An Exchange Regarding Prison Issues

By Marc Philip Valdez

Pardons, Parole: An E-Mail Exchange

Hi Kate!

I've been fortunate in not being directly involved in the prison system, but that also means I'm somewhat ignorant of some of the problems with the system. I'll let you know what I think - my sentiments - and you can see if they fit well with your experiences. I have a friend who was briefly involved in an advocacy organization - The Prisoner's Right's Union (PRU), and so I have at least that contact.

In a properly-functioning prison system, the promise of parole and pardons can serve as a powerful deterrent to random and vengeful violence. As far as I can tell, the ONLY reason why Gray Davis hasn't used his pardon powers is because it's politically inconvenient. Unlike some Governors, like Pat Brown, who wrestled with his conscience regarding pardons, Gray Davis is perfectly willing to cause chaos out of sight in the prison system, just to deprive his opponents of political ammunition. That is a dereliction of duty, and it should be an impeachable offense. What a weasel!

I'm pretty ignorant of family visitation issues - I don't know how many, if any, lifers get such privileges now. I'm sympathetic to your concerns, though. The biggest problem might be administering family visitations so they don't compromise prison security. For example, in Northern Ireland, family visitations have served to turn prisons into auxiliary IRA headquarters, but that experience probably has no bearing on California's experience. Provided prison security is not seriously harmed, I see no need why family visitations can't occur.

If elected, I would quickly issue pardons statewide to model prisoners who have been unfairly turned down before for parole. Then I would move to issue blanket pardons for those serving excessive sentences for marijuana possession. First, I'd have to identify what an excessive sentence is (my ideas are still fuzzy here, but 10 years is way too long a sentence for possessing small amounts of marijuana), and then identify those who would qualify and don't have other issues clouding their cases (like other convictions). A blanket pardon would highlight the draconian sentences society has been laboring under, and the need to allow judges to exercise their discretion, something that federal sentencing guidelines, for example, unfairly limits. And it might even save the state a bit of money, too, which is nice in this time of deficit. I would then begin to go through the prison system to identify inequities in sentencing, and use pardons as needed. The idea is to USE to Governor's powers, rather than sit on them.

People in prison need educational opportunities and work training more than most, and it's important to maintain and enhance funding for such programs.

We need to get away from our current bankrupt approach towards prison issues. That's what I hope to do.

Thank you for your attention! E-Mail back with any questions! In fact, if it's OK with you, I might post this exchange with you on my gubernatorial Web Page.

Marc Valdez

-----Original Message----- From: Kate Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 12:48 AM To: Marc Valdez Subject: hi, questions that need to be addressed

Hi, I'm part of a organization called PTO prison talk online. I have read your issues your stating but I would like to know how you feel on the prison systems. Gray Davis has took parole away from people who rightly deserve it, also no family visits for lifers, which is so wrong because when you think about it, there's kids and family that would like to see their loved ones and parents for those special two days out of the month, it also would lessen the assaults and violence in most prison. Other issues like education, good time, work, and half time for first time offender of any sentence needs to be addressed also, but the other two are our main concern. Like me thousands of people have loved ones in prison, and that's thousands of votes for the governor that will do the best for the inmates and their familys. If you already or now have any views or opinions on the matter id appreciate seeing them. I look forward to hearing back from you. thank-you

Sincerely, Kate