By Joyce Kryszak
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-858301.mp3
Buffalo, NY – Attempts by Erie County lawmakers to get answers about alleged abuses at the county's jails once again were rebuffed Tuesday.
Click the audio player above to hear Joyce Kryszak's full story now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.
Lawmakers asked the county attorney and the sheriff to attend Tuesday's meeting of the public safety committee. Neither showed.
It's the second time county administration officials were asked to come and answer questions about a scathing report by the United States Department of Justice. That report, issued in July, found that management of the holding center and the correctional facility is "woefully inadequate." According to the DOJ, that has resulted in "serious harm to inmates, including death."
The county attorney sent a letter to lawmakers saying ounty officials can't comment because of a likely lawsuit by the DOJ. Lawmaker Michelle Ianello said there is still room for dialogue and the public deserves some answers.
But county officials say they only will be issuing a formal written response. That document is due to the DOJ by September 10. According to lawamkers, the administration has promised to share that response with them before it is submitted to the DOJ.
But Paul Loeher wants answers now. He lives near the Alden correctional facility. Loeher said he has read the report and is "flabbergasted" by how the county is "thumbing its nose" at the federal government.
He and others will have a chance to air their concerns and ask questions at a public meeting scheduled for Wednesday night. County officials also have once again been invited. The meeting is from 6:00 P.M.until 8:00 P.M. at the Merriweather library on Jefferson Avenue.