BY JOEL BRITTON

CHICAGO - Two dozen supporters of Mark Curtis met here May 21 to map out a response to a new denial of parole to Illinois for the unionist and political activist. Curtis has been imprisoned since 1988 on frame-up charges of attempted rape and burglary in Iowa.

Kate Kaku, Curtis's wife, reported on a telephone discussion she had earlier that day with Vivian Sneed, administrator of the Interstate Compact Office of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Kaku said that Sneed stated Curtis's parole to Illinois was denied because even though he was married, he lacked family and a "support network" here. She also said that Curtis would be classified as a "sex offender" and he did not have a "plan" regarding counseling.

Kaku remarked that Sneed said Illinois officials had agreed to a request from Iowa authorities to reconsider this latest denial. In March Curtis was turned down for parole by Illinois officials on the grounds that he was not married. The Iowa Board of Parole had granted his request to be released to Illinois last November. Sneed said a panel of three corrections officials would meet on May 28 to make a ruling. She said they would consider any materials Kaku submits.

John Studer, coordinator of the Mark Curtis Defense Committee, proposed that Chicago area supporters of Curtis take advantage of the week before the meeting to demonstrate to the Illinois officials that Curtis has many supporters here who will actively assist his efforts to return to post-prison life. Supporters turned the rest of the evening into a work meeting to begin acting on this proposal.

Kaku will present Illinois officials with statements reaffirming a number of job offers for Curtis and showing that he will be covered by the medical plan where she works, as well as letters from local supporters.  
 
 
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