Once again, Franklin County is asking voters for a new jail. The economy is tough and each time the voters have turned it down. After all, everyone is making due, and why put more money into criminals?

Unfortunately, this is far deeper than just "the criminals." Besides housing more than double its original intended use, the jail has been subjected to over 30 years of wear and tear, along with the outright abuse inflicted by inmates.

As you sit in the safety of your home, think of the officers who have to "make due" daily to keep you safe. At times there can be 10 or more inmates in a room and one officer at the door. Help, if he needs it, is on the other side of the building, three security doors away. Inmates sabotage locks and doors on a daily basis, and it's far easier to do it on 30-year-old locks. That's only the beginning. The outdated intake and booking area create increased safety issues for both the arresting and intake officers.

Don't let your officers "make due" anymore. Tell them that you want them to have a jail that will keep them safe as well as you. Vote yes.

Ilene Alexander, Kennewick