I am writing in regard to the overcrowded conditions in our county correction facilities in Snohomish County and most of the other counties in Washington.

Many of the offenders in jail are there because of misdemeanors or misdemeanor traffic offenses; you would think the state could come up with a better, less costly way of handling and housing these kinds of offenders. They could have more work programs and work camps, like Indian Ridge, that save the counties large sums of money. This would free up many beds to house the more serious offenders. Early release of serious felons should not be an option; some heinous crimes have been committed because sex offenders were on the street. It only seems logical to find a new way to handle minor crimes so as not to crowd the more secure facilities.

Also, regarding license suspensions, it obviously doesn’t work, the jails get overloaded with offenders who are driving without a driver’s license or insurance, which is a definite hazard, and costly to the public. It causes problems with employment and creates hardships on families. The object should be to make these drivers into legal and productive citizens. People need to drive to work, and medical appointments and for their families. Most of the time, public transportation just does not work.

DWAYNE K. LASHBAUGH

Mill Creek