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NEWPORT TWP. —State Rep. Gerald Mullery Monday expressed his disappointment over a Department of Corrections report recommending the closure of the State Correctional Institution at Retreat, calling the entire process “a charade.”
And Mullery, D-Newport Township, took his disappointment a step further — recommending that Department of Corrections Secretary John E. Wetzel be removed from Gov. Tom Wolf’s cabinet.
“I remain steadfast in my belief that (Wetzel) doesn’t possess the temperament, professionalism, or competence to run a used car lot, let alone the DOC,” Mullery said. “I have genuine concern for the safety of all DOC personnel under his command.”
DOC Executive Deputy Secretary for Institutional Operations Tabb Bickell was placed in charge of the process amid ongoing outrage over profane remarks made by DOC Secretary John Wetzel during a public hearing on plans to close the state prison, located in Newport Township.
Regarding the announcement to close the facility, Mullery said there were no surprises contained in the DOC report or recommendations.
“We’ve known from the onset of this process that it was nothing more than a charade and violative of the spirit of Act 133,” Mullery said.
Mullery said he recently met privately with Gov. Wolf and discussed the impact of this proposed closure.
“But it appears he will move forward with his recommendation,” Mullery said. “I expect an announcement by week’s end.”
Mullery said once the closure is finalized, the next step to be taken will be to focus on the displaced employees and ensure their transition to new facilities is expeditious and safe. For those who cannot undertake a transition, Mullery said the state must offer assistance in the form of education and/or career training.
“Secondly, we need to assist the communities directly affected by this closure,” Mullery said. “I, along with a few colleagues and the governor, have begun preparing legislation directing assistance to employees and municipalities burdened by the closure of a large, state-run facility. I expect that legislation to be finalized and introduced shortly.”
PSCOA responds
Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association (PSCOA) President Larry Blackwell issued a statement on the decision by the DOC to close SCI-Retreat:
“Secretary Wetzel’s comments caught on a microphone at the first SCI-Retreat hearing told us all we needed to know,” Blackwell said. “This process has been a sham from the beginning — and it’s a dangerous one because it puts money over public safety.”
Blackwell said Pennsylvania’s prisons are bursting at the seams and are more violent than ever — “no matter how often the Department of Corrections manipulates its statistics on violence and inmate population.”
Blackwell added, “It’s time for the Pennsylvania General Assembly to hold this department accountable, or more prisons are going to close in their districts.”
Pedri: ‘Truly upsetting’
Luzerne County Manager C. David Pedri said this about the report:
“The report Department of Corrections is truly upsetting as it does not take into account the truly negative economic impact that this closure will have on Luzerne County and Newport Township.
“After review, it seems that the Department made a decision first and then put together a report to back that decision.
“Our thoughts are with the many courageous employees who will now have to uproot their families and their way of life. I’m hopeful that Gov. Wolf changes course and chooses to keep SCI Retreat open.”
