Smith County jail proposal fails again

TYLER, Texas (AP) - Opponents who helped defeat the latest failed plan to expand the Smith County jail say they hope their message -- finally sticks.

A $59.6 million proposal to add nearly 700 beds to Smith County's chronically overcrowded jails failed in one of the state's most contentious local bond elections.

Three other expansion plans since 2006 have also failed by wide margins.

State District Judge Cynthia Kent says she believes what they're saying is -- there are less expensive ways to deal with the problem.

Smith County has spent $12 million since 2004 leasing jail space in neighboring counties.

Kent and other opponents advocate easing overcrowding through jail alternative programs and adding more courts.

Smith County Judge Joel Baker told the Tyler Morning Telegraph the county would not go around voters to pay for the jail. He says: "we're getting closer."

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)