SPITZER'S PRISON FIGHT

To the Editor:

"A Battle Over Prisons" (editorial, Feb. 12):

We need a smart political leader like Gov. Eliot Spitzer to correct
the waste of scarce tax dollars spent on maintaining half-empty institutions.

These prisons have become cash cows for the correction officers'
union and political leaders in rural upstate communities that house
these facilities.

Governor Spitzer is clearly looking at the economic waste generated
by the archaic prison-industrial complex. His efforts to substitute a
smarter economic approach should be applauded and given time to bear fruit.

Governor Spitzer's policy will lead to a better functioning criminal
justice system that will be more cost-efficient for the people of New York.

Anthony Papa

The writer is a communications specialist for the Drug Policy Alliance.