The Waterbury Democrat., 1938-10-27
Beclkwith Answers
 c. o. P. Criticisms
Explains Costs of Operating Ltch6eld County Jail,
 Charges Unfair Tactics on Part of Rivals

would have just cause to complain but as the information was d. vulged in such o way as to create false impression, the sheriff feels t necessary to state his side ot che controversy. Tn his statement he explains how compulsory changes added to the number of employees and to the payroll, how needed im- provements were added to safe- guard the intimates' health and to protect the county's interests.
 Sheriff Beckwith's answer Is as follows.
 My attention has been drawn to an article in the Wlnsted Citi- zen of october 20th, and reprinted in other county newspapers rela- tive to the increased cost of man. agement at the County jail as rec vealed in the report of the Coun- ty Commissioners, This article was headlined as follows:
 Sheriff Beckwlth in an annual report jolts taxpayers--Expense of maintaining County jail in- creased by many thousands of dollars--numerou employees added to payroll
 Explanation
 On the face of the figures in the commissioners report without further explanation quite agree that the taxpayers of this coun- ty would be entirely justified in the severest condemnation of their sheriff for reckless extrav- agance with public moneys. Tn fairness to myself l wish to add certain facts in regard to the un- deriving necessities for this ob- vious increase in the cost of ops erntion of the county jail.
 quote from the Citizens arts icle as follows: Breaking down the aggregate figures shows that the increase Is accounted for in the largest measure by on increase in the expense of jail employees This Is entirely correct. After con. ference and consent of tho coun- ty commissioners, wishing to com ply with the new state labor law limiting the working hours of any employe b4 hours a week, l added two new jail employees, and increased one part time employe to full time and also increased the salaries of a number Of employees. Fully approving the suggestion of the county commissioners, had every Jail employe bonded as a matter of good business prac- tice. increased the number of Deputy sheriff's from Q to iS for the % towns of the county mak- ing on average of one deputy to every two towns. The cost of these additional employees with salary revisions at the jail with cost of bonding jail personnel and the four extra deputies came to approximately s4,7b0,00.
 Jail Supplies
 quote again from the article in question: "The next item Of greatest increase shows in jAii supplies" Prior to my assumption of office, coffee was served pri- soners once day, while butter and sugar were not served at oil. On assuming office, I ordered the serving of coffee with sugar at oil meals and recently the serving of butter once a day. l further or- dered Q change in tho food al- lowanea to include on increase in the meat ration. have found 1t beneficial for as many men as possible to work outside, To carry out that policy increased allow ances for food, shoes and work clothing are involved.
 With reference to the amount of the telephone bill, I do not feel that any fairminded man or wo. man will consider aii average of 92i .00 monthly excessive in carry Ing on the operation of q business institution of the scope of the county jail.
 During the year certain neces- sary repairs an improvements to the jaii building and also acQnisi- tons of additional equipment were needed. The cost of these re- pairs and improvements were ap. proximately Si,i00,00.
 All bills are submitted to the county commissioners for their approval and payment.
 Regrets Tactics
 am extremely sorry that such tactics should have been used against mo as I have refrained from giving false impressions.
 Tn conclusion, 1t has beon and will be my aim to administer the office of Sheriff with equal TO. gard for the health and well Do. ing of prisoners committed to my custody and the safe guarding of the interests of the county's tax