Friday, Dec. 26, 2003 | 3:50 a.m.
WEEKEND EDITION
Dec. 27 - 28, 2003
Two years ago the Summit View juvenile detention center in North Las Vegas was closed after the private company contracted by the state to manage it proved incapable of the task. Numerous problems were uncovered after several of the youths staged a high-profile rooftop revolt.
Gov. Kenny Guinn and the Legislature learned from the lesson. They decided that the state should directly operate the facility and it is now scheduled to re-open Jan. 26. We have reviewed the program for the youths and it's apparent that the state has put together a good staff and has put a lot of thought into this restructuring. From 6:15 a.m. until lights-out at 10 p.m., the young people will be busy with positive activities, including morning and afternoon schooling. After school, there will be counseling sessions, sports and some time set aside to write letters home or do their homework. We are impressed with the state's concern for transforming a failed program into one that has much promise. That's leadership.
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