Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026, on the MCF-Stillwater Closure and the Future of Minnesota’s Corrections System
As I connect with Minnesotans across our state, I’ve heard directly from dedicated corrections officers at MCF-Stillwater about the planned closure of their facility. Their concerns about the impact on staff, inmates, and public safety resonate deeply, and I’m committed to addressing these issues with transparency, fairness, and a focus on strengthening our corrections system. As your candidate for Governor in 2026, I want to share my stance on the Stillwater closure and my vision for a safer, more effective Department of Corrections (DOC).
The decision to close MCF-Stillwater, driven by a budget agreement to save $40 million annually, cites the facility’s aging infrastructure—built in 1914—and high maintenance costs, estimated at $180 million, with modernization potentially reaching $1.3 billion. However, corrections officers have shared that the narrative of a “run-down” prison may be misleading. They note that areas closed to inmates and staff are the primary maintenance concerns, while spaces where inmates live, work, and recreate remain functional. Reports of outdated media images from six years ago being used to justify the closure raise serious questions about the transparency of this process. I believe Minnesotans deserve a clear, honest assessment of Stillwater’s condition before such a significant decision moves forward.
The closure threatens the livelihoods of approximately 565 staff members at Stillwater. The seniority-based employment system within the DOC risks creating a cascade of job insecurity, where senior staff may displace less senior colleagues at other facilities, potentially leading to layoffs for newer officers. This dynamic, described by workers as a “dog eat dog” environment, is unacceptable. The lack of consultation with labor unions, as criticized by AFSCME Council 5, underscores the shortsightedness of this plan. As Governor, I would prioritize protections for corrections officers, including guaranteed job placements, retraining programs, and incentives for voluntary relocations to ensure no worker is left behind.
Equally concerning is the absence of a robust plan for transferring Stillwater’s 1,171 inmates, many of whom are serving sentences for serious offenses. Moving them to already crowded facilities could exacerbate tensions, increase the risk of violence, and endanger both inmates and staff. The DOC’s two-phase closure plan, which involves relocating half the inmates initially and the rest by 2029, emphasizes assessing individual needs, such as security classifications and health requirements. However, without adequate capacity and resources at receiving facilities, this approach risks creating unsafe conditions. The 2023 lockdown at Stillwater, triggered by understaffing and restricted inmate movement, serves as a stark reminder of how strained conditions can escalate. Any transition must prioritize safety through sufficient staffing, space, and access to rehabilitation programs to prevent overcrowding and maintain stability.
My Position on the MCF-Stillwater Closure
While I understand the fiscal challenges of maintaining an older facility, the decision to close MCF-Stillwater appears rushed and insufficiently vetted. I call for a transparent, independent review of the facility’s current condition to determine whether targeted renovations could address maintenance issues at a lower cost than full closure and relocation. If the closure proceeds, I will advocate for a comprehensive transition plan that includes:
1. Support for Staff: Partner with unions to secure fair compensation, job placements, and support services, such as severance or early retirement options, for affected workers.
2. Safe Inmate Transfers: Ensure phased relocations with adequate capacity at receiving facilities to avoid overcrowding and preserve access to education, job training, and mental health programs.
3. Community Engagement: Work with Stillwater and Bayport residents to mitigate economic impacts, potentially repurposing the facility for community benefits like job training centers or educational hubs.
My Vision for Minnesota’s Corrections System
A strong corrections system upholds public safety, fosters rehabilitation, and treats both inmates and staff with dignity. My priorities include:
• Valuing Corrections Officers: Chronic understaffing, as seen in Stillwater’s 2023 lockdown and the DOC’s 14% vacancy rate (roughly 300 positions statewide), puts officers at risk. I will push for competitive wages, mental health support, and aggressive recruitment to ensure our facilities are fully staffed with well-supported professionals.
• Modernizing Infrastructure: Instead of closing historic facilities like Stillwater, we should invest in strategic upgrades to create safe, functional environments. The Office of the Ombuds for Corrections’ 2025 report highlights the need for updated infrastructure to protect staff and inmates—closing facilities without replacements strains the entire system.
• Prioritizing Rehabilitation: Programs like the Minnesota Rehabilitation and Reinvestment Act (MRRA), which supports early release through individualized plans, must be fully funded to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reentry.
• Ensuring Accountability: Major decisions like the Stillwater closure should involve frontline workers, unions, and communities, not be made behind closed doors. I will establish a corrections advisory council to ensure stakeholder voices shape policy.
To the corrections officers, inmates, and communities affected by the MCF-Stillwater closure, I hear you. Your insights are critical to building a corrections system that works for all Minnesotans. As I campaign for Governor, I invite you to share your ideas and experiences to help shape our path forward. Together, we can create a system that prioritizes safety, fairness, and opportunity for all.
For more information on my campaign or to get involved, visit [Campaign Website].
Sincerely,
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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