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| Ariz. prisons chief's job may hinge on inquiry |
| By The Arizona Republic |
| Published: 02/16/2004 |
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Gov. Janet Napolitano could be facing a political battle over the confirmation of Corrections Director Dora Schriro, whose handling of the nation's longest inmate hostage drama is now being investigated. Members of the Republican-controlled Senate are waiting for results of the inquiry into the 15-day hostage siege at the Arizona State Prison Complex-Lewis before they will schedule her confirmation hearing. "I want this investigation to be over before we confirm her," said Sen. Bob Burns, R-Peoria. "Right now, there are more questions than answers. Her confirmation is not a slam dunk by any means." Schriro can serve until June 13 without being confirmed. A state statute allows agency directors to stay in place for one year without being confirmed by the Senate. Former Corrections Director Terry Stewart has called top Senate Republicans, such as Burns and Senate President Ken Bennett, to "express concerns" about Schriro's handling of last month's prison situation. Stewart confirmed that he has contacted lawmakers and has been contacted by lawmakers about Schriro's leadership. But Stewart, who now heads a private prison firm, would not provide details of his talks with lawmakers. Prison authorities concede there were security flaws and lapses at the Lewis prison. The trouble began when violent felons Steven Coy and Ricky Wassenaar, armed with shanks, overpowered a corrections officer in the kitchen. Wassenaar donned an officer's uniform, bluffed his way into a watchtower and took two hostages. The fact that inmates entered the prison's stronghold is considered a crucial breakdown. |
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