Great Lakes Politics

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm (D, MI) on Friday took steps to continue sweeping reforms in the state's prison system that are a pivotal part of her overall plan to make government, more efficient and cost effective, which she announced in her State of the State Address earlier this month.  In addition to government reforms, the Governor's plan calls for spending reductions and a tax restructuring plan to ensure that Michigan can grow and compete in the 21st century.

Ms. Granholm has signed Executive Order 2007-2 establishing the Executive Clemency Advisory Council to assist the state Parole Board in reviewing clemency applications before they are submitted to the governor for final determination.  Granholm's reform calls for the release of nonviolent offenders from the state's prisons, starting with medically frail prisoners, non-violent elderly inmates, and foreign nationals who will be immediately deported upon their release.

The Executive Clemency Advisory Council will assist the Parole Board with an initial review of applications for reprieve, commutation, or pardon for the limited purpose of recommending to the board whether an individual application has merit.  The Parole Board is required by law to make a merit determination for every clemency request.  Only applications with merit receive comprehensive investigations by the Parole Board.  The initial merit review process requires the Parole Board to dedicate significant resources to each case within a limited time period.  The council will alleviate some of the Parole Board's resource constraints, and will ensure that all clemency requests continue to receive a fair, thorough, and efficient examination.

After the Parole Board reviews each clemency request, it is legally required to recommend that Ms. Granholm grant or reject the application.  Michigan's constitution gives the Governor exclusive authority to decide all clemency requests.  

The Executive Clemency Advisory Council will consist of seven members appointed by the governor, and will include representatives from law enforcement, crime victims or their families, and the general public.  Members of the council will serve at the pleasure of the governor.

The following individuals have been appointed as members of the Executive Clemency Advisory Council:

Dr. Charles G. Adams of Detroit, pastor of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, appointed to represent the general public.

Gloria L. Baker of Roseville, accountant with Urban Science Options, appointed to represent crime victims or their families.

Joyce M. Braithwaite-Brickley of Traverse City, retired, appointed to represent the general public.

Mary Beth Kur of Petoskey, former Charlevoix County prosecutor now in private practice, appointed to represent law enforcement.

Rabbi David A. Nelson of Southfield, rabbi of Congregation Beth Shalom, appointed to represent the general public.

Janette L. Price of Eaton Rapids, former warden for the Michigan Department of Corrections, now retired, appointed to represent the general public.

Judge Rudolph A. Serra of Detroit, former judge of the 36th District Court, now in private practice, appointed to represent law enforcement and designated chair of the council for a term expiring at the pleasure of the governor.

The full text of Ms. Granholm's executive order is available on-line.