WMBD/WYZZ TV – PONTIAC -- Pontiac's Correctional Center could close affecting about 600 people's jobs. The Illinois Department of Corrections and Governor Rod Blagojevich say it's a matter of public safety. But Republican Senator Dan Rutherford says the governor's decision seems suspicious and questions his credibility.

Signs line the front yard saying 'Save Pontiac Prison.'  The Illinois Department of Corrections, and the governor want to close the facility and move hundreds of staff members, and 1,600 inmates 3 hours away to Thomson, Illinois. Republican representatives are challenging the governor.

Representative Keith Sommer says, "Governor come to Pontiac. Talk to the children of these employees, tell them their parents are going to have, going to have a home."

Republican State Senator Dan Rutherford says the initial plan was to close a portion of Stateville's facility saving $31,000,000. He says closing Pontiac will only save $4,000,000. Rutherford is calling for all recommendations to be stopped until there's an impact study done.

"Without having gone through analysis, and talking about the impact we need to stop. These communities are being whipsawed right now."

The Illinois Department of Corrections says they made the recommendation to governor to close Pontiac.

Sergio Molina, Executive Chief for the Illinois Department of Corrections says, "Again this is a recommendation based on the department of corrections motive and responsibility to run safe and secure prisons.”

The Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections is appointed by the governor.

Under the law, a committee will have to review the recommendations. The governor can still overturn the committee's decision. Representatives plan to put up a website keeping the public in the loop. We’ll let you know what that website is as soon as it’s up.