New Legislation Threatens Public Safety in New York
Every day, parents send their children off to school and seniors walk their dogs, trusting that their communities are safe. However, dangerous legislation in Albany is putting that safety at risk. Two radical bills, the Elder Parole Bill and the Fair and Timely Parole Act, are on the verge of passing, which would allow convicted murderers and violent criminals to be released from prison.
As the Suffolk County district attorney, I cannot stay silent while public safety is being sacrificed for ideology. These bills have the potential to retraumatize victims, disrupt peace, and make neighborhoods less safe. The real-world impact of these bills cannot be ignored.
One of the bills, the Elder Parole Bill, would allow inmates over 55 who have served 15 years to plead for parole. While it may sound compassionate, it could mean that individuals like Colin Ferguson, who committed a heinous shooting rampage on the Long Island Rail Road in 1993, could be eligible for parole. Do we want to subject the families of the victims to relive their trauma at parole hearings every two years?
The Fair and Timely Parole Act is equally concerning, as it changes the parole hearing process to prioritize current risk over past actions. This could potentially allow violent offenders like Michael Valva, who was convicted of murdering his own son, to be released based on their behavior in prison, rather than the severity of their crimes.
While rehabilitation and second chances are important, there are some crimes that are so heinous that those who commit them should not be released back into society. Powerful sentencing can serve as a deterrent to crime and protect communities. We must draw a line and not allow Albany to erase it.
New York has already experienced the negative effects of misguided criminal justice reforms, such as bail reform, which have led to spikes in violent crime and a sense of fear in communities. We cannot let these parole bills be the next wave of reckless policy.
It is crucial for New Yorkers to speak out against these bills and demand that their state representatives oppose them. We must prioritize public safety and remember the victims of these crimes. Contact your state senator and assembly member and urge them to reject the Elder Parole Bill and the Fair and Timely Parole Act.
Ray Tierney, a prosecutor with over 30 years of experience, is the Suffolk County district attorney and advocates for public safety and justice. Let us stand together to ensure that our communities remain safe and that criminals are held accountable for their actions.
