Gov. Snyder Tours State Prison In Jackson
JACKSON (WWJ/AP) - Gov. Rick Snyder followed up on a pledge to see how Michigan prisons are being run, becoming the first Michigan governor in more than 50 years to tour a state prison.
He visited the Charles E. Egeler Reception and Guidance Center in Jackson Friday afternoon.
Snyder spokeswoman Geralyn Lasher says Snyder "wanted to see how a typical day might be" in a state prison. She says the last governor to tour a prison was G. Mennen "Soapy" Williams, who served from 1949-1960.
According to a release, Snyder expressed his appreciation to the facility's staff for their constant professionalism in such a challenging work environment, adding that "they do an outstanding job of keeping us safe and their work is important to all of us."
He was accompanied Friday by state Corrections Director Daniel Heyns.
Snyder mentioned his intention to visit a prison during a March address on public safety.
While you can't take the same tour as Snyder, another prison in Jackson is becoming a hot tourist attraction where you can sit in cells and read prison rule books still attached to the cell bars.
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