“I understand and appreciate the deep concerns of families presented with the idea of bringing Gitmo detainees to Illinois. We should all agree that the safety of our communities must be the first consideration of government and not compromised, regardless of perceived economic benefit.

“It is stunning to see some sidestep public safety and address this as a question of job creation. And it is also surprising to see others dismiss those jobs without discussion of the merits of the proposal. More information would assist all parties in separating fact from fiction. That is why I urge the Governor’s Office and White House to detail security safeguards planned for the Thomson Correctional Center and its surrounding communities – as they should have in the first place.

“Without more information, we should expect nothing more than the backlash that has occurred in recent days.”