John Lowrey's letter ("Right decision by parole board," May 2) reveals a common misunderstanding of the role of the state Board of Parole. It is not a re-sentencing body.
What Mr. Lowrey doesn't seem to understand is that Henry "Hank" Morris had served his sentence. Mr. Morris is a disgraced former aide to the state comptroller convicted for his involvement in a scheme to scam the state pension fund for at least $19 million. He was convicted and sentenced in 2011 to one and a third to four years in prison.
Because he has been a model prisoner, he's more likely to serve as a role model on the outside, an example for others who may be veering close to crossing an ethical line. Keeping people incarcerated longer than necessary has tremendous expense to our society and does nothing to make us safer. There is currently legislation that has been introduced that will clarify the role of the parole board: A4108/S1128.
Judith Brink
Prison Action Network
Albany