THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Wednesday, December 7, 1994            TAG: 9412070005
SECTION: FRONT                    PAGE: A12  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Editorial 
                                             LENGTH: Medium:   52 lines

PRISON ON EASTERN SHORE KNOW BEFORE SAYING NO

One hour before the deputy director of the Virginia Department of Corrections appears at a public forum today on a proposed state prison in Northampton County, opponents will stage a rally against what they call ``this attack on our community.''

It would be far bettter if COP - Citizens Opposing the Prison - would put its ``Just say NO'' push temporarily on hold and ``Just say KNOW''; that is, instead of joining prematurely the not-in-my-back-yard march, encourage residents to learn all they can about the proposal, then decide if a prison would be an asset or liabiity for the Eastern Shore.

It's hard to be a good listener when one is so busy making noise. Timing of the COP protest gives the message that its mind is made up; no matter what information comes forward Wednesday night, no matter how satisfactorily citizen questions might be answered, COP cannot be persuaded that a maximum-security prison could be a good neighbor.

Northampton County citizens certainly should have a voice in the area's future. Even the grassroots protest is commendable, but an informed voice is more commendable.

Give DOC Deputy Director Dr. John McCluskey, and other advocates of the prison the opportunity to make their pitch. If it's unconvincing, or if answers to questions aren't satisfactory, press on; protest if necessary.

Northampton County can ill afford resistance to economic growth. Its median annual income is $12,000, and up to one-tenth of the labor force is unemployed at various times of the year.

The question is whether Northampton can afford to bypass this announced industry - contingent on General Assembly funding - in the hope of luring a more appealing enterprise in the future. And at what cost to low-wage earners?

The average prison wage would be $17,000. The 1,267-inmate, maximum-security prison would employ 425 people - only Northampton-Accomack Memorial Hospital has a larger payroll in Northampton County - with an annual operating budget of $18 million. Can the county afford to ignore such figures?

Virginians last year made it clear that they want criminals behind bars, but the jails can't always be somewhere else.

If today's protestors also plan to attend the forum afterward, they should resolve not to ignore information that clashes with their preconceptions. It's easy to say no. It's worthwhile to know why. by CNB