The Gila Valley economy is still reeling from layoffs of Freeport McMoRan employees in Safford and Morenci, so even a hint of a possibility of the Fort Grant Unit closing is enough to strike fear in the hearts of the community.

The budget cut ideas to the prison system are not realistic, nor are they even a reality at this time. They are in response to Gov. Jan Brewer’s request of all state agencies for budget reductions that could trim 15 percent from their spending plans, ADOC spokesman Barrett Marson said.

If they were a reality, however, the savings would only amount to about $153,368,700, which is like a fast evaporating drop in the bucket of the state’s expected shortfall of $4 billion over the next two years. Besides the negligible savings, the state’s criminal code would have to be rewritten so that some people who are serving sentences at this time could be released. “The rewriting of the criminal code and releasing thousands of prisoners is neither realistic nor in the best interest of public safety,” Arizona Department of Corrections Director Charles L. Ryan wrote. “Releasing thousands of prisoners because of the budget deficit will place the public at risk and is akin to turning our backs on the law-abiding citizens of Arizona.”

If this idea were to become reality, this Valley and the state would be affected in every aspect of the economy. Locally, the 107 employees who would be laid off would have to quickly obtain new jobs or file for unemployment benefits, and their spending would decrease. The impact would be felt sharply on state and local levels.

The problem with this scenario is that once this type of idea reaches the public arena, it somehow becomes reality unless voters let their voices be heard. If you would like to voice your opinion on this matter, call, write or fax Governor Jan Brewer at 1700 W. Washington, Phoenix, AZ 85007; phone 602-542-4331 or fax 602-542-1381.