Oppose Delaware HB 35

On Saturday we received this e-mail from a reader:

In 1961 my husband's grandparents were brutally murdered (grandmother also raped) by a local acquaintance. The rape charge was dropped and he was sentenced to serve consecutive life sentences. He has repeatedly made threats to kill at least 2 other family members (my father-in-law included) and a former DE state senator upon his release. He has come before the parole board 17 times since 1978 and has been denied parole every time.

However, due to the current HB 35 currently in the Audit and Juvenile Corrections Committee of the Senate, Kermit West could be released based on the recommendation solely of the Dept. of Corrections. This bill, having already passed the house, would eliminate the Board of Parole and the Dept. of Corrections would have full discretion in releasing him and other hard core criminals. The language of the bill also states that it is not mandatory that victims necessarily be notified of the release of these prisoners.

Furthermore, Gov. Markell is in favor of this bill and has vowed to sign it. Time is of the essence! This committee must make a decision by next Thursday, June 30, 2011. This is a threat to all citizens of Delaware. As many as 275 prisoners could be released at the discretion of the Dept. of Corrections with no knowledge or forewarning to the public of their release.

We were told by the parole board that it costs $150,000 a year to maintain the man who killed my husband's grandparents. It would appear this is solely a budgetary decision being made at the expense of the safety of all Delaware citizens.

Please help us put a stop to HB 35. Please call or e-mail the following senators on the committee where this bill is now being considered.

• Brian Bushweller 302-744-4162
• Colin Bonini 302-744-4169
• George Bunting 302-744-4286
• Karen Peterson 302-744-4163
• David Lawson 302-744-4237
• David McBride 302-744-4163
• Bruce Ennis 302-744-4310
• Anthony DeLuca 302-744-4310
• Gov. Jack Markell 302-744-4101

E-MAIL ANYONE IN A STATE POSITION BY USING THIS FORMULA: Firstname.lastname@state.de.us. For example: jack.markell@state.de.us

Please take the time to make your voices heard for the safety of all of Delaware!!!

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After receiving the email, we spoke with Delaware Sen. Colin Bonini (R-16). Bonini stated that they had not yet received the final wording of the bill:

I am not looking to support a bill which will result in releasing dangerous criminals. Delaware abolished parole in the 1990’s. Because of this, most prisoners aren’t eligible for parole. However, those convicted prior to the end of parole are eligible under the terms of their original sentences.

Senators are currently looking at several options, including keeping things as they are and keeping the parole board but folding it under the Department of Corrections.

Delaware citizens need to remember that the session ends on Thursday. If you want to have an effect on the legislation, you need to call now!