Opinion
Our View: Answers demanded on prison release issue
In September, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn announced a plan that would allow for early release of 1,000 prisoners within the state up to a year earlier than their release dates. The plan was announced as a method of saving money for the cash-strapped state.
Imagine Quinn’s embarrassment over the weekend when contacted by The Associated Press regarding an investigative report that pointed out current release statistics such as the following:
“Jorge Bogas spent just 18 days behind bars for aggravated driving under the influence after he hit two cars, hospitalizing one motorist for weeks, while driving the wrong direction on Interstate 57. Bogas sat five days in Cook County Jail, was transferred to the processing center at Stateville Correctional Center in Joliet and released 13 days later.
“James Walker-Bey, sentenced to a year for violating probation for carrying a .25 caliber pistol in Alsip, was confined for just over two weeks — three days in Cook County and 14 at Stateville prison.”
After the AP report hit the wires, Quinn nearly instantly called for a “top to bottom” review of the state’s prison release system. “Top” should start with Quinn himself. If the early release is not part of the plan announced in September — as reported by The Associated Press — the governor should communicate with residents exactly why and how the early release methods occurred. If someone — anyone — decided to make such drastic decisions, they should be held accountable at least in the public eye.
- Opinion
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Rippy: Clean elections questions and answers
I have been constructively asked by a few readers if I can shorten my columns.
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Our View: Festival reminds us of the good things in life
There are plenty of things in life to be worried about, such as caring for family, having a job, paying the bills, upkeep on homes and autos.
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Our View: Improving a well-traveled roadway
Tonight, the Mt. Vernon City Council is expected to vote on a bid for construction of a overlay project along Shiloh Drive on the city’s west side.
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Our View: Hoping this can be the final chapter
In the 18 months since then-Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich was arrested by Federal Bureau of Investigation agents on corruption charges — and eventually ousted from office by state lawmakers — the former governor has continued to make the media rounds.
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Rippy: Will we stop the lobby machine?
I have a lifelong friend who e-mails me articles from time to time. He is a retired professor residing in Arizona.
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County board chairman responds to meeting report
Letter to the editor
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Our View: Nominate for MVTHS awards
Time has come to again nominate individuals for the Mt. Vernon Township High School Distinguished Alumni program.
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Our View: Make sure to get permit for fireworks
Even though some fireworks are legal in Illinois, it might not be widely known that a permit is required to purchase, possess or display them.
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Our View: Added incentive to buckle up
While it is always a good idea to buckle up while driving or riding in a vehicle, authorities are offering added incentive this weekend.
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A Reader's View: How will expressway work affect Rend Lake?
Your May 12 issue includes a lead article that tells us that Mayor Chesley desires to be included in Marion’s pork, alias STAR, bill.
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Rippy: Clean elections questions and answers
