'Saving Monterey Shock Rally!' ~ Monday, September 9, 2013 ~ 1:00 p.m. at the Watkins Glen Community Center ~ Read more (UPDATED at 4:00 p.m.)

[UPDATED reports from today's rally from the Finger Lakes Daily News and The Odessa File: News of Schuyler County] 

In late July the administration of New York Governor Andrew Cuomo unveiled a plan to shut down the Monterey Shock Incarceration Correctional Facility in Schuyler County and three other upstate New York correctional facilities next year.

Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats) and other Monterey supporters will hold a “Saving Monterey Shock Rally!” at the Watkins Glen Community Center (155 South Clute Park Drive) today, Monday, September 9, 2013, beginning at 1:00 p.m.  

Also attending and speaking at Monday’s rally will be area Assemblyman Phil Palmesano (R,C,I-Corning), Assemblyman Chris Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats), Chemung County Executive Tom Santulli, Schuyler County Legislature Chairman Dennis Fagan and other area government leaders and representatives of not-for-profit organizations who’ve benefitted from the participation of Monterey inmate work crews on numerous community service and enhancement projects over the years. 

O’Mara and other local leaders have been critical of the Cuomo administration’s decision, noting the loss of local jobs and other local economic consequences that will result from the facility’s closing, and highlighting Monterey’s record of fiscal and correctional services success – a record which was praised by the Cuomo administration itself just last September as part of the facility’s 25th Anniversary celebration.  Monterey was New York’s first “shock” facility. There are currently 124 employees at the Monterey facility.  

Supporters have also noted that Monterey’s closing comes on the heels of another Cuomo administration plan to shut down inpatient services at and diminish the overall role of the Elmira Psychiatric Center – a move that could result in additional job losses and other economic consequences locally, as well as put at risk the quality of mental health care services across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.

To sign a local online petition in support of keeping Monterey open, CLICK HERE.