Shapiro Leaves Pardons Board Seat Vacant
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has chosen not to reappoint a longtime member of the Board of Pardons, citing concerns over the member’s conduct during hearings. The member in question, John Williams, a child psychiatrist from Montgomery County, has served on the board since 2013. His term expired in November, leaving a vacancy on the five-member board.
Williams’ tenure on the board has been marked by controversy, with advocates criticizing his votes against clemency applicants and his lack of experience in criminal justice. Additionally, his lines of questioning during hearings have been deemed inappropriate by some, with one instance involving a victim being asked to provide explicit details about their sexual abuse.
The Board of Pardons plays a crucial role in deciding the fate of individuals seeking commutations or pardons. The board’s decisions can have a significant impact on a person’s life, affecting their ability to find employment, access education, and reintegrate into society. With Williams’ departure, the board will continue to function with four members, but the vacancy has raised concerns about the potential backlog of pending applications.
Advocates, including the Commutation Now campaign, have been pushing for Williams’ replacement, citing the need for a more trauma-informed approach to the board’s decision-making process. They have recommended David DeMatteo, an attorney and forensic psychologist, to fill the vacant seat. The nomination process is expected to involve state Senate leadership, with the governor’s office working to restore the board to its full complement.
The importance of the Board of Pardons cannot be overstated, as it has the power to change the lives of individuals and their families. As the state grapples with a growing backlog of applications, it is essential that the board is composed of members who are equipped to handle the complexities of the cases before them. With Shapiro’s decision to leave the seat vacant, the focus now shifts to finding a suitable replacement who can bring a more nuanced and compassionate approach to the board’s deliberations.
