McDonnell Formally Asks Gov. Kaine To Reverse NBJCC Closure Decision   (Editor's note: the following letter was sent Monday to Gov. Tim Kaine from GOP gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell). September 21, 2009 The Honorable Timothy M. Kaine Governor of Virginia Patrick Henry Building, 3rd Floor 1111 East Broad Street Richmond, Virginia 23219 Dear Governor Kaine, I am writing to you today to ask you to reverse your decision to close the Natural Bridge Juvenile Correctional Center. I understand that you had to make tough decisions to compensate for revenue shortfalls, but closing this facility will have serious negative consequences for public safety and the people of Rockbridge County. In tough economic times when there is a potential for increase in crime, cuts should not be made to public safety. The Natural Bridge Facility is the only juvenile facility of its kind in the state that has a step down unit to help transition young people back into their community. Natural Bridge has a solid track record of keeping recidivism rates low. Moreover, the closure of these facilities will result in nearly a hundred lost jobs. This is already an area suffering from this economic downturn and increased unemployment. The recent decision to close the Center will deal another blow to the economy in this region. Delegate Cline and I met with leaders of the Center and they have told me there are very few options for new employment in the area. I also have serious concerns about the way the administration handled the recommended closing with the Correctional Center employees. There was very little notice given to the hard working employees that staff the Center. Providing only thirty days notice and affording very little transition planning is not appropriate. The cost of closing the Center is greater than dollars; it is measured in the safety of our citizens and jobs lost. I ask you to reverse your decision and keep the Center open. The incoming administration and General Assembly can address the budget issue, but the Center should stay open in the meantime. Sincerely, Robert F. McDonnell

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