I've just attended a meet and greet for Ben Pearlman, who is running for County Commissioner here in Boulder County, Colorado. Ben seems to be a pretty nice guy. He is very well informed on all the issues that came up during the discussion. I think he would make a good commissioner and do a good job of protecting our open spaces and supporting public transportation.
Here is something I learned. Boulder County spends more that other Colorado counties on human services. (No specifics here, but the director of a mental health facility indicated they are getting a $1.3 million grant.) At the same time, Boulder County has the lowest incarceration rate and the lowest youth incarceration rate in the state. The cost of the human services programs is more than offset by savings in jail expansion.
We also have better outcomes. People can be restored to active productive participation in our economy instead of being a tax burden in jail. This is an important part of building sustainable communities.
11:42:42 AM 
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