Editor’s note: Shasta County District 2 Supervisor Allen Long first published the following opinion piece Tuesday on Facebook. Long granted A News Cafe permission to republish his post.
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There has been considerable recent discussion about the County partnering with Simpson University to bring a medical school to Shasta County. I wanted to share where I stand on this issue.
Public safety remains the primary responsibility of county government, and I believe our budget priorities must reflect that responsibility. Shasta County only has approximately $21 million remaining from the original $35 million allocated for the new jail project. Those funds were intended to address critical public safety needs, including the Sheriff’s Alternative Custody Expansion Program. They must be used for that purpose.
Committing $10 million of the jail funds toward a proposed private medical school would harm public safety. At a time when our community is facing significant public safety challenges, including the loss of district attorneys and ongoing pressures on the criminal justice system, I believe our focus must remain on strengthening law enforcement, prosecution resources, and custody options.
It also would be a risky investment, as it represents only a fraction of the total escrow required to advance a medical school, while tying up county funds for six years. Additionally, there does not appear to be a clear path for securing the required matching funds, so tying up this money prematurely would not be advantageous. Details concerning funding for the remainder of the project have not been produced.
I am hopeful my fellow supervisors will not try to sneak in a poorly thought out request to advance $10 million for a medical school during budget hearings, which would deny the public a full discussion and transparency. Our residents expect county leadership to prioritize safety, accountability, and the effective use of taxpayer dollars.
I also have concerns that the granting of $10 million to Simpson University could result in the County being dragged into more litigation, as Article XVI, Section 5 of the California Constitution strictly forbids counties from making appropriations, paying from public funds, or granting anything to help any “religious sect, church, creed, or sectarian purpose.”
We need to spend your taxpayer money on essential services for you, not attorney fees.
I am a strong supporter of bringing educational opportunities to Shasta County and will loudly support any private efforts to bring a medical school to our area. A medical school, however, is not the core function of the County and should not take priority over our citizens’ safety. I will continue advocating for policies and investments that protect our community and uphold public safety as the County’s top priority.
Allen Long photo source: Shasta County Board of Supervisors.
Shasta County Supervisor Allen Long represents District 2. He has 25 years of law enforcement experience, including two decades with the Redding Police Department as a homicide detective, sergeant, and later as a lieutenant overseeing budgets, staffing, and policies. A Shasta County resident for 33 years, Long holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from UC Berkeley and a Master’s in Public Administration from National University. He has served as a trustee on the Grant School Board and as a regional director for the California Peace Officers Association.
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