Governor Blagojevich Appoints Director of Department of Corrections
By Associated Press
Chicago
Tuesday, February 04, 2003 3:39 PM

Ernesto Velasco of Chicago is the new director of the state
Department of Corrections.

Governor Blagojevich appointed Velasco today. He retired less than two weeks ago as executive director of the Cook County Jail.

Velasco came to America from Mexico when he was 13 years old. Blagojevich says Velasco was the most qualified person for the job who also happens to be the son of immigrant parents, as Blagojevich is.

Velasco says he is aware the state faces a budget crisis and says he plans to review staffing levels at the department first.

Democratic Congressman Luis Gutierrez says Velasco's appointment is a proud accomplishment for the state's Latino community.

JD just mentioned in our visit on Sat that Blagojevich had promised to fire Snyder.....
Anyone know anything about the new Director?!? Somehow, the fact that he was at Cook County doesn't give me a lot of confidence!!

I do know that he has been one to look at holding staff accountable for their actions, so that is a positive. Here, we couldnt' even get a substance abuse assessment done, to get some ACTUAL treatment because they were just behind in paperwork. But apparently, the word from the top on this one is that this guy will be more on top of things. Guess we shall see!

I am full of hopes, that's for sure!! Since budget issues are something he really needs to look at, I would love to try to push him to look at the PRB (Prisoner Review Board) and how ridiculous they are at taking away time....
JD is going to spend another 2 1/2 years in prison PAST his sentence for VERY minor infractions that he served really severe other sanctions for (commissary losses, seg time, no phone privledges, etc, etc...) When is it enough punishment?!?