Wouldn't it be nice if we had Spitzer running for President?

Could be great apartments. Super efficiencies!