ONLY HEARING ABOUT THOMSON PRISON?

Lawmakers and members of the public turned out in Sterling December 22 for what may have been the only public hearing about the proposed transfer of the Thomson Correctional Center in northwest Illinois to the federal government.

The Legislature’s Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) conducted the hearing, as required under the state law governing the closure of state-owned facilities.

The Obama Administration has asked to buy the Thomson facility for use as a federal prison that would, in part, house detainees captured in the war on terrorism. Those detainees are currently being held at the United States military base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

CONCERNS ABOUT PRISIONERS

Lawmakers and others at the hearing expressed skepticism that moving detainees from Guantanamo Bay to Illinois would appease jihadists.

During the hearing, federal officials acknowledged that in addition to housing prisoners, the correctional center could become the site of military trials, including a trial for the planners of the 2000 attack on the USS Cole. They also said that Khalid Sheikh Mohammed and others who are set to go on trial in New York for the September 11, 2001, attack on the World Trade Center could be sent to Thomson if convicted.

QUESTIONS ABOUT COST

While most of the speakers at the December 22 hearing focused on safety concerns, there are also significant cost questions that need to be answered. Neither Governor Pat Quinn nor the Obama Administration has announced a sales price, saying that appraisals must be done first.

Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno released figures the week before the hearing showing that Illinois taxpayers would lose out unless the state receives at least $250 million for the facility.

VOTE TO COME IN JANUARY

Members of COGFA did not vote December 22 on the transfer – that vote is expected to take place in January.

The Commission cannot prevent the sale, but only cast an advisory vote. Governor Quinn could move ahead with the sale, even if the Commission votes against it.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

On behalf of my family and the staff at my legislative offices, I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!