By AP/KWMU
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Missouri Governor Matt Blunt has named a new chairman of the state parole board.
Blunt appointed Steve Long to the top job. Long replaces William Seibert, who resigned.
The board decides whether inmates should be released from prison and monitors those on probation or parole. It also recommends whether to spare someone from execution, though the final decision lies with the governor.
Long has worked since 1975 for the state Department of Corrections in various jobs. Since October, he has led the Division of Offender Rehabilitative Services.
The term for Long, a Republican from St. Thomas, would run through late August 2012. Like most appointments, it's subject to state Senate confirmation.