Reviews good for ousted Ohio Parole Board members

COLUMBUS (AP) — Records show that two Ohio Parole Board members removed without warning earlier this year had both had good reviews since joining the board.

Personnel files obtained by The Associated Press through a public-records request show board member Cathy Collins-Taylor was praised for her hard work, responsiveness and reliability just two months before she was removed.

The records show board member Jose Torres was deemed enthusiastic and respectful and was thanked for his dedication to the state prisons agency.

The Department of Rehabilitation and Correction says director Gary Mohr made changes to improve the system and find the right people for the right positions.

The board oversees hundreds of inmate parole requests annually and also makes life-or-death recommendations to the governor based on requests for mercy by condemned inmates.