To the Editor:

Please allow this letter to serve as an endorsement of James Hollenbeck for Mayor in the upcoming Marseilles municipal election.

I have known Jim for 20 years and enjoy both a close personal and professional relationship with him. We both served in the early 2000s as Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) statewide investigators working cases involving crimes within the prison system as well as employee misconduct. Jim was often called upon for his investigative skills in sensitive assignments. He always demonstrated the highest level of integrity.

Later in our careers, I became Jim’s supervisor after he was promoted to Intelligence Commander at IDOC. Jim mentored young investigators and worked tirelessly as the Department joined local, county, and federal law enforcement agencies in prolonged efforts at increasing parolee compliance and reducing gang violence.

I have followed Jim from his state-service retirement to his increased involvement in the Marseilles community. I truly believe that the voters of Marseilles will not find a harder working, more dedicated public servant than Jim Hollenbeck.

Jim Hollenbeck deserves to be elected to a full term as Mayor of the City of Marseilles.

Luke P. Hartigan, Dwight, retired chief of staff Illinois Department of Corrections