During a recent interview, AFSCME spokeswoman Lori Gaston claimed that inmate assaults increased dramatically after Gov. Pat Quinn announced the closure of Tamms supermax prison. She attributes this reported increase to his decision.

Frankly, Ms. Gaston’s conclusion is based more on her agenda – preserving union jobs – than on facts. AFSCME is negotiating a new contract, and claims like Gaston’s are made routinely during such negotiations to advance the union’s agenda.

The fact is, we are experiencing record-breaking summer heat, which makes tempers short.