In a Dec. 19, 2025, Mirror article, it was disclosed the county commissioners are close to signing an agreement for an as-yet unnamed piece of ground for a new prison. There has been much discussion recently, but as usual, no specifics from our commissioners.

The question arises, why the secrecy? Why can the taxpayers not be informed where a potential $90-120 million of our money will be spent? I must argue again the many drawbacks to a location outside of the current location of the prison, not the least of which will be the increased issues of transportation from the prison to the courthouse.

How many instances have arisen where a defendant needs to be brought up to court for an issue where their presence is required? All this requires more personnel and vehicles to move defendants.

The Lakemont Park fiasco is one more issue where the past commissioners and the current ones have been derelict in keeping tabs on the health of a county treasure. The park situation from the current management is less than stellar. The once-busy waterpark is now left to deteriorate along with what is left of the amusement rides. I understand some rides needed to be replaced, however, the sale of the merry-go-round and other rides doomed the park to a lack of attendance.

I once again ask our commissioners to not put taxpayers into a fiscal rabbit hole we’ll never be able to get out of without an enormous tax increase.

Eric Prendergast

Duncansville