Governor Takes Another Run at Proposed Prison Fence

One of Shakopee's perennial political problems have resurfaced: This week, Gov. Mark Dayton took another stab at a proposed perimeter fence around the Shakopee prison, a measure which has repeatedly failed over the last 10 years.

Dayton included the $5.2 million fence in a larger, $750 million bonding package unveiled on Monday. It is the second time that the governor has lobbied in favor of a fence around the facility, which houses over 600 female inmates. In spite of the fact that the prison faces Sweeney Elementary School, in years past some neighbors have adamantly opposed efforts to fence the prison.

However, the last proposal was felled mostly by penny pinchers in St. Paul.

“I wish you’d come back with a little less,” Larry Howes, R-Walker, reportedly said. “The wrought-iron is nice. I know the neighborhood would like that, but we don’t even have a fence like that around the governor’s residence.” 

Resistance was not limited to the Republican Party. During the same hearing, Rep. Phyllis Kahn, DFL-Minneapolis, questioned whether a fence would be more effective than newer technology like an anklet bracelet.

“This looks so 19th Century to me,” Kahn said. “I have a problem spending this kind of money on what looks like such an old type of solution.”

The fence is just one item on the list issued by Dayton's office. If approved, the Department of Corrections would get an additional $10 million to upgrade its facilities, including the Shakopee prison.