COST-CUTTING IDEA: PRISONER RELEASE

WHILE READING Ronald Fraser's Feb. 24 commentary, "Too many inmates drive up
prison costs," I couldn't help analyze that here's another solution for the
good of the commonwealth that will go unnoticed and unappreciated by Gov.
Mark Warner and other elected officials.

I'm not advocating being soft on crime or jeopardizing public safety.

However, in the areas of early release, sentencing guideline reforms,
substance-abuse treatment alternatives and prison overcrowding of nonviolent
offenders, our representatives have decided to ignore common-sense ideas
that would decrease a prison bill of $754 million a year, which contributes
to our overwhelming budget deficit.

Virginia leaders, the choice is clear: Of the 31,000 people confined in
state prisons and holding facilities, carefully review, set criteria and
release 1,000 qualified nonviolent offenders early. The cost savings alone
would save $19 million a year.

Continue a therapeutic regimen of not raising taxes, reward state employees
who have been betrayed due to downsizing in the past and maintain the level
of government services we have come to depend on while stabilizing the
state's economy at the same time.

D. EDDY FAW, DUBLIN