Work within the law

I just read Sen. Ben Gilmore’s guest column in the paper and felt compelled to write. I agree that the Arkansas Department of Corrections’ capacity should be increased due to an increasing population. Locking up violent people and felons is something everyone can agree on.

A recent report in the paper showed current staffing levels at ADC prisons. One unit at Tucker showed staffing at only half of the allotted slots. This is not only dangerous for inmates but for the state employees that work there. This must be fixed before any large expansion happens. Left out of the column, on purpose I’m certain, is the fact that the ADC board did agree to some of the increase. Also, and most importantly, whether you like it or not, the state Constitution says ultimate authority over the ADC rests with the ADC board. And the Constitution overrules the Legislature every time.

If we don’t follow the law (Constitution), then how are we any better than the criminals we seek to lock up? While the ADC board has ruffled the feathers of Queen Sarah and certain members of the Ledge, they are 100 percent correct in their stances, with the Constitution backing them up, and I support them. The ADC secretary who was run off probably should have never been hired since he was apparently run off by Arizona.

If you don’t like this, you should follow the process and try to get the state Constitution amended. I figure Tiny Tim in the attorney general’s office will let that fly right on through to the ballot.

RICHARD MOORE Little Rock