In a joint meeting Tuesday in Chicago and Springfield, nine members of the 12-person Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability voted unanimously to keep open the 137-year-old prison, which is the second largest employer in rural Livingston County about 100 miles south of Chicago.
State law requires that an independent commission of Republicans and Democrats review proposals to close state institutions such as prisons and health facilities. But Gov. Rod Blagojevich has the ultimate decision on whether Pontiac prison remains open, and he is not obligated to follow the commission's vote.
His office released a short statement after Tuesday's vote saying, "We appreciate the commission's input on this matter and will take their recommendation under advisement."
Sen. Christine Radogno (R-Lemont), a commission member, said the unanimous opposition to the prison's closure should send a strong message.
--Joel Hood, Chicago Tribune
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