TO THE EDITOR:
This is in response to the Thomas B. Vaughn "My Turn" column on jail overcrowding.
Respectfully, when I read, and I am paraphrasing Thomas Vaughn’s opinion that our “feckless” leaders chose a man with zero experience to construct the jail, I almost went into low earth orbit.  I can’t speak to the fecklessness of our leaders, but I can speak to the comment about hiring that man to build your dream house. 
I personally knew both the general contractor and the superintendent that oversaw the construction of the current jail. I know the superintendent constructed a manufacturing facility that was 54 acres under one roof.
I know that Fafner (now Timkin), Stant, Stanley Tools, Powermatic, WF Hall, and a host of other owners of large manufacturing facilities would only allow this superintendent to do their work.
I know he constructed a $200 million in-fill expansion for a large hospital in Nashville. In-fill means it fits between the existing, occupied structure. That project required operating a crane adjacent to a medevac pad. Suffice it to say, it was complicated.
I know he worked, in construction for 50 years -- and only worked for two companies. You are absolutely correct, he had zero experience building jails. I think, however, he was qualified to build that jail. Over-qualified, actually.
He was an eight-cylinder, turbo-charged superintendent on a two-stroke job, if you want to know the reality of the situation. He's had projects with bigger door and window budgets than the entire cost of that jail. 
I know Tennessee OSHA inspected the project for safety compliance and found it to be so exemplary they did something that was, and still is, without precedent -- sent a letter of thanks to the general contractor.
Was it constructed per plans and specifications? Yes, the state and the architect were there to ensure it was. I can guarantee you every single piece of rebar is exactly where it was supposed to be.  There is no debate on that fact.
I also know that in his career, this superintendent NEVER accepted so much as a lunch from any supplier or subcontractor. He always placed his credibility and ethics above personal gain. His reputation as a straight shooter started with his career as a Marine and never stopped.
I’d say, Thomas Vaughn, that if you wanted your dream house built, you couldn’t afford him. 
Joseph K. Bratcher
Senior Safety Manager
Brasfield & Gorrie
1990 Vaughn Road NW, Suite 100
Kennesaw, Ga., 30144