Discussion unfolds between California state Senator Scott Wiener and Trump's strategy for resurrecting Alcatraz island.
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HOST:
President Trump's latest idea? Revamp Alcatraz into a prison - again. Located a mile and a half off the coast of San Francisco, this former prison is an infamous landmark, holding a dark history that tourists flock to see. The Federal Bureau of Prisons shuttered the joint in '63, citing its exorbitant cost and lack of basic necessities like sewers and freshwater. Nowadays, it's one of the most popular national park sites in the country.
Joining us to discuss this is Scott Wiener, a California state senator representing San Francisco. So, Senator Wiener, what's your take on the president's proposed prison revival for Alcatraz?
SENATOR WIENER: It's straight-up ridiculous, I tell ya. You'd be setting taxpayers' money ablaze. Over a million folks visit Alcatraz yearly. It's one of the National Park Service's gems, right up there with the Golden Gate Bridge. And San Francisco's got plenty of other attractions to boast about.
HOST:According to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, they're giving it their all to make this happen for Trump. Local perspective - what's the skinny on making this a reality?
SENATOR WIENER: Trust me, it'd be an astronomical expense. They'd need to chuck the museum that's been there for six decades, and build a fresh prison from scratch. The old building's an antique, with the saltwater rotting the foundations. A massive public investment would've been mandatory, but they made a smart call to turn their backs on prisons here.
HOST:The President's main goal is to securely lock away dangerous individuals. Any alternatives in California for such facilities should this move forward?
SENATOR WIENER: I'd say the question is, who's the target? Trump claims it's a gang of dangerous folk that aren't even dangerous. He wants to boot 10 million immigrants, branding them all criminals, which isn't true. That's what makes it concerning that he's proposing this new institution. We don't know who'll end up there, whether it's his political adversaries or rando folks swept off the streets with no due process, with court orders ignored.
HOST:If Alcatraz were to reemerge as a federal prison, what would that mean to the city and your constituents?
SENATOR WIENER: My constituents wouldn't be overjoyed if Alcatraz lost its status as a tourist destination, a museum, and a historical spot. There's a whole ecosystem of businesses reliant on this federal attraction - from tour guides to boat operators - and they'd all go under, leaving a bloody mess. Needless to say, this isn't the most welcome idea in San Francisco.
HOST:Thank you for your thoughts, Senator Wiener. NPR reached out to the National Park Service, who declined to comment at this time, letting the President's statement speak for itself.
(SOUNDBITE OF GABOR SZABO'S "SEALED WITH A KISS")
This transcript may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary.
- The proposed revival of Alcatraz as a prison by President Trump could potentially reopen a contentious debate in policy-and-legislation and politics, particularly in the realm of general-news.
- If Alcatraz were to reemerge as a federal prison, it would likely have a significant impact on the local ecosystem, including businesses like tour guides and boat operators, which have flourished due to its status as a national park site.
- Senator Wiener, representing San Francisco, has expressed concerns about the potential drain on taxpayer funds for Alcatraz's transformation back into a prison, given its lack of basic facilities and the high cost of construction on the island.
- Alcatraz, a popular national park site that currently receives nearly a million visitors annually, is rich in history and serves as an integral part of the regional ecosystem, making its potential reopening as a prison a matter of concern for both its tourist economy and the local community.
