Former District 77 State Representative, Gail Riecken Wonders ”Who’s Going To Speak For The Children?”

Written by CCO Statehouse Editor Gail Riecken

Last week I read StatehouseFilrles Publisher, John Krull’s article in the CCO about the crisis surrounding the Department of Children’s Services (DCS).  His frustration was intense.

I couldn’t help but have a visual of his throwing open the huge Statehouse doors yelling at everyone in sight….

”Who’s going to speak for the Children?”

I share his frustration.

The crisis I refer to is the resignation letter of DCS Director Mary Beth Bonaventura. She wrote claims against Governor Holcomb’s administration that are truly damaging.

In Bonaventura’s resignation letter to Governor Holcomb,  she said: “Without serious changes in the way the Governor’s office approaches the welfare of children and the needs of vulnerable children, I fear lives will be lost and families ruined.”

The administration and leadership in the legislature don’t seem concerned enough to counter these claims.

The Governor to date has simply dismissed the issue.  He says there are too many children in the system; more money for resources isn’t the solution; and, that hiring a firm from Alabama to do a long-term study is enough (which he has already prejudiced their conclusions saying money isn’t part of the solution).

It looks like the Governor isn’t alone. The Republican Party that controls the legislative agenda has issued its priorities and there isn’t one mention of the DCS and its problems ( list published in the City-County Observer by Rep Wendy McNamara).

There should be a public explanation of the complaints by Bonaventura; the legislature should hold a public hearing.

We the public should contact our representatives. We should ask them, ‘Isn’t there something more than the State should be doing this session to keep our at-risk children safe?’

I know the first week in January is the traditional Kumbayah of speeches and position-taking by both Democrats and Republicans. I accept that.

Now that’s over.  Let’s get to work and protect our children, that is, before former Director Bonaventura’s warning becomes reality.