A Chicago Tribune article reminds me of some advice I wanted to pass onto GOP gubernatorial candidate Judy Topinka’s staff.
The story is about striking counselors at Sheridan Correctional Center’s nationally hailed drug treatment program. Governor Rod Blagojevich used the program as an excuse of re-open Sheridan, one of the few “I’ll re-open or open this institution that big, bad Republican George Ryan closed or refused to open” promises that Blagojevich kept.
But, that’s got little to do with my advice for what could be a newsworthy press opportunity.
I’ve been told that the state’s probation officers have been told to give passes to paroled Sheridan inmates who get in trouble.
Not sending those who break probation back to prison would help with the low recidivism statistics that are reportedly bringing California corrections department officials to Sheridan later this week, wouldn’t it?
So, Judy’s staff, do you know any probation officers who could confirm this possibility?
And, if you would like to see what gubernatorial candidate visited my son’s 9th birthday party Sunday, visit McHenry County Blog.
Ed. Note: Cal will soon be added to IR's list of active contributors. Welcome.