Schram: We need governor's leadership, not posturing
SEATTLE -- I invite you to eavesdrop on the following open letter to Governor Chris Gregoire.
Dear Governor: To say that I was dismayed by your little showboating episode Wednesday is an understatement.
In an act of pure political gamesmanship, you defiantly decreed that with 4 Lakewood police officers murdered, Washington State would no longer accept convicted prisoners on parole from Arkansas.
May I suggest, Governor, that the people of this state would be better served if you focused on failures in the criminal justice system here in Washington.
For whatever part Arkansas played in releasing Maurice Clemmons, please note that it was the justice system here in our state that last put him back on the street.
Just as it was that our system released a woman convicted of murder in 1997 so that in 2009 she now stands accused trying to kill another woman by stabbing her 18 times.
Do a little homework governor.
Talk with the cops, not just at them.
In times such as these the people of this state deserve your political leadership, not your political posturing.
In times such as these, Governor, we don't need your grandstanding.
What we need is your commitment to fix a state criminal justice system that's been broken for too long.
Sincerely, Ken Schram.
P.S If you don't like this, sue me.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com
Dear Governor: To say that I was dismayed by your little showboating episode Wednesday is an understatement.
In an act of pure political gamesmanship, you defiantly decreed that with 4 Lakewood police officers murdered, Washington State would no longer accept convicted prisoners on parole from Arkansas.
May I suggest, Governor, that the people of this state would be better served if you focused on failures in the criminal justice system here in Washington.
For whatever part Arkansas played in releasing Maurice Clemmons, please note that it was the justice system here in our state that last put him back on the street.
Just as it was that our system released a woman convicted of murder in 1997 so that in 2009 she now stands accused trying to kill another woman by stabbing her 18 times.
Do a little homework governor.
Talk with the cops, not just at them.
In times such as these the people of this state deserve your political leadership, not your political posturing.
In times such as these, Governor, we don't need your grandstanding.
What we need is your commitment to fix a state criminal justice system that's been broken for too long.
Sincerely, Ken Schram.
P.S If you don't like this, sue me.
Have something to say to Ken? Login or signup below to post a comment. Just be sure to read the rules and keep things civil. You can also e-mail him at kenschram@komo4news.com