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WILKES-BARRE — In the wake of controversy after a profane quip made by Pennsylvania Secretary of Corrections John E. Wetzel regarding the closing of the State Correctional Institution at Retreat, Wetzel has issued a new apology.
However, three Luzerne County state representatives are asking Gov. Tom Wolf to dismiss Wetzel following the comments he made at the recent public hearing regarding the proposed closure of SCI-Retreat.
During a public hearing on Oct. 17, Wetzel was quoted as saying “You know what? This does suck. I wish I didn’t have to close this (expletive). It is what it is.”
Sen. John Yudichak and Sen. Lisa Baker issued a news release Monday that showed Wetzel said much more:
According to the Yudichak/Baker release, Wetzel also said at the SCI Retreat public hearing:
“Honestly, we’re just making it look like I’m paying attention. I just want people to think that I’m paying attention.”
On Tuesday, State Reps. Gerald Mullery, Mike Carroll and Eddie Day Pashinski sent a letter to the offices of the governor and Wetzel saying the following:
“What are we, or anyone hearing such a comment, to think about the sincerity, professionalism, or empathy of the person making this statement? Secretary Wetzel confirmed what many believed, that neither he nor your administration take Act 133 seriously.
“Without doubt, Secretary Wetzel’s comments are in violation of the spirit of Act 133 if not the letter of the law. He proved the public hearing was nothing more than a charade.
“Upon making his comments, Secretary Wetzel removed all doubt that he possesses the ability or temperament to remain in his position and make an unbiased recommendation regarding the closure of SCI-Retreat.
“We call upon you to immediately remove Secretary Wetzel from his position and replace him with an individual of integrity capable of a sincere review of the testimony and data provided at the October 17 hearing.
“The public safety of the Commonwealth should not be entrusted to someone who clearly lacks the honor and principle required of the position. Clearly, the lives and well-being of SCI-Retreat’s 400 employees and 1,100 inmates are not the priority of this man.
“You cannot sit idly by and allow members of your cabinet to lead with such callousness, especially at this time of great importance when the closure of this facility is under consideration. We firmly believe the safety of all Pennsylvanians is at stake and certainly the lives of the 400 employees and the economic stability of an entire region.”
The call for Wetzel’s dismissal came after the state Department of Corrections released a statement Tuesday from Wetzel:
“During the SCI Retreat closure hearing, I made several comments that were inappropriate and insensitive to the process and the people sharing their comments and concerns about the potential closing of SCI Retreat. I am very sorry and deserve all the criticism for my comments.
“Unfortunately, my comments have created a distraction from what is most important — the staff and community. I’ve said it before, closing a prison is one of the most difficult decisions I’ve had to make. I respect the process and will continue to work through it as directed by the legislature, analyzing and considering the community and staff concerns before making a final decision.
An earlier statement from the DOC said “the Wolf Administration and Secretary Wetzel take the proposed prison closure process seriously and respect that process and the input from SCI-Retreat staff, legislators and community members regarding the department’s recommendation to close the facility.”
Wetzel’s remarks at the SCI Retreat public hearing drew fire from state lawmakers representing the region, as well as from the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, who questioned whether Wetzel and DOC officials are taking the concerns of employees and the community seriously.
“The comments and concerns expressed are being heard. We will continue to engage with those affected by the potential closure and we will consider all input before a final decision is made in early December,” the DOC statement concluded.
The Oct. 17 public hearing at Greater Nanticoke Area High School drew a crowd of hundreds, including lawmakers as well as employees and their families.
Yudichak, D-Plymouth Township, and Baker, R-Lehman Township, said after additional comments surfaced from the DOC and Wetzel made during the Oct. 17 public hearing “this has been a recurring problem” in the Administration.
“Folks in the community have long suspected this was the attitude of state officials, and now words seem to confirm it.” the Yudichak/Baker release stated. “The people of Luzerne County deserve better than gallows humor and a feigned interest in an objective and transparent process to evaluate if closing SCI Retreat is detrimental to public safety and a serious economic blow to the area.”
The statement went on to say, “It is bad enough that the Administration is ripping over 800 jobs out of the Luzerne County economy and disrupting the lives of thousands of people, we now have to suffer the indignity of being told our voices do not matter even though the law, Act 133, requires that the Department of Corrections listen to the people impacted by the closure of SCI Retreat.
“We cannot let ill-chosen words stand in the way of the cooperation needed to address serious concerns about public safety and cost control in the realm of corrections. We encourage the Administration to immediately halt the closure of SCI Retreat until such a time that confidence can be restored in the Department of Corrections adherence to Act 133 and the prison closure process prescribed in law.”
