Senators vote against Governor’s Parole Board pick

By Oregon Senate Republican Caucus,

Today the Senate Republicans, along with one Democrat, voted against the Governor’s nominees to the Parole Board.

Senate Republican Leader Tim Knopp (R-Bend) released the following statement:

“Given the Governor’s new commutation plan, the Legislature must apply new scrutiny to these nominees. They will be making decisions about which violent criminals will be allowed to be released from prison. When questioned in committee, I did not believe they were sufficiently committed to protecting victims and their families.”

Senator Fred Girod (R-Lyons), a member of the Senate Committee on Rules and Appointments, said:

“I do not believe rapists and murders should be let out of prison, especially by a handful of unelected bureaucrats like the Parole Board. The idea that people under 18 cannot comprehend that rape and murder are wrong, is extreme. It is also insulting to victims and their families. The Governor’s directive to consider these crimes as eligible for early release disrespects our system of justice and the safety of all Oregonians.”