October 29, 2009

BATH -- Election Day is just five days away -- and before you go to the polls, there are two referendums on the ballot you should know about.
     One would amend the New York State constitution to allow inmates in county and local jails to work for outside non-profits.
     Right now, inmates in the Steuben County jail are limited to working in the lock-up kitchen or halls.  Sheriff Joel Ordway says taxpayers pay for the inmates anyway, so they may as well work out in the community.
     “They’ll be inmates we choose, number one -- ones that aren't a flight risk. We want them to want to do it, someone who wants to help out.  We've got plenty in here who want to do something to make the time fly,” said Ordway.
     The other referendum would allow a power company to run power lines on state forest land in St. Lawrence County in exchange for a different tract of land.