Dan Rutherford

CHENOA — While people celebrated the Fourth of July, nothing has really changed in the status of Pontiac Correctional Center.

Still, Sen. Dan Rutherford said it was good to be able to voice an opinion on matters such as the potential closing of PCC.

"This is the birthday of the freedoms of America," said Rutherford, R-Chenoa (53rd District). "This is what the celebration of freedom is all about.

"We can symbolize our disagreement with the chief executive of the state government by having signs on vehicles or T-shirts that we wear (Rutherford was wearing a Save Pontiac Prison shirt). It's our freedom of speech, it's our ability to disagree with other duly elected representatives … even to the extent of protest. We're not raising the pitchforks or bringing the torches out — yet. But the fact is, we have that freedom and ability in America."

There were many signs and T-shirts around the community, including a stretch limousine from Good Times Limousine Service that had a "Save Pontiac Prison" sign on each side of the long vehicle.

Before the parade, Rutherford spoke on the status of the prison.

"The Department (of Corrections) still had not filed the official response they were required to by law by July 2," Rutherford said. "The Commission on Government Forecast and Accountability has not granted them an extension.

"If they withdraw their intent to close, (closing the prison is) probably a mute point. If they do go through the procedures and begin to start to close Pontiac prison, I think they've opened themselves up to some potential litigation," Rutherford added.

Rutherford would like the idea of closing the prison to be dropped. So does an area representative who has PCC employees in his district.

"I have constituents in my district that work in Pontiac, I support the cause," said Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington. "The individual representatives in this district are the leaders, but they can count on my support."

Brady is also looking at the what he would like to happen should the prison actually close.

"I want to keep the prison open," said Brady. "(But) if there is some kind of compromise reached, we want to have, at least the facility in some form, continue so there is employment there, and so it services this area and that we can hang on to the jobs.

"I'm advocating and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the senators and representatives in this area to try to do that."

For Rutherford, he just wants to keep the prison open. He said there are a number of things that can take place before this issue is resolved.

"There can be further discussions on it but they have already missed the deadline, the commission has not granted them the extension, and I'm not sure where all this goes," Rutherford said.

"If (DOC) withdraws its intent to close, (closing the prison is) probably a mute point. If they do go through the procedures and begin to start to close Pontiac prison, I think they've opened themselves up to some potential litigation," Rutherford added.

"The point is, if the governor believes in the bottom line, that he needs and has to close Pontiac prison, he will find a way to do it. My intent is to make sure every "t" is crossed and every "i" is dotted, that it's followed the right way. So far, it hasn't been."

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