Letter to the Editor: How long does he need to serve?

I’ve been visiting Newton every weekend for the past 2 years. You may have seen me around town. I love supporting local businesses, and especially the YMCA. The people of Newton live up to the reputation of Iowa-Nice. Unfortunately, I can’t say the same for Newton Correctional Facility, the prison of your town. This past Friday, I attended the Board of Corrections meeting at NCF. The room was filled with incarcerated people’s families and friends. Many were there to voice their concerns about the MDT extending people’s prison time at NCF. I could feel the pain and frustration as each person told their story. It was a difficult situation. People had sacrificed to come from Illinois, Ohio, Nebraska, and all parts of Iowa, only to find that they were shut down after 2 minutes and treated rudely by the heavy security presence in the room. Keep in mind, the public was invited to this meeting. I have attended many school board meetings, and city council meetings, including here in Newton, and I have never seen members of the public treated so poorly as they were on Aug. 4 by the NCF staff who at noon began screaming in people’s faces “Exit the premises NOW.” People were scared. I was scared, and I don’t scare easily. If this is the way staff treats the public, one can only imagine how badly they treat incarcerated people on a daily basis when no one is looking. Newton Correctional is, after all, considered a last-stop where individuals come to complete the treatment program, and then re-enter society as returning citizens. Why be so antagonistic?

I come to Newton to advocate for Eric Strenge. His charges occurred as a 19-year-old freshman at Iowa State University and involved no sex, no rape, and no children. He has already served over 16 years in prison. The only reason Eric was under MDT review was based on a “previous conviction” for indecent exposure, a non-violent misdemeanor in Iowa which occurred when he was in college. Eric has successfully completed treatment and now we believe the Iowa DOC is violating the law in an attempt to have him civilly committed. Civil commitment is not meant for someone like Eric.

Eric has paid his debt to society and earned a second chance. Today’s prisoners are tomorrow’s neighbors.

Michelle Alfano

Blue Island, IL