Grundy Reporter

Governor JB Pritzker has appointed Timothy Nugent and Tracy Buckley to the Illinois Prisoner Review Board (PRB), a move that has renewed criticism from Republican lawmakers over transparency and oversight.

Nugent, formerly mayor of Manteno, previously supported Pritzker’s efforts to secure zoning for a Chinese battery manufacturing company. Buckley, who once served as chief of operations and administrator for the PRB, held her position during a period when the board faced heightened scrutiny.

The PRB is tasked with deciding on parole and release for individuals convicted of serious crimes. Senate Republicans have continued to question the qualifications of board members and criticized Governor Pritzker for not submitting his appointees to the General Assembly for confirmation. Under Pritzker’s administration, the board has approved more releases than in previous years, including some involving convicted murderers.

In June, Governor Pritzker signed Senate Bill 19 into law. The legislation extends PRB member terms from six to eight years and introduces other changes to the board’s structure.

State Senator Sue Rezin voiced opposition to SB 19 and raised concerns about accountability. "The Governor is more interested in protecting his appointees from accountability than in ensuring transparency," Rezin said. "She argued that the focus should be on keeping violent criminals behind bars, not shielding appointees from oversight."

Rezin has represented Illinois’ 38th Senate District since her election in 2010, succeeding Gary G. Dahl.