Image provided by: University of Oregon Libraries; Eugene, OR
About The skanner. (Portland, Or.) 1975-2014 | View Entire Issue (Nov. 30, 2011)
opinion letters to the editor early release date Dear Editor; My name is Aaron Borrero. In 1997 I was convicted of first degree attempted murder, first degree kidnapping, and a gun enhancement. I was sentenced to 275 months for these crimes. Today I am 37 years old and not even the same person I was in 1997. In fact, my resemblance to that person is in physical appear- ance only. I am reformed. Unfortunately there is no way to be reviewed and considered for conditional early release, since the parole board is only available for people who committed their crimes before 1984 and for sex offenders. This means that, regardless of my rehabilitative efforts, I will be required to remain in prison until 2017 at a cost of approximately $47,000 per year. Bringing back parole for every- one will provide tremendous ben- efit to our state by creating a pro- cedure whereby those prisoners who are reformed can be scruti- nized for possible discretionary release. Not only would this allow the Department of Corrections to screen those who already will be returning to the community, but will also create a mechanism whereby reformed criminals can be considered for conditional release in times of economic hard- ship. Currently there is no screen- ing at all for non-sex offenders. Such a system would give hope to the men in prison. This hope would encourage and motivate them to make changes in the areas of their lives that caused their criminal behavior. Addressing these issues is essential for them to become successful members of the community. Finally, this will save tax dol- lars. Releasing prisoners when they are no longer a threat as opposed to just warehousing them until their Early Release Date, will result in considerable savings. Millions of dollars are spent each year housing individuals who have made substantial rehabilitative changes in their lives and no longer pose a threat to anyone. Why continue to incarcerate them at that point? The board was able to reach a unanimous decision recommend- ing my conditional release from prison. My victim even supported my petition and spoke on my behalf at the hearing. I presented evidence of significant communi- ty support including job offers, a place to stay, financial support and anything else I might need to make my transition successful. At a cost of $47,000 per year, the governor has decided holding me for another five years and nine months is the right thing to do. This will cost taxpayers approximately $241,500 The final decision on my clemen- cy petition was not made until over two years after my petition It is a foregone conclusion that I will be released. It has also been determined that I am suitable for that release On September 10, 2009 I peti- tioned to the governor for clemen- cy. My case eventually went before the Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board. is an elected official who will make decisions according to the political climate and other factors that have nothing to do with reha- bilitation or public safety. During my incarceration many things changed in me. I started taking Offender Change Programs such as Anger Management, and Victim Awareness. These classes not only changed the way I was accepted. The Clemency Board can make its recommenda- tion, but the final decision lies with the governor. This presents the problem because the governor thought about the lifestyle I had been living but opened my eyes to how my reckless behavior affected more than just me. They also gave me tools to deal with situations I once had been unable to handle responsibly. I was able to learn a trade in both welding and metal fabrication, and Internet technology. This enabled me to work for minimum wage for a period of time, which helped me pay off my back child support and start investing in further educa- tion. It is a foregone conclusion that I will be released. It has also been determined that I am suitable for that release. Therefore, it would appear the reason I am to remain incarcerated for another six years is retribution. In times of econom- ic prosperity, retribution might be a valid concern. During a financial crisis, however, a case could be made this is mismanagement of resources. On Oct. 21, our governor denied my petition for clemency. She went against the unanimous rec- ommendation of her own Washington State Clemency and Pardons Board, the victim of my crime, and wishes expressed by community members at my hear- ing. I have served 14 years in prison. My early release date is June 10, 2017. At a cost of $47,000 per year, the governor has decided holding me for another five years and nine months is the right thing to do. This will cost taxpayers approximately $241,500. At a time when she is asking the Department of Corrections, the Department of Education, and the Department of Social and Health Services to make ten percent cuts, is this really the responsible way to manage resources? In a recent USA Today article entitled “Prison Populations Hinder Budget Cuts,” Texas state senator John Whitmire stated, “The challenge is for us to distin- guish between the offenders we are afraid of - those who deserve to be locked up for life - and those we are just mad at and who can be handled outside of prison.” Sincerely, Aaron Borrero DOC 716759 Monroe Correctional Complex - online mobile at theskannermobile.com desktop at www.theskanner.com •local news •national news •Jobs •bids •entertainment •music reviews •bulletin board •rss Feeds november 30, 2011 The Seattle Skanner page 5
