Letter to the Editor: Brink stands by his service on Prisoner Review Board and decisions made 

I am writing to provide context regarding campaign material recently distributed by my opponent and a letter to the editor posted on Muddy River News written by a campaign worker of my opponent.

It seems that in every campaign cycle, some candidates and their supporters choose to run from their record while in office and focus on out-of-context, cherry-picked headlines to dramatize and create a negative image of their political opponent.  In most cases, including this one, this kind of campaign tactic has little or nothing to do with the mayor’s office or the issues that really need attention.  These tactics are meant to deflect from the weaknesses and deficiencies of that opponent and vilify their target/opponent.  

The Illinois State Prisoner Review Board (PRB) is comprised of governor-appointed residents of both major political parties, similar to that of the Illinois State Board of Elections.  I learned of an opening for a Republican member with previous experience in the criminal justice system.  With my education, my experience as a Republican and as an Adams County probation officer, I met the qualifications.

The application process required personal references. I listed several who I believe were relevant and favorable to the position.  This included Mike McClain and other local residents.  

My application process and appointment took place well before any issues of Mr. McClain came to light, all of which I was unaware of.  To be clear, I have never met the former speaker nor met the current governor.  In the end, when my name was withdrawn from the Prisoner Review Board after 22 months, Republican State Sen. Jill Tracy wrote a letter of recommendation on my behalf, which was unsuccessful — so I moved on.  

While serving on the PRB, I traveled extensively to various prisons across the state to conduct parole violation hearings and set conditions of parole for inmates scheduled for release. The position also required a review of inmates eligible for parole who were serving indeterminate sentences. This review process required extensive research of various factors in every case.  

I was one of eight board members who voted in favor of supervised parole for two men who were convicted of the murders of police officers in 1967 and 1970.  These men served more than 50 years in prison — one served 51 years, and the other served 54 years — and were 68 and 74 years old at the time of their supervised release.  

Based on my research, many mitigating factors and my faith, I determined these people met the guidelines and policies of the PRB for parole. So did seven other fellow PRB members. I worked hard to make sure all facets of every issue that came before the PRB were investigated and researched completely.  I followed the protocols and laws that govern the PRB during my tenure. I had to make difficult decisions.  Some see them as unpopular, but I stand by my service on the PRB and the decisions made. 

As mayor of Quincy, I will stay focused on issues affecting our city and our citizens. I will provide inclusive, honest, humble, fiscally responsible, chaos-free and transparent leadership. I will work hard every day to represent our citizens effectively and respectfully, to communicate with the city staff, the City Council and my fellow Quincyans.  

I know that together we can end the chaos and allow our city to move forward.  

Dan Brink
Republican candidate for mayor
Quincy, Illinois

EDITOR’S NOTE: To learn more about the Prisoner Review Board’s decision in February 2021 to release Johnny Veal and Joseph Hurst, read this story by Frank Main of the Chicago Sun-Times.