Pantagraph.com | News | Union seeks court order to stop Pontiac prisoner transfer

Note: All views and opinions expressed in reader comments are solely those of the individual submitting the comment, and not those of the Pantagraph or its staff.

ptownresident wrote on Oct 20, 2008 8:58 PM:

" Yes, Obama is just another corrupt Chicago machine. Union supported Balgo , his 1st time around and look where it got us. Obama gets in and I heard Blago can appoint someone to fill the remainder of Obamas term. Anyone , including himself.

Also Constitutional convention VOTE NO.........blago and his cronies will all have their hand in there to rewrite it so they can have their way even more. Stop the crooks now! Vote them all out! "

grumpy wrote on Oct 20, 2008 4:41 PM:

" McCain McCain If you vote the O then he will help Bloho and it will close. Vote McCain.... "

ptownresident wrote on Oct 18, 2008 2:19 PM:

" to guardswife and all here.
You are so right guardswife. We too drove up to Thomson on Monday and you bet if we are forced to move. We'll be living and spending in Iowa as well. It makes economic sense for our family. Most Pontiac families say they same. There is no reason for Pontiac to close. It is a viable, efficiently run prison. It will cost far less to update it than to open a new prison (besides Thomson) in 2-4 years because crime has escalated and we need more prisons. There are many prisons in Illinois that need far more repair. Hard economic times add to the crime rate. God help us all!! "

guardswife wrote on Oct 16, 2008 7:02 AM:

" wake up people, just visited Thompson area last week and yes, it is nice out there. Not much housing to offer for all of the displaced families and the camp grounds , if some of you were planning that, are closing or limited without water through winter. In the local papers as well as the realters offices from that area, they are advertising and accepting applications for the locals to get jobs there. The parking lot at the Thompson prision, fuller than we expected, the day we visited, they were screening for future employees. I pray that they don't shut down this pontiac prison but if I am FORCED to relocate my family, I will be doing most of my spending in the state of IOWA. Just going across the bridge into IOWA, the gas prices alone went from, $3.78 in Illinois to $2.36 per gallon. Big difference. This closure isn't going to be a positive for Illinois, it is going to force our Illinois revenue into the State of Iowa. "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:06 PM:

" Chi ….umm man? Thank goodness you are here to save the good people of Pontiac. Where would they be without you?

Doesn’t take a crystal ball, but it does take intelligence so I’m not surprised you missed the point. Pontiac was mentioned during the election and Topinka was against closing it. Blago said he might and he is. Why is anyone shocked?

So what Topinka looks like isn’t misguided? Did I miss something?

Learn before you speak or let the adults have a discussion. "

Chiman1 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:56 PM:

" Re: Voice of..... What kind of question is that? Let me get out my crystal ball.. you know we liberals believe in the spirits and the occult. Nope.. nope.. my crystal ball says the prison would have stayed open, BUT Judy would have revoked the smoking ban ( she loooves smoking). She ALSO would have made June 3rd Judy Barr Day in Illinois. All women with a sensible short haircuts, and an ill fitting pant suits would get 10% off at Wal Mart. I prefer to stick in the real world. Hypothical questions are for people with no defense for reality. "

Chiman1 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:50 PM:

" Re: Voice.. of... umm.. reason? Sir, are you on medication? I.. AM a hoot. We dirty liberals tend to be a funnier breed. Wouldn't you agree :). Nope, not in the union. Sorry, I know you really wanted that one. My rant against your comments are that they are a bit misguided. This is a passionate subject for many people.. especially those that could lose their jobs, not to mention a town that will be destroyed for no reason other than Blago being an idiot. Your flippant remarks about liberals, union members, and Bill Clinton are useless. The community needs to come together to fight Blago, and we don't need people like you who are too busy with the finger pointing, and spouting self-righteous verbal diarrhea partisan BS to get in the way. We have more important things to do. So, if you don't mind. Sincerely, everyone from Pontiac. "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:36 PM:

" Chiman1 - If we would have voted in Topinka we wouldn't be worried about the prison closing right now so what's your point? Or do you have one? "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 2:26 PM:

" Chiman1 – Gee thanks for setting me straight. But sadly the reason the prison is closing is exactly on topic so learn to comprehend what you read.

So you are the director of what we can and can’t talk about huh? Thank goodness you are here.

I did vote for Bush and wish I could again. He’s kept us safe and if it wasn’t for the Libs giving loans to everyone who couldn’t afford them the economy would be good too. But of course you’ll blame that on Bush – and who doesn’t know what’s going on?

You only hope to achieve my level.

LOL You’re a hoot. Union member? "

Chiman1 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:57 PM:

" Re: Voice of Reason.
Well, if we only would have voted Judy Barr Topinka in eh? My point is that your responses are typical foolish mud slinging B.S. And, sadly, off topic. Do you even know what this story is about? I'll give you a hint........ nothing you have been commenting on. Makes you seems a little silly when you can't even follow the conversation. Funny you show the low approval rating of the gov.. that applies to both parties right, or is Illinois suddenly 95% Republican. Speaking of bad voting judgement, didn't you vote in Bush for the last 8 years? On behalf of America, gee thanks a lot. Sorry, I got stuck on your level. I'm back now. Back to the subject!! (follow along "Voice of Reason", if that name isn't an oxymoron?!?) "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:45 PM:

" To tiredofrichpoliticians: You people give the same old cry whenever this comes up. So who exactly forced your husband to take that job? And didn't he know going in that the conditions were not exactly Disneyland? I have sympathy for them for the most part, but your little whine is just annoying. If they don't like the job, go find somethig else.

No one is free from the possibility of businesses closing or moving, why should they be?

Wait until Hussein gets elected. We've not seen anything yet. Businesses will be leaving this country as fast as they can. Seems that we need some politicians who are friends of business right now and that's the Republicans. "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:59 PM:

" Chiman1 - Truth seems to hurt huh? Bet you voted for Blago though didn't you? Truth is this state and country is in the shape it's in because of the Democratic Congress (approval rating 5%) and our democratic Gov. Both of which are controlled by the Libs.

Yea Ryan drove the truck didn't he? You want to start throwing that stone we can talk about Clinton and Bin Laden. You probably don't want to do that do you?

You democrates ran and elected this guy, live with him. My job is safe. "

ofc313 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 12:40 PM:

" to 420. So I am a crook and all of the State workers are also ??? I worked for IDOC for 10 years, I was a TRT member traveling the State to other facilities dealing with these dirtbags you put as we babysitted. Granted there are many but there are more that would kill you if they had the chance. Pontiac is a Maximum security SEGREGATION facility. It is one NASTY place full of very bad and very insane imates ! Yes insane segregation inmates. The only worse place to be is Tamms supermax. You may have known someone who did a meniual job somewhere but NEVER discredit what the IDOC Staff do evey day, Keep people like you safe. Or maybe you would like those Inmates looking in your window at your family. "

2tired wrote on Oct 7, 2008 11:10 AM:

" My question is when they close Pontiac and in about 5 years after all this blows by then they announces that they need millions for repairs to Statesville since it's in the worse shape of all state prisons now. Then they announce that our taxes are going up since the prison system is over crowded and they need to build a new prison. How is this going to sit with all of you in favor of closing Pontiac, common people let's start using some common sense here, they system is over crowded and they are closing a prison that is in arguably the best shape. Our elected officials don't care at all about anyone of us. Other wise they would find someway in stopping the stupidity. "

Chiman1 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:55 AM:

" Re: Voice of Reason. Oh cut all the Liberal crap. I'm a democrat, and cannot stand Blago. I don't know any other Democrats that support him either. Find me one politician in Illinois on either side of the party that isn't corrupt. That is the real shame. You want to wave the same old party line BS, get a life. We all know how great of a Gov Ryan was. Didn't his actions kill some people? Just curious. "

the guard wrote on Oct 7, 2008 10:05 AM:

" HEY CT YOU TO CAN WORK FOR THE IDOC. AO STOP CRYING AND SIHN UP "

tiredofrichpoliticians wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:48 AM:

" To CT: I don't think that you even know what the cat hair you are talking about let alone any of us understanding your babble. The "highest paying" jobs that you are whining about have required years of hard work. Tell you what, you go your lazy butt to Pontiac and work 8 or 16 hours like my husband, you have bodily fluids thrown on you, you get stabbed while handing an inmate back his clean clothes, you deal with selling a house during a credit freeze, you have your wife be unemployed since you will have to move 4 hrs from her job, you leave your extended family in a place you have resided for 20 years, go ahead..........you have it you spineless moron. "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 9:37 AM:

" To tmac_74 and correctionalofficer - I can't stand Gov blago either, but the liberals voted him in so we live, and die, by his word. Everyone knew he only cared about I-80 and above when they elected him but they elected him anyway. So if he wants to close the prison, it closes. Wait until Hussein Obama gets elected and see what happens. A prison closing will be the least of our worries.

Do you think the liberals like Blago and Obama care about your little union jobs? LOL They have you right where they want you. And the proof is in the prisoners moving as we speak.

Serrak - It's called the Caps Lock Key. You need to turn it off. Maybe your divorce was caused by you typing in all caps. "

Chiman1 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:49 AM:

" Hey CT, the real outrage here is how and why Blago is closing the prison. No one agrees with the closing except his puppet DOC leader. He is doing this completely out of spite. Be careful what you wish for. Or, better yet, if the prison closes.. please feel free to tour Pontiac. Maybe the sight of a decimated community will change your mind. Or, are you the type that throws a pity party for yourself despite the suffering of others. Seems so. Get real. "

real american wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:31 AM:

" Hey ct, DOC is hiring for the Thomson CC right now. Why not stop YOUR complaining and fill out an application? Blago. even paid over $400,000 to a company in Peoria to do an assesment of the prisons in Illinois. That report says there are newer prisons in Illinois, as well as the maximum security prisons in Joliet (Stateville), and Menard that require more money to be spent in repairs than Pontiac. So, lets look at this logically for a minute. Ct has over 500 prison staff members, a $400,000+ detailed report, and a plethora of elected officials who have actually toured the prisons in Illinois telling him/her that closing the PCC does not make sense. On the other hand you have a Governor who can't seem to get along with anyone, who is has a natorious record of lying, and robbing peter to pay paul, and is currently being investigated by the feds. for lying and stealing. Since ct wishes to believe the latter, it speaks volumes as to cts' inteligence level. "

just wandering wrote on Oct 7, 2008 8:22 AM:

" Here is a question for everyone?? According to the IDOC Website,which needless to say is not updated.(Must not have the $ to do that either) East Moline has a capacity of 688 and a population of 1102. Taylorville has a capacity of 600 and population of 1172. SO WHERE ARE THE INMATES GOING TO GO?? LET'S SEND THEM HOME. "

Annienap wrote on Oct 7, 2008 4:55 AM:

" Gee - I guess we are really being shown in the last week that what the citizens of this country do or don't want makes absolutely no difference to our government - not in Washington, D.C. or in state governments either. It's time for American citizens to WAKE UP or we are going to lose everything our forefathers worked for. Remember when you go to vote that this was Blag's doing and don't forget that he's part of the political machine that is controlling the state and could be controlling your country after November. "

Zeva wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:45 AM:

" Sorry about that. OJ was a murderer and Pelo didn't go that far. But the sentence should stand and consider it over. "

ct wrote on Oct 7, 2008 3:27 AM:

" will the crying ever end.....[sigh]

as a taxpayer, i have bent over for prison guards to live a very comfortable life babysitting, complete with fully paid medical care that i don't get, and an even more comfortable retirement life. the state is paying nearly 10 MILLION DOLLARS this year alone in retirement costs for pcc.

and i never knew it was the job of the employer, state, or taxpayers to ensure values in your home or gurantee you a job. be thankful you've got a high paying one, and that for the most part you are guranteed one at thompson or elsewhere. if only we were all so lucky to be guranteed a job when our employer closed shop.

we all want to pay less taxes, and closing pcc is the answer as thompson can be run cheaper. if pcc guards really wanted the prison to stay open, they could easily take small pay and benefit cuts - just like the employees at the mitsubishi plant and many of us have - to make up the difference. but we know that won't happen as they are too spoiled to do it.

put up or shut up "

420 wrote on Oct 7, 2008 1:38 AM:

" ofc313, life on the line? lol They have a greater chance of dieing in auto accident on their way to work than they do of dieing on the job... Get real prisons are not what you see on T.V. and what you read.. Prisons are great big taxpayer funded adult daycare programs with over paid state workers who demand more and more for less and less. Fire the gaurds free the inmates and use the space wisely and house the real crooks, state workers... "

ofc313 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 10:02 PM:

" Only in america. IDOC is so overcrowded with max security inmates that the medium facilities have more max inmates than medium. There used to be a legitimate classification system and requirements for an inmate to get to a lower classified facility. The administration has sacrificed security for numbers over the years. They know that the IDOC Staff will do the job to keep the communities safe. I salute all of the IDOC Staff across the State for putting their life on the line every day so we can be safe on the streets. God bless "

Buckeye wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:32 PM:

" Prision Guards, your options are limited complaining has not worked . Just make the best of your transfer , be the first to sell your house and you will get the best price , also buying a house in Iowa will be cheaper if you get there early. Or get a bunch of guards Buy the prision from the state and start one of thoes commercial prisions that take criminals from all over like McLean countys overflow. Lawsuits hurt everyone,the union, the guards,and especialy the taxpayers . Just make the best of the situation and be Happy. GOOD LUCK "

ONLY IN AMERICA wrote on Oct 6, 2008 8:01 PM:

" How is it that prisoners that are in Pontiac MAXIMUM security prison are going to minimum and medium security prisons???? Our idiot DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR has done NOTHING as governor for Illinois. You cannot trust him,Rezko or OBAMA all from the dishonest Chicago Machine. GOD HELP US ALL.....

THE DUMBING OF AMERICA CONTINUES DAILY!!! "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:39 PM:

" Good luck James22 . . . we will always stand behind you. Administration, on the other hand, is entirely a different story. Be leery when you speak to them. As for football8 . . . we cannot go on strike since there is a "no strike" clause in our contract. Besides, I rather take the beating (relocation) then put a community in danger. "

360stand wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:11 PM:

" Derek Schnapp--Pull your pants up and step back from the sink. You are opening yourself up to big problems, as if you already don't have enough. You have a big mouth and you are a liar. The inmates know where they are going you idiot. They call home. I hope they all call home and protest your complete stupidity. Do you think the public is a bunch of retards? We don't believe you. You have created a deep mess for yourself. Watch the news. Rezko is singing. You are about to lose your job. Then who will defend you when you are thrown to the lions? We are waiting for you Derek. My advise Derek, RESIGN as soon as possible. You have a cute and big mouth. You'll find work elswhere. SW ADAMS in Peoria, for starters. You go GIRL!!!!!! "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 7:09 PM:

" Here is another thing that gets my goat. This Schnapp character stated, "“It is not uncommon for inmates to be moved." How do change the classification of 100 inmates from medium to minimum overnight? IDOC professed that they will not intentionally change classifications to appease the governor's wishes. I have been in Pontiac for over 12 years and have never seen 100 inmates leave the institution so quickly. What gives and how many other inmates will IDOC maliciously reclassify just so the governor can get his way? Prison life and its surrounding communities has just became a dangerous place. "

james22 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:52 PM:

" Well i appreciate all of your input. I am giving up a good job for his one, and hope i am making the rite choice. I am looking forward to a career with the IDOC. I hope that some how someone finds the way to keep pontiac open, and also finds a way to open thomson. I have my drug test / orientation in the morning. Good luck to you all. "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:49 PM:

" Chiman1 . . . I have beg the Pantagraph to take a tour of the facility and make their own determination (that is how much faith I have in the prison). If there is something wrong with the facility, I am sure the governor's office or IDOC administrators would be happy to bring in the media and point these things out. If they deny the press entry, then its common sense to know there is NOTHING wrong with the prison. Now advertising on this forum, I am asking the Pantagraph to make those arrangements. And thank you Chiman for your support. I know Chicagoans are tired of this village idiot when it was display at the Cubs' rally and all the booing when he appeared. "

football8 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:25 PM:

" I think all the prison workers should go on strike. You know that this would only last a day as a prison can't run without prison gaurds. I'm not from the area nor do I know much about the situation. So sorry if this was a dumb statment. "

common-sense wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:24 PM:

" to James22....for the most part, those of us at Pontiac will go to Thomson if we are told we have to go. We have no choice. A very small portion will choose to retire or just choose a new path in life other than DOC, no matter how unfortunate and unneeded that may be. As far as the required numbers needed to fill the positions, huh!, DOC does not and has not cared about the required staffing levels to safely run a prison for quite some time! That is what mandated overtime is for apparently.

If I were you, I wouldnt bank everything on keeping this job, if or when Pontiac closes, we will have bumping rights over you and quite possibly leave you without a job? Be sure to ask about that at the academy, see if they tell you the truth?

I hope it works out for all of us, new hires for Thomson and those of us already employed!
As therudeawakening stated, NEVER trust the administration....rule #1 "

Chiman1 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:15 PM:

" Re: The Rude Awakening
I grew up in Pontiac, and it breaks my heart that this is happening. Why don't you guys get Scott MCCoy to start contacting the media. I live in Chicago, and have never seen anything on the news about the closure. Despite what many people think, many people in Chicago hate Blago. What he's doing to Pontiac should be news in his own backyard. This is such an obvious case of political chicken, and everyone should see that. "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 6:02 PM:

" Well james22, all of the staff at Pontiac are eligible for a transfer if the prison closes. If you go to the COGFA site and read the proposed closure report, you will find how many correctional officers are needed for each institution. The number for Thomson is unknown at this time. I just wanted to warn you that a memo did come out last week regarding bumping rights for staff at Pontiac. As stated that ALL employees at Pontiac will have the right to bump any employee agency wide in the same position classification who were hired on or after September 15, 2008. Will you be able to keep your job is currently unknown. "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:45 PM:

" To Not So Political . . . I am fully aware that Thomson is possibly a nice area to live but we have financial responsibilities (i.e. homes). How is the state going to explain the major influx of foreclosures on homes in the Pontiac area? The housing market is in a very bad shape as it is. Put this closure into the picture and you can kiss your equity good-bye. Not to mention the major loss in revenue from businesses as well as funding for the school district. If I have the adequate income, I would purchase a home around Thomson and keep my current home. But I don't as well as the majority of people who work at the prison. I don't want to sound catastrophic but it will be for Pontiac and surrounding areas, and possibly statewide in regards to tax revenue. "

james22 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:28 PM:

" I agree with you completely. But i am sure that if they hire 100 new people for thomson, that still will not be enough positions to fill the number of co's that will not transfer for pontiac to thomson. For what ever reason, retirement, quit, transfer to another prison etc... has there been a number thrown out there on just ho many people are expected to make the transfer? "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:22 PM:

" To Woodford Pundit . . . You are correct to say we should save money but are we really saving by closing Pontiac? Fact 1: We will save 4 million a year by closing but will lose 54 million in commerce; factor in the loss in taxes from loss revenue and it exceeds the savings. Fact 2: We will save a huge amount by closing Stateville instead of Pontiac; yet we don't want to touch that area since Senator Jones and the village idiot are great buddies. So with this, do you still believe that we should close the MOST EFFICIENT prison in Illinois? "

Not so Political wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:21 PM:

" question - have the gaurds been told they will lose their jobs or can they move to the area of Thomson and still have their jobs there. It is a nice area with hills, forest, and plenty of recreation. Plenty of things that Pontiac falls short of. "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 5:15 PM:

" To James22 . . . I am glad you are coming aboard as we need all the help we can get. But I must warn you about something. The union and the administration made an agreement that if the prison does close, all staff members will bumping rights statewide to employees who were hired on or after September 15, 2008. In other words, your job may not be that secure after the closure. We will end up taking your position and you may be laid off. Another area is if they are hiring 100 people for Thomson, two-thirds of us will have to move there because of experience. If a staff population of roughly 300, this is a far cry from what the administration have stated that MOST of will be able to commute from our current homes. 100 of new employees means 200 of us will have to move to Thomson. Never believe the administration! "

outspoken1 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:52 PM:

" And what has Blago done for Cook County and the City of Chicago? "

real american wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:47 PM:

" Is the prison going to close? Maybe, maybe not. I do know this much, there are currently 12 Lieutenent positions posted on the CMS web site for Thomson, 6 Counselor positions, and 9 Food Supervisor positions. I also know that the 100 inmates they are moving out of Pontiac are in D-dorm on the medium security unit, and that they are being moved so contracted electrical work can be done to the dorm. Furthermore, if/when they begin moving inmates out of Pontiac in preperation for closure, they will not start with the medium security unit. That is where the food is cooked and frozen for the entire facility, and where the cell house workers are housed. They are not going to move 1600+ inmates all in one day, or week, or month. A move of this magnitude will take several months to complete. Whoever this Derek Schnapp is obviously is being treated like a mushroom by his superiors. "

james22 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:47 PM:

" Just wanted to let you all know that it looks like its closing for sure. I have been on he hiring list for thomson for a long time. I finally got the call and job offer last week, along with 90 other people that were all hired for thomson.( we go to our 6 week training monday) They are testing all of this week in thomson because they say they need at least 120 more guards. I am glad to finally be hired, but at the same time i feel for all of the family's in pontiac that will be affected. I hope that every thing works out for everyone. Keep in mind that carroll county is not that bad of an area. "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:27 PM:

" Remember in the hearing when IDOC stated they would NEVER intentionally reclassify inmates because of the closure? How do you explain reclassifying these medium security inmates to a MINIMUM security facility? The administration should be criminally charged for taking these actions. My sympathy goes to the victims as these inmates lives will be just a little easier for them (if they don't escape first). "

TheRudeAwakening wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:23 PM:

" Where is the "Political Heretic" when you need him/her to justify this. According to that person, this was all just a game. Well, it looks pretty real to me. And I should know . . . I work there. So I am assuming that Rutherford is not just doing this to get votes as PH constantly stated. It appears that the senator was REALLY trying to save the prison. Political Heretic as well as Voice of Reason2 are just jesters in the village idiot's (the governor) court. Tell us another joke. VOTE BLAGOJEVICH FOR VILLAGE IDIOT IN 2010!!! "

Woodford Pundit wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:09 PM:

" Should we have not built interstate highways because it caused towns to "dry up"?
I am no fan of this Governor nor the statehouse bozos, but in this instance - and I know it is going to be very painful - is the state not saving millions? I really feel for the potential employment and other economic problems it will cause, but I find it difficult to oppose the closure if the state's numbers are correct. "

In the Know wrote on Oct 6, 2008 4:05 PM:

" Blago is closing PCC because he doesn't want to go to Protective Custody in a 137 year old prison, Thomson will have a brand new PC to go to after the FBI charges him like they said they could.......why wasn't that on the radio/media more... "

jenken wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:55 PM:

" It will be sad to see the prison close after growing up in Pontiac many years ago. The town will never be the same.

I think it is time for our leaders to impeach the Govenor instead of waiting for the federal government to do something. He is so corrupt - only looking out for Cook County. "

ml wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:54 PM:

" Am I the only one alarmed that they are moving medium-security prisoners to minimum-security facilities??? "

ofc313 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:49 PM:

" Proves you cant trust ANY Chicago Politician. My thoughts and prayers to all of the Staff and Families involved an another Democrat Corrections fiasco. "

serrak wrote on Oct 6, 2008 3:11 PM:

" TO "VOICE OF REASON", BEFORE WHEN YOU SAY THE UNION WAS CRYING BECAUSE OF OVER CROWDING, IT WAS PROBABLY UNDERSTAFFED AND NEEDED MORE GUARDS. NEXT YOU SAY THEY ARE CRYING BECAUSE IDOC IS REMOVING SOME INMATES TO ANOTHER PRISON. WILL HOW WOULD YOU LIKE TO BE UNEMPLOYED AND NOT TRANSFERED, OR HAVE TO START OVER IN A NEW AREA? I WAS TRANSFERED ONCE FROM ONE STATE TO ANOTHER, IT CAUSED A DIVORCE, LONELINESS, AND TO UNSURE OF WHAT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN NEXT. IT TOOK A LONG TIME TO GET RE-ADJUSTED. THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE PONTIAC PRISON. THE REAL PROBLEM LIES WITH THE GOVERNOR PLAYING POLITICS AT SOMEONE ELSE'S EXPENCE. "

DonH wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:43 PM:

" Wow. Well I'm glad my mother is retiring from Dwight this year. I hope my parents and family move somewhere with something to it. Because without the prison, this town is gonna turn to crap. That's what happen when a small town loses one of it's main employers. People leave, businesses shut down, schools get worse and trouble makers move to town. Great, well at least I got a good education from that town when I did. Now I'm not sure if I'll ever be able to visit it again. Since it will go to crap within the next few years. "

420 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:37 PM:

" I think Rod should move in, he would fit right in with the rest of the crooks that are housed there. "

correctionalofficer wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:36 PM:

" To voice of reason 2. This is part of the process of closing. We are not whing to the fact that they are moving the inmates, we are trying to stop it so our prison doesnt get closed. THey will be moving inmates and making it over crowded some place else and there facility will be understaffed also. "

tmac_74 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 2:27 PM:

" to voice of reason2 (you really need to changer your name if comments like this) did you even read the story??
Our poor excuse for a Governor wants to close the prison. Not help with over crowding. Close as in move your family or look for work else where. This will ruin the town of Pontiac stores and restaurants will close, the correctional officer that do transfer will not be able to sell their houses. But look on the bright side Old Rob will get more people up north to tax the heck out of…. Like I have said before Cook County in the only county in Illinois as far as Rob is concerned. "

Voice of Reason2 wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:54 PM:

" Wait, I thought the union was crying about being overcrowded not too long ago? Now they are removing some inmates and the union is crying again? LOL they are never satisfied. "

Flood Of Truth wrote on Oct 6, 2008 1:40 PM:

" On Illinois web page under jobs in corrections, they have already started posting jobs for Thompson. Now the inmate move....doesnt look good "

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