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Residents and correction employees urge support and caution in CoreCivic debate at Leavenworth meeting
Summary
Multiple public-comment speakers at the Leavenworth City Commission meeting voiced support for CoreCivic and thanked the commission for engaging with the company; others in the audience raised broader concerns about local responses to incidents and access to services for victims.
Several residents and people who work in corrections addressed the Leavenworth City Commission during public comment about the local CoreCivic facility and the commission’s ongoing engagement with the company.
Richard Pfeiffer, introduced himself as “assistant warden at CoreCivic Midwest,” and told the commission he returned to the facility because he “love[s] the town of Leavenworth” and said CoreCivic “has provided a lot of jobs and opportunities for Leavenworth.” Tammy Reed, who said she worked in corrections for 36 years in both state and private sectors, also spoke in support and said CoreCivic has operated in the community for “30 plus years.” Several faith leaders and local residents, including Sister Vicky Perkins and Reverend Tim Gray, offered public thanks to the commission for engaging in continued conversation with CoreCivic and urged continued attention to staff safety and detainee care.
Other commenters put the CoreCivic discussion in a broader context. One speaker, William Rogers, thanked the commission for listening and contrasted community responses to other local incidents; another speaker, Rick Hamilton, referenced an upcoming status conference in Topeka related to a lawsuit and told the commission he planned to follow that proceeding.
Mayor Holly Pittman and commissioners received public comment under the standard three‑minute rule and did not take action on the remarks. The mayor and commission noted the comments and allowed staff follow-up where appropriate; the meeting record shows the commission has ongoing dialogue with CoreCivic staff and local community organizations but took no vote on policy or contracts at this meeting.
