Governor accepts Velasco's resignation

CHICAGO - Governor Rod Blagojevich today accepted the resignation of Ernesto Velasco, the director of the Department of Corrections. Velasco sent a letter of resignation to the governor on Friday afternoon. The letter reads:

"I am writing today to request that you accept my resignation as Director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. My deep and unyielding respect for the Department of Corrections and its vital mission requires that I resign, so that the public issues surrounding my appointment do not overshadow the department's mandate.

"Keeping Illinois' correctional facilities secure, effective and efficient is an integral component of state government. We cannot allow anything to stand in the way of accomplishing those goals.

"I respectfully request that you accept my letter of resignation. I appreciate your support throughout this trying process."

"Today, I accepted Mr. Velasco's resignation. We are working actively to appoint a new Director as quickly as possible," said Blagojevich.