In today's world there is so much competition between organizations, businesses and communities. In Crow Wing County there is a unique situation where the probation of three counties has a partnership that works well together and is not competitive and trying to tear each other apart. I see no good reason to make changes that would be adverse to the probation department.
Since 1990, I have worked with probation in many circumstances. They have worked well with me and other Mothers Against Drunk Driving volunteers. A probation officer has attended and assisted with MADD's victim impact panel since it began in 1990. Their help is an important part of running our panel. If changes are made with the current way probation functions, our chapter is concerned of how this will affect our working relationship with probation.
After reading the Oct. 21 and Oct. 28 editions of the Brainerd Dispatch there seems to be more support against integration of the probation department with the community services department. If the departments, such as law enforcement, judges, county attorneys, that work closely with probation are against the change, then I would think the County Board would put some trust into that. Even the issue of a financial benefit didn't seem to be a plus as Jason Rausch's (financial director for Crow Wing County) recommendation was against integration, noting initial expenses of withdrawing from the agreement would be greater than keeping the agreement as is.
Perhaps there needs to be more time to really look into the issue of disbanding what has worked since 1974 and seeing if there is a way to incorporate some changes without throwing everything out and beginning a new process for probation. I would hope this issue can be resolved with a positive outcome for all involved.
Pat Bluth
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Nisswa
Mothers Against Drunk Driving, CWC cofounder
