Powers: Come To Rally, Send Albany A Message

Correctional officer Michael B. Powers knows how to get the attention of Albany as a rally nears to try to save Ogdensburg Correctional Faclity (OCF) from Gov. David A. Paterson's prison closure list.

"We do that with sheer numbers, loud rally cries from concerned families that have loved ones who walk the toughest beat in American law enforcement and business owners that will suffer from the impact of this closure," said Mr. Powers, who is also a city councilor and a member of the OCF Task Force.

The prison rally will be held Friday at 4 p.m. on the steps of city hall.

Mr. Powers said that the impact of the prison closure is more than the 287 employees, the majority of them who will be forced to leave the area. It's about the community as a whole.

"There will be community groups that will lose volunteers, coaches, EMTs, volunteer fire departments will also lose out. It could be something as simple as losing a good neighbor due to relocation," said Mr. Powers.

Ogdensburg Mayor William D. Nelson said that the goal is for the rally to be so big that it would "create a traffic jam" and shut down Ford and Caroline streets. He's hoping that area businesses will participate, perhaps even closing down shop for an hour to allow their employees to take part.

Mr. Nelson has also proclaimed Friday as Ogdensburg Correctional Facility Day, urging area businesses and the public at large to wear orange to show their support for keeping the prison open.

A large turnout for Friday's rally is key in the process to save the prison, says Mr. Powers.

"We need a large turnout to show our state lawmakers that we exist up here and will not go forgotten any longer," said Mr. Powers.

He and other members of the New York State Correctional Officer and Police Benevolent Association (NYSCOPBA) have had success when it comes to rallies. He hopes that Friday's rally will have a similar impact as one held in Columbia County that helped saved Hudson Correctional Facility a couple of years ago.

Since then, the medium-security prison has yet to be on the list again by the state Department of Correctional Services (DOCS).

If you need a sign for Friday's rally then NYSCOPBA will be offering you a chance to make one yourself tonight.

From 3:30-7:30 p.m., the public is invited to the Odd Fellows Hall, corner of State Highway 37, Linden Street Road, to make signs. NYSCOPBA is providing all of the supplies for the signs.

Chad J. Stickney, OCF local sector chief for NYSCOPBA, said that the public is invited, young and old, to make and design signs for Friday's rally.

"Come and show your support for Ogdensburg Correctional Facility," said Mr. Stickney.