The Cost of Keeping Criminals in Jail

Let’s see if I have this correct.

The County Board of Supervisors has spent more than $7 million over more than four years while being unable to solve the jail crisis to stop the release of criminals.

This same board willingly paid out more than $3 million in settling three lawsuits wherein the Sheriff’s Department allegedly used its authority to make life uncomfortable for some opponents.

Now, Supervisor Roger R. Stanton finds it “incredible” that Judge Richard W. Stanford would spend more than $26,000 of county funds in an attempt to stop the release of criminals. Sheriff (Brad) Gates is “surprised that the judge is doing this.” And, County Administrative Officer Ernie Schneider thinks Judge Stanford’s actions are “a ridiculous waste of taxpayers’ money” (“Judge Asks for New Ruling in Gates Case,” Oct. 1).

Why so many protests and accusations against a judge who merely wants to keep criminals in jail?

Tell you what, Supervisor Stanton, you get back the $7 million and the $3 million (which got nothing for the taxpayers), and I’ll arrange some countywide bake sales to pay more than $26,000 (which will get something for the taxpayers). It would be a piece of cake.

NICK NOVICK, Irvine