Michael Randle Leaving IDOC

[irish45mj]

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2010/09/quinns-embattled-prisons-chief-to-leave-for-new-job.html


 Quinn's embattled prisons chief to leave for new job


Posted by Monique Garcia and Ray Long at 12:01 a.m.

The state prisons chief who took the blame for a botched prisoner early release program under Gov. Pat Quinn is resigning as the Democratic governor seeks to stem the political damage from an election-year controversy.

Michael Randle is leaving to “pursue a new opportunity,” Quinn spokeswoman Ashley Cross confirmed late Wednesday. He will remain on the job until Sept. 17 to help with the transition for his replacement, who will be named “shortly,” said Cross.

Today, the Quinn administration plans to formally announce Randle’s departure for an out-of-state job. Randle could not be reached Wednesday.
Acting on Quinn's general instructions to cut costs, Randle started a program last September that sped up the rate prisoners could earn good time credit. That lead to 1,745 inmates being let out an average of 36 days before the end of their sentence. Some convicts were released almost immediately, before corrections officials could assess their rehabilitation needs. And some of those released early went on to commit additional crimes.

A Quinn-appointed panel criticized the program as “ill-conceived” last month, finding that it traded protecting the public safety for $3.4 million in savings.

The governor said he had been unaware of the program but maintained that he would not fire Randle, though he acknowledged he had considered it. Quinn said he was standing by Randle because he was an experienced prisons administrator who helped bring about major reforms at the state’s troubled supermax prison.

“Clearly, mistakes were made,” Quinn said Aug. 13. “I take accountability for the mistakes, the director who made the mistakes takes responsibility for them.”

Quinn halted the program in December, but the issue became a flashpoint in the Democratic primary campaign. Comptroller Dan Hynes accused Quinn of putting public safety in jeopardy and nearly overcame a major deficit in the polls. Quinn’s Republican governor challenger, Sen. Bill Brady, has picked up where Hynes left off, calling on Quinn to fire Randle.

Rep. Will Davis, a Homewood Democrat who is chairman of the General Assembly’s black caucus, said he is “disappointed” because he believed Randle had plans for strong prison reforms, including ideas to improve education and job training to reduce the number of people who go back to prison.

The Randle news came the same day Quinn came out against the Chicago Police Department’s recent private meeting with West Side gang leaders to address violence. The governor said authorities should focus on taking assault weapons from gang members. Mayor Richard Daley and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald both defended the police meeting.

Illinois’ early-release program, known as Meritorious Good Time, had been in place for decades as a way to reward inmates who had shown signs of rehabilitation. But over the years, it had been misused to control prison populations, with time awarded to inmates who had not earned it, according to the Quinn commission report.

Accelerating a bad system, as Randle did last September, only made things worse, the panel found. The approach tagged some convicts with short sentences for nearly immediate release before the Corrections Department could even begin to assess their rehabilitation needs, the report said.

“The MGT Push program was a mistake. Although focused on reducing costs during a fiscal crisis, it failed to accomplish the overriding goals of the state's Code of Corrections: protecting the public's safety and restoring inmates to useful citizenship,” the report states.

[irish45mj]

I guess Quinn found his fall-guy, and Brady got what he wanted. 

[jenplus2]

Rediculous (but expected)... I hope Randle gets as far away as possible from this hell-hole.

[Bobsgirl17]

This is very sad!  Illinois politics again...Quinn did indeed find his fall guy.

What is worse is that all of our inmates are going to suffer because of this.  Michael Randle had wonderful ideas and dreams for the direction of the IDOC.  He was a director that was very accessible to family and friends of the inmates.  Very sad day....

[IloveDCfrombooneco]

Unbelievable is the only thought that comes to mind!!!

[Marks_guy]

Now we just have to cross our fingers that Quinn appoints someone who is qualified and has great ideas for the future of IDOC.

[Schrader42]

I hope so Mark.  It's always one failure after another.

[Forevermah]

Randle going back to Ohio.  It's just ashame he got caught up in this POLITICAL MESS here in Illinois!




Embattled Illinois prisons chief resigns

By DEANNA BELLANDI (AP) – 1 hour ago

CHICAGO — Illinois' prison chief, who became a political liability to Gov. Pat Quinn during an election year because of a secret prisoner release program he oversaw, is stepping down, the governor said Thursday.

Corrections Director Michael Randle is resigning as of Sept. 17. He will return to Ohio, where he had been assistant director of the state prison system, to run a community correctional facility in Cleveland for a not-for-profit agency. He will be taking a huge pay cut.

Randle's departure comes after a review last month of the early release program that found the corrections department didn't consider possible dangers to the public when it tried to save money by letting prisoners out early, including some who were violent.

Quinn canceled MGT Push — named for the "meritorious good time" that was granted to prisoners — after The Associated Press revealed the program's existence last fall. By then, some 1,700 inmates had been granted early release, including hundreds of prisoners with records of violence.

Quinn, a Democrat who's is running for his first full term as governor, heaped most of the blame on Randle, and Randle said Quinn had ordered that violent offenders not be part of the program.

"I appreciate Director Randle's dedicated service to the state of Illinois during these challenging times," Quinn said in a statement. Randle was appointed corrections chief in May 2009.

Quinn said before an appearance Thursday afternoon in Chicago that he did not force Randle out.

Randle, 44, will take over as director of a 200-bed community correctional center for Oriana House Inc. which will open in Cleveland in January, Bernie Rochford, Oriana executive vice president, told the AP.

The facility will be one of about 20 in Ohio where judges send mostly low-level violent offenders to keep them closer to home instead of shipping them to state prison, Rochford said.

Rochford said he's aware of Randle's experience in Illinois but said his reputation is untainted in Ohio, where he was assistant director of the state Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.

"He knows the research and what it shows and what works with changing offender behavior," Rochford said. "We certainly know his record in Ohio and are certainly excited to have him here."

Randle will make $65,000 to $70,000, Rochford said — less than half his $150,228 Illinois salary.

Randle's office declined an interview request. The Chicago Tribune was the first to report his pending departure.

Randle is leaving amid calls for his ouster by Quinn's Republican opponent in the governor's race, state Sen. Bill Brady, of Bloomington. Quinn has repeatedly said he would not fire Randle, although he acknowledged he considered it.

"Michael Randle should have been fired long ago. Allowing the top official responsible for one of Illinois' worst public safety failures to simply depart state government without reprimand shows the Quinn Administration to be a nothing but a revolving door of reckless ineptitude," Brady spokeswoman Patty Schuh said in a statement.

The controversy over the early release program was a major issue in the February Democratic primary for governor that Quinn only narrowly won over state Comptroller Dan Hynes.

Under the early release program, inmates were given time off as soon as they walked through the prison doors. The Corrections Department dropped its policy of requiring prisoners to serve at least 61 days before getting any time off for good behavior.

The change meant some inmates were released after serving just a few days behind bars.

[eb2008]

This leaves me with a sour taste  && I think I can honestly say we're all screwed. Sending Illinois politicians a  hefty----->    from me && mine.   

[Cashyc]

eb2008.....Ditto


This is very sad to hear...

[AndysAngel]

Let's stay positive people! I'm a big believer in optimism and the power of prayer. And if we don't get good time back, well then certainly God has a good reason for it.

I hope I don't offend any non-believers!
 

[Cashyc]

AndysAngel...
I am a believer &You are right  Everything happens for a reason and GOD is in charge, This I KNOW ;)

[TeArSInThErAiN]

That's right andy'sangel.  God knows best!

[eb2008]

I'm not going to worry it about it any longer....Let Go && Let God.

[Still love my son]

 

To me the saddest part of this WHOLE mess is the last few weeks, QUINN continues to make decisions, that make AT LEAST ME, say, why in the WORLD would he expect ANY VOTES.......I am now officially campaigning for the INDEPENDENT!!!!!!

He has take action after action the last few weeks as reported in news consistently all over this state ALMOST DAILY, that makes people shake their heads and say this idiot has removed all and any doubt that he is IN FACT an idiot.......
Does ANYONE HERE truly believe that Randle WANTED to resign TODAY?  It would be very difficult for me to conceive....

Has anyone read the NEW FURLOUGH plan he released last week for state employees, because that totally did it for me, I may find it and post it here as I have not seen any recent comments on it.

                    Sorrrrrrrrryyyyyyyyyyyy I was on a soapbox, Best of wishes to Randle.........hopefully someone can come behind him, and attempt to encourage some of his visions, but I for one will certainly not bet on it or hold my breath............proof will be in the WALK/ACTIONS, and NOT the TALK...anyone can give a speech, we need to SEE and FEEL the changes.

[babybabybaby]

Let's stay positive people! I'm a big believer in optimism and the power of prayer. And if we don't get good time back, well then certainly God has a good reason for it.

I hope I don't offend any non-believers!
 

ok AndysAngel, let us pray for the selection  of the new director to meet some needs of the individuals in the IDOC system. Maybe pick up where Randal left off. Maybe someone who worked closely with him, and caught the vision of his dream. AMEN

[sunshine22372]

Hello all, I have ready probably every post but have never signed in nor commented. I love the site and thought I would extend my appreciation to this website! It has helped me tremendously! The question I have is now that Randle has resigned is this a detriment to IDOC? Any light anyone can shed would be greatly appreciated!

[lvanrs2]

It is a shame that Randle is resigning.  I have to wonder though whoever Quinn puts in his place, if Brady wins the election, will Brady fire them anyway just because Quinn placed them there.  If this could possibly be the case I don't know of to many people who would quit one job for another that may only last a few months.  It's just one great big mess!!!

[Mrs. G]

Seems like Quinn "dropped the cake mix and Brady is ready to just smear it all over the place".. truth be told we dont see anyone coming in picking up this mixture mess and starting things over the correct way.
  

[Marks_guy]

Yes, sunshine, this is a detriment to the IDOC. Director Randle had great ideas and visions for the future of Illinois corrections. He is forward thinking, and truthfully presented himself as accessable to the families of those in prison. Those who called or wrote him may not have got the action or response they wanted, but he did listen.

[Mrs. G]

I would like to write to Randle and give him my great gratitude for atleast trying to implement the good status for our loved ones with programs and such to help them in the long run..

But ....  Where would I address this letter to?

[irish45mj]

Use the Search feature up above, and search for Michael Randle - his address has been posted many times in other threads.

[Heart]

I am just hoping things get better. Everything is done for a reason.

[Susan]

The new boss is Gladyse Taylor. Dazz, is this a good thing?

[Forevermah]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 3, 2010
   

Governor Quinn Appoints Acting Director to Lead Illinois Department of Corrections
Gladyse Taylor Brings over 30 Years State Government, Finance and Corrections Experience

   

CHICAGO – September 3, 2010. Governor Pat Quinn today named Gladyse Taylor as acting director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Most recently, Taylor was named acting assistant director of the Department of Corrections and has worked to improve efficiency within the department while preserving public safety and working to reduce recidivism rates. She replaces Michael Randle who announced his resignation this week.

“Gladyse Taylor brings a wealth of management experience to lead the Department of Corrections,” said Governor Quinn. “Gladyse is a true public servant with a track record of improving public safety and developing programs to reduce recidivism. I am confident that Gladyse will further my mandate that the public’s safety must always come first.”

Taylor is a Chicago native who has been with the State of Illinois for approximately five years, in various roles within the Department of Corrections and the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget.

Before becoming the Department of Correction’s Acting Assistant Director this May, she was the deputy director of the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget. Previously, Taylor held various other positions at the Department of Corrections.

“I look forward to leading the Illinois Department of Corrections,” said Acting Director Taylor. “In this new role, I will continue to work with the Governor’s Office to ensure public safety, while also implementing programs to reduce recidivism rates within our population.”

In addition to her commitment to public safety and crime reduction, Taylor brings a strong background in management and finance. Before joining the state, she worked as a finance executive in the private sector. She holds a business degree from DePaul University.

The Illinois Department of Corrections was established in 1970. Today, the agency operates 27 adult correctional centers as well as various work camps, boot camps and eight adult transition centers. IDOC’s budget is $1.135 billion for fiscal year 2011. The agency employs approximately 11,000 employees and is responsible for the management of 70,000 adult inmates and parolees.

[jedema]

I would like to write to Randle and give him my great gratitude for atleast trying to implement the good status for our loved ones with programs and such to help them in the long run..

But ....  Where would I address this letter to?

I contacted him at this address and recieved several  messages in return.

michael.randle@doc.illinois.gov

[mamacita1]

I heard about this on the radio, on my way to work.  I was saddenned to hear that a good man was caught in mis-information from news reporters and from those who are politically motivated. 

Anyone who hires him will be lucky - it was perhaps a good time for him to move on, as I can't imagine he would have continued in his post without constantly feeling the poltical pressure and having to watch his back.

I've been approached to run for my town's village trustee - the politics in this town is ugly - and I would never accept, as the only thing I DO have is my integrity and honor.  It only takes a vicious rumor/lie or erroneous truth to ruin one's good name -such is the nature of the beast being in the public eye. 

[HisGirl]

All I can say about this is WOW!!! Sounds like a Political Move to me. :-(

[KSwife]

Terribly unfortunate for IDOC. Randle did appear to want to make positive changes for everyone involved!

[griz bear]

 
The political machine of Illinois is so screwed up and this is terrible for the inmates.  I took my concerns regarding what appeared to be retaliation toward my son due to my involvement in his medical care.  I emailed Mr Randle and he responded in less than 24 hrs, in less than a week the erronous information that was placed on my son's record was removed, and his transfer was approved within the next week.  He was a man accessible and accountable to the people of Illinois and it is definitely a great loss for inmates and families who just want humane and fair treatment for their loved ones. griz

[Forevermah]

This woman has been in Illinois for five years in different departments within the state.  Her background is FINANCIAL and now we have someone with no prior corrections experience, besides the small amount of time she has been assistant director of IDOC.     running IDOC.

I too am truly sorry to see Randle go, a man who has an extensive corrections background, but guess you can't blame him. He got caught up in the political BS this state is so used to and seems like will never be broken.  He WAS making changes, changes the IDOC so desperately needs.

[Mrs. G]

I would like to write to Randle and give him my great gratitude for atleast trying to implement the good status for our loved ones with programs and such to help them in the long run..

But ....  Where would I address this letter to?

I contacted him at this address and recieved several  messages in return.

michael.randleatdoc.illinois.gov

Since he will no longer be there.. I figured a mailing address will be good to send a letter to him, to me has more direct sincerity.

[Terry Buhrmester]

There is a radio discussion going on right now about Randall on 580 am

[BlueMist]

 :wc24:Hey every one Am sick of Brady and his B.S Just to win But it seems like we all have been spinning our wheels ......
IT SEEMS TO ME EVERY ONE THAT WAS SENTENCED BEFORE THE GOOD TIME WAS TAKING. THOSE INMATES SHOULD GET THEIR GOOD TIME AND THE INMATES THAT WAS AFTER THE FACT SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOLD ABOUT THE MGT> STOPED  BY THE ATTORNEY OR JUDGE BUT THEY DID NOT DO THAT,Heaven for bid if they done any thing right .they just want a conviction... I just up set over the whole matter
And Randell going to leave Boy what a mess,.....

                                  as always Blue Mist

[Harris2]

I think that it was prolly best for Randall to leave because the election is in a couple of months, and if Brady win, he was going to fire Randall just to prove a point.   

[Schrader42]

Randle was very good and don't believe he was given a fair chance.  I worry a bit about his replacement and her financial background.  It could mean that she will be looking for ways to save money and inmates will continue to suffer even more.

[TimeStandsStill]

http://www.copylinemagazine.com/news/?p=6096

Open Letter to Governor Quinn: IDOC reformer is pushed out, but his reform must continue
Posted by admin On September - 6 - 2010Letters to the Editor
 
The open letter below expresses the dismay and disappointment that many individuals and organizations felt about the resignation of the first true reformer the IDOC has had in a generation.
We believe it is important to highlight the excellent work that Director Randle started, and to demand that it continue. We also want Gov. Quinn, or any future governor, to know that we are all very engaged in the future of corrections in Illinois, and that we do not take these decisions lightly.
______________________________________
Dear Governor Quinn:
We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, are deeply saddened by the resignation of Michael Randle as Director of the IDOC. Our many years of experience with corrections reform persuade us that Randle has been a skilled, industrious, visionary, and accomplished director. We hope that the cause of reform and modernization will not be set back by his departure.
Since you announced Randle’s appointment just a little over a year ago, he has undertaken a number of important and overdue initiatives. The Ten Point-Plan for reform at Tamms supermax prison, still being implemented, was applauded by advocates, politicians, and career corrections officers alike. Many of his other accomplishments have been less publicized but are equally significant:


•Randle has partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice to launch a major independent evaluation of IDOC’s management of high-risk offenders in maximum-security institutions. Additionally, he is working with the National Institute of Corrections to review IDOC’s security management and critical incident procedures. This work is underway by grants from these organizations, with no cost to the state of Illinois.
•The first stage of a multi-stage, comprehensive overhaul of IDOC’s multiple, obsolete computer systems is nearly completed. His work toward a modern, agile electronic information system is among the highest priorities for the IDOC, and should not be interrupted.
•Randle has taken important steps to improve the crisis of medical neglect in Illinois prisons, a system so defective that prisoners die from lack of care while in IDOC custody. Besides his responsiveness in working with advocates to reform the medical grievance procedures, he launched a pilot program to allow teleconferencing between inmates with HIV and hepatitis C to doctors at the University of Illinois Medical Center, thereby improving care while reducing transportation costs. Randle plans to expand this program to more prisons and other medical conditions.
•He is developing a five-year strategic plan to designate certain prisons for specialized vocational and educational programs and to create special units for offenders who are aged 50 or over, those with a history of substance abuse, and those with serious medical issues. These centralized and targeted facilities lower recidivism and save money by efficiently providing more services to more inmates.
•Randle has also taken the first steps to reduce prison overcrowding and save money. His Employee Cost-Savings Suggestion Program has saved $2.5 million, and the hiring and training of more than 700 new correctional officers, has resulted in a reduction of more than $5 million in overtime costs in this fiscal year. He is committed to programs such as Redeploy Illinois, to divert short-term offenders to community-based sentencing and avoid the high costs and poor outcomes that come from incarceration in state prison for relatively minor offenses.
•Director Randle has been extremely active in assisting volunteer and charitable organizations gain access to the prisons. These individuals and groups – from ministers to literacy aides to exercise instructors – play an essential role in the rehabilitation of prisoners, and past administrations have senselessly blocked them. By removing institutional obstacles to safe and effective volunteerism, we lower recidivism and strengthen communities at no cost to the state.
Most importantly, Mr. Randle transformed the Illinois Department of Corrections into an agency that is responsive to citizens and legislators. Since he was hired, the IDOC has begun to closely examine its policies, learn from other states, and change for the better. Director Randle has helped to restore public accountability, accessibility, openness, and honest dialogue with civic groups, the press, academics and legislators. From his first day on the job, Randle has personally answered hundreds of calls, letters and emails, and attended dozens of long legislative hearings in order to understand the needs of the people of Illinois, and explain his decisions and policies.
For all these reasons, we very much regret your decision to accept Randle’s resignation. As you know, the state of Illinois must starting adopting fiscally sound reform programs such as these. We urge you to support the new director in following through with the ideas, initiatives, and leadership of Michael Randle. We will be carefully monitoring her progress.

Very sincerely,
State Representative William Davis, 30th District
State Representative Connie A. Howard, 34th District
State Senator Mattie Hunter, 3rd District
State Representative Arthur L. Turner, 9th District, Deputy Majority Leader
State Representative Karen A. Yarbrough, 7th District
Coalition to Reduce Recidivism, Waukegan
John Howard Association of Illinois
Program for Prison Reentry Strategies, Northwestern University Law School Bluhm Legal Clinic
Mental Health Advocacy Project, University of Chicago
National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression-Chicago
Roderick MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern University School of Law
Stateville Speaks
Tamms Year Ten
Uptown People’s Law Center
Phil Carrigan, Coalition to Reduce Recidivism, Waukegan
Owen Daniel-McCarter, Transformative Justice Law Project
Don Goldhamer, co-founder, Ilinois Prisons and Jails Project
Patricia Jones, Chairman, Coalition to Reduce Recidivism
Dolores Kennedy, Center on Wrongful Convictions
Barbara Bailey Kessel, Champaign County ACLU 2010 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties award recipient
Sherry Murray, President, Coalition to Reduce Recidivism
Christine Rocca and Anthony LaRocca Jr., Alliance 1-11
Sarah L. Ross, Volunteer Facilitator, Danville Prisoner Book Club
Nancy Stagg, McKinley Presbyterian Church, Champaign
Malcolm C. Young, Director Program for Prison Reentry Strategies, Northwestern University Law School Bluhm Legal Clinic
Alliance 1-11
ARC-A Movement Re-imagining Change
Campaign In Support of the C# Prisoners
Champaign-Urbana Books to Prisoners
Champaign-Urbana Citizens for Peace and Justice
Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers
CURE Illinois
Former Inmates Striving Together
Illinois Coalition Against Torture
Illinois Prison Talk
Positive Anti-Crime Thrust, Inc.
Project NIA
Protestants for the Common Good
Reaching Back Ministry
Saints of Humboldt Park
Saving Our Sons Ministries, Inc.
Shut-Up Prison Ministries
The Three R’s Project: Reading Reduces Recidivism
Trinity United Church of Christ – Prison Ministry

[Heart]

Thank You for that article. Hopeful Quinn or the future governor will take heat to the letter.

[griz bear]

 
I hope someone delivers this to Brady and makes him choke on it.  I am so glad that this was compiled and backed by so many prison activists and all who recognize that IDOC is a broken system!!!  Thanks so much for sharing it....griz

[Forevermah]

Here is something else written by Ted Pearson of NAARPR about the ousting of Michael Randle :






Statement of the Chicago Branch of the National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression regarding the ouster of Michael Randle as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections

September 9, 2010

 

The resignation of Michael Randle as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections fits a pattern of events that is national in scope and targets all progressive and rational reform.  The tragedy is that the progressive movement has been unable, so far, to muster support for those who would bring real change to Illinois and the country as a whole.  The result is that every time the rabid right wing stirs up hysteria based on lies, racism and fear mongering, public officials collapse and surrender.

 

Thus Michael Randle joins Van Jones and Shirley Sherrod - victims of smears and lies coming from the far right wing.  But it is the people of the State of Illinois, and the country, who suffer the real burden of the attacks on them and their forced resignation.

 

That Randle’s resignation was forced is without question:

 

·         Right wing Republican candidate for Illinois Governor Bill Brady has maintained a steady drumbeat of fear in the wake of the effort by Dir. Randle to ease overcrowding at Illinois prisons by releasing people with convictions for non-violent offenses a few days early.

·         Brady has been at the center of a campaign to force Governor Pat Quinn to fire Randle.

·         Absent sufficient recognition in the news media and among the population for the very real contributions Dir. Randle made to easing prison security problems and instituting reforms that could actually reduce recidivism and crime, the Governor collapsed.  He deliberately created conditions in which Randle was forced to resign.

The accomplishments of Dir. Randle have been well documented in the joint letter to Gov. Quinn endorsed by the NAARPR Chicago Branch and attached below.

 

But make no mistake – this is not about Mike Randle.  This is about whether Illinois will have a criminal justice system that actually works and is fair.  Those who stand to profit from an expanded prison system that is already bursting at the seams from overcrowding are the cheerleaders for the attacks on Randle.  The politicians who subtly feed on the racial fears of the white majority and “criminalize” young Black men in the public consciousness are the instigators and directors of the campaign.

 

·         When the crime rate goes up because people in prison are given almost no opportunity to learn through educational and social programs, where will these demagogues be?

·         When the crime rate goes up because people who are made mentally ill by the filthy and overcrowded and violently unsafe conditions inside prisons are released back to their communities without any social services, where will they be?

Michael Randle was beginning to make some small headway against these conditions.  We must demand that this process continue, no matter who the new Director of Corrections will be.  But most of all we must hold accountable those political leaders that cynically stir up the pot of racism and fear, and those who should know better but who surrender in the face of a struggle.

#####

 

Open Letter to Governor Quinn: IDOC Reformer Is Pushed Out, But His Reform Must Continue

 

This open letter was organized overnight after hearing the news of Randle’s departure. It expresses the disappointment that many individuals and organizations felt about the resignation of the first true reformer the IDOC has had in a generation.

 

We believe it is important to highlight the excellent work that Director Randle started, and to demand that it continue. We also want Gov. Quinn, or any future governor, to know that we are all very engaged in the future of corrections in Illinois, and that we do not take these decisions lightly.

______________________________________________________________________

 

 September 7, 2010

Governor Pat Quinn

Office of the Governor

207 State House

Springfield, IL 62706

 

Dear Governor Quinn:

 

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, are deeply disappointed by the resignation of Michael Randle as Director of the IDOC. Our many years of experience with corrections reform persuade us that Randle has been a skilled, industrious, visionary, and accomplished director. We hope that the cause of reform and modernization will not be set back by his departure.

 

Since you announced Randle's appointment just a little over a year ago, he has undertaken a number of important and overdue initiatives. The Ten Point-Plan for reform at Tamms supermax prison, still being implemented, was applauded by advocates, politicians, and career corrections officers alike. Many of his other accomplishments have been less publicized but are equally significant:

 

• Randle has partnered with the Vera Institute of Justice to launch a major independent evaluation of IDOC’s management of high-risk offenders in maximum-security institutions. Additionally, he is working with the National Institute of Corrections to review IDOC’s security management and critical incident procedures. This work is underway by grants from these organizations, with no cost to the state of Illinois.
 
• The first stage of a multi-stage, comprehensive overhaul of IDOC’s multiple, obsolete computer systems is nearly completed. His work toward a modern, agile electronic information system is among the highest priorities for the IDOC, and should not be interrupted.
 
• Randle has taken important steps to improve the crisis of medical neglect in Illinois prisons, a system so defective that prisoners die from lack of care while in IDOC custody. Besides his responsiveness in working with advocates to reform the medical grievance procedures, he launched a pilot program to allow teleconferencing between inmates with HIV and hepatitis C to doctors at the University of Illinois Medical Center, thereby improving care while reducing transportation costs. Randle plans to expand this program to more prisons and other medical conditions.
 
• He is developing a five-year strategic plan to designate certain prisons for specialized vocational and educational programs and to create special units for offenders who are aged 50 or over, those with a history of substance abuse, and those with serious medical issues. These centralized and targeted facilities lower recidivism and save money by efficiently providing more services to more inmates.
 
• Randle has also taken the first steps to reduce prison overcrowding and save money. His Employee Cost-Savings Suggestion Program has saved $2.5 million, and the hiring and training of more than 700 new correctional officers, has resulted in a reduction of more than $5 million in overtime costs in this fiscal year. He is committed to programs such as Redeploy Illinois, to divert short-term offenders to community-based sentencing and avoid the high costs and poor outcomes that come from incarceration in state prison for relatively minor offenses.
 
• Director Randle has been extremely active in assisting volunteer and charitable organizations gain access to the prisons. These individuals and groups – from ministers to literacy aides to exercise instructors – play an essential role in the rehabilitation of prisoners, and past administrations have senselessly blocked them. By removing institutional obstacles to safe and effective volunteerism, we lower recidivism and strengthen communities at no cost to the state.

 

Most importantly, Mr. Randle transformed the Illinois Department of Corrections into an agency that is responsive to citizens and legislators. Since he was hired, the IDOC has begun to closely examine its policies, learn from other states, and change for the better. Director Randle has helped to restore public accountability, accessibility, openness, and honest dialogue with civic groups, the press, academics and legislators. From his first day on the job, Randle has personally answered hundreds of calls, letters and emails, and attended dozens of long legislative hearings in order to understand the needs of the people of Illinois, and explain his decisions and policies.

 

For all these reasons, we very much regret your decision to accept Randle's resignation. As you know, the state of Illinois must start adopting fiscally sound reform programs such as these. We urge you to support the new director in following through with the ideas, initiatives, and leadership of Michael Randle. We will be carefully monitoring her progress.

 

Very sincerely,

 

State Representative Maria A. "Toni" Berrios, 39th District

State Representative William Davis, 30th District

State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez, 24th District

State Representative Connie A. Howard, 34th District

State Senator Mattie Hunter, 3rd District

State Representative Arthur L. Turner, 9th District, Deputy Majority Leader

State Representative Karen A. Yarbrough, 7th District

Waukegan Township Supervisor Patricia Jones

 

Chicago Legal Advocacy for Incarcerated Mothers

Coalition to Reduce Recidivism, Waukegan

Illinois Consortium on Drug Policy, Roosevelt University

John Howard Association of Illinois

Program for Prison Reentry Strategies, Northwestern University Law School Bluhm Legal Clinic

Mental Health Advocacy Project, University of Chicago

National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression-Chicago

Roderick MacArthur Justice Center at Northwestern University School of Law

Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

Stateville Speaks

Tamms Year Ten

Uptown People's Law Center

 

Alliance 1-11

ARC (A Movement Re-imagining Change)

Books to Women Prisoners

Campaign In Support of the C# Prisoners

Champaign-Urbana Books to Prisoners

Champaign-Urbana Citizens for Peace and Justice

CURE Illinois

F.I.S.T., Inc. (Former Inmates Striving Together)

Illinois Coalition Against Torture

Illinois Prison Talk

Positive Anti-Crime Thrust, Inc.

Project NIA

Protestants for the Common Good

Reaching Back Ministry

Saints of Humboldt Park

Saving Our Sons Ministries, Inc.

Shut-Up Prison Ministries

The Three R's Project: Reading Reduces Recidivism

Trinity United Church of Christ - Prison Ministry

Urbana-Champaign Quaker Peace and Service Committee

 

Kris Bedford

Phil Carrigan, Coalition to Reduce Recidivism, Waukegan

Owen Daniel-McCarter, Transformative Justice Law Project

Stephen Eisenman, Laurie Jo Reynolds, Jean Snyder, Tamms Year Ten

Clare and Paul Faherty

Christy Garcia, Tamms Year Ten

Don Goldhamer, co-founder, Ilinois Prisons and Jails Project

Ann Hettinger, Champaign-Urbana Books to Prisoners, Tamms Year Ten

Elder Josh London, Director, Shut-Up Prison Ministry

Dolores Kennedy, Center on Wrongful Convictions

Barbara Bailey Kessel, Champaign County ACLU 2010 Civil Rights and Civil Liberties award recipient

Debra McMutuary, Campaign in Support of C# Prisoners

Jana Minor, Tamms Year Ten

Sherry Murray, President, Coalition to Reduce Recidivism

Geri Patterson

Ted Pearson, Clarice Durham, National Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression-Chicago

Christine Rocca and Anthony LaRocca Jr., Alliance 1-11

Sarah L. Ross, Volunteer Facilitator, Danville Prisoner Book Club

Bill Ryan, Stateville Speaks

Joe Schmitt, President, F.I.S.T. Inc. (Former Inmates Striving Together)

Nancy Stagg, McKinley Presbyterian Church, Champaign

Margie Stapleton, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law

Malcolm C. Young, Director Program for Prison Reentry Strategies, Northwestern University Law School Bluhm Legal Clinic$$$$$

 

 

[Dazzler]

Michael Randle was/is a liability to Pat Quinn.  Quinn's facing a tough election against Sen. Bill Brady who has been using the MGT/Randle issue to base most of his campaign upon.  He has little in the way of a platform except anti-abortion and pro-dog killing.  He needs something with some impact on the public so he screams about crime and early release.  Quinn is such a moron that he has trouble mustering a lot of support from anyone.  He's losing in the polls and it doesn't look good for our inmates.  As big a jerk as Quinn is he's the only one that might help inmates in Illinois....Brady wants to kill them, along with the dogs in the shelters. 


It was necessary to get rid of Randle before the election heats up again...Quinn can blame the whole MGT thing on Randle and Randle will be safely out of the limelight and unavailable to the press to dispute anything.  I think Randle bore the brunt of the blame for Quinn quite graciously.  Don't think for a minute that Randle came up with that early release PUSH thing on his own....Quinn was right there cheerleading him on....except he's a snake and won't admit he made a poor choice....it might cost him the election in November. 

This is why early release won't be restored before November, if at all...Quinn can't take the bad publicity...and if Brady wins....well, forget early release ever existed.....

[Schrader42]

The killing of inmates, dogs and all the bad things Brady agrees with really frightens me.  I know Quinn is a jerk but would rather see him elected again just to keep Brady out of the picture. 

[pats]

In one of the Tribune articles where Brady was slamming Randle, he said he would make more IDOC cut backs.  The one that upset me was that he'd cut out cable TV.  TV is one of the main things that keeps the inmates occupied.  It is one of the only enjoyments they have.  If they take away that, I can only imagine the ruckus it would cause.  Hopefully Brady was just BSing and just wanted to sound tough. For this reason alone I will not vote for Brady even though we are disgusted with Quinn.  It comes down to the lesser of two evils.  Isn't that a sad scenario?  We citizens of Illinois have such bad choices in our elections.

[BlueMist]

 :wc94:Hey if Brady was down in Ky he would get lost  while he was fishing and would not be missed /But look out for the  Kentuckians  :wc20:They have deep deep rivers down there ,He is a jerk from the get go He thinks he is God and he is perfect,Well his day will come ,What do we know of what his dark closet  secrets has in it.Any one that would hurt helpless dogs or any animal's  he does not have any feeling for any thing or any one above all our love ones,
                          :wc63:he is like a witch on a hunt.
                             Iam the BIG Dog in town
                            bow down and kiss my as......
                                                                   
                        Sorry all BlueMist

[Esmom]

   I may be wrong but I thought the cable TV was paid for out of the commissary money family's send our loved one's not tax dollars, so if this is true how could Brady get rid of it. I think more voters need to know the truth about who pays for what in prisons. I would like to see the newspapers report the truth for all  tax payers to read, but when I contacted our newspaper they just say they will look into it, but I know they won't.     

[Still love my son]

I just read the info about the NEW DIRECTOR on the IDOC page...

I am going to remain optimistic until proven otherwise.
I see some good possibilities.....

#1 She is a WOMAN!!!!!               

#2 Maybe her being from the financial field is a GOOD thing, because maybe she will fix the budget and determine that lockem up as long as you can is NOT in IL DOC's FINANCIAL interest!!!!!            IF she is any good, that will be a given...........

2 +'s can't be 1/2 bad.......

GIRLS ROCK AND RULE THE WORLD!!!!!!!
We still love you though Mark, RT and MR Brumeister!!!!!!!! HUGS BOYZ!!!!!!  Oh yeah and all the MALE inmates....         

[eb2008]

I just read the info about the NEW DIRECTOR on the IDOC page...

I am going to remain optimistic until proven otherwise.
I see some good possibilities.....

#1 She is a WOMAN!!!!!               

#2 Maybe her being from the financial field is a GOOD thing, because maybe she will fix the budget and determine that lockem up as long as you can is NOT in IL DOC's FINANCIAL interest!!!!!            IF she is any good, that will be a given...........

2 +'s can't be 1/2 bad.......

GIRLS ROCK AND RULE THE WORLD!!!!!!!
We still love you though Mark, RT and MR Brumeister!!!!!!!! HUGS BOYZ!!!!!!  Oh yeah and all the MALE inmates....         

I second that motion!!!!

[jenplus2]

, that was GREAT!! I needed a good laugh this morning... thank you.     

[Dazzler]

   For sure she won't be around long.  Wanna start a pool?  She'll be gone about a month after the elections....

[Marks_guy]

I agree. She doesn't have the experience to gain the support of the corrections union. She was a lame duck leader before her first day.

[Still love my son]

I am happy being in my football pool thanks anyway---

Wouldn't bet a NICKLE on anything about DOC..........

But Mark are you saying you think the Co Union has an impact on WHO the director of DOC is?????
That's confusing, I think that spotted is APPOINTED by the GUV!!!!!
I would assume if QUINN gets elected she stays....

If not she is a COOKED LAME DUCK                 

[Dazzler]

It's not unheard of for the governor to appoint someone who is recommended by a state Union.  If the Union is playing ball with the state and giving up concessions during contract negotiations they may get an appointment thrown into the settlement if they give up enough.  This was going on during the Donnie Snyder years.  Blago cut so many positions that the Union hated him from day one. 

[mamasita]

She might just work out fine! Pray she does try to do some changes! And Yes Woman do Rule!  

[Marks_guy]

No, it isn't a position decided upon by the union, but they are a powerful entity, in and of themselves, with an equally powerful lobby group. If Quinn had decided to appoint the woman who sold him coffee that morning, you can bet the union leaders would have been up his a$$ with all quickness. I have the feeling they (the union and others who have Quinn's ear on IDOC matters) deemed this woman "temporarily acceptable" because, like us, they are awaiting the outcome of November's elections.

[Dazzler]

The IDOC has had many acting directors in the past and they are never appointed to the Director position.  An acting director in the IDOC means nothing. They are just a name and have no power to do anything.  She'll be gone soon enough.  She doesn't even have an inkling about the business of corrections. 

[Still love my son]

I totally missed she was ACTING director, yeah that's a WHOLE different story..........WOW