Last month, Gov. Deval Patrick unveiled a proposal to raise money for new police officers by charging additional “safety” fees to convicted offenders. As residents of Boston’s urban center, we have experienced the violence and loss resulting from the crime spike of the last two years. While we desire peace in our communities, we oppose the governor’s proposal, as it adds undue hardship to offenders and their families.

A fee targeting convicted individuals invariably impacts low-income families at higher levels. The fee is billed at $45 for a traffic violation, $50 for a misdemeanor and $90 for a felony. Families of prisoners frequently help pay court fees, face high costs in order to stay in touch with their loved ones inside and often put money in the canteen to help pay for basic needs. An additional conviction fee that will be borne by struggling families only adds to their financial burden.

Many of those convicted of a crime are already experiencing economic hardship. Do we need to add another obstacle for those who are serving their sentence and trying to make right? Will we re-incarcerate individuals who cannot afford “safety fees” in addition to probation fees, court fees, DNA fees and witness and victim fees?

Ex-offenders already face incredible employment discrimination because of the widespread use of criminal records (CORI) in hiring. Instead of levying another layer of punishment to fund more police, our governor should be promoting ways for ex-offenders to find good, productive jobs. Rather than spend $43,000 a year to hold one prisoner, the Commonwealth could benefit from tax revenue generated from ex-offenders with secure employment.

In parts of Boston, relations between police and communities are already strained. Additional conviction fees may heighten tensions by asking officers to fund their own positions with more arrests. This is a dangerous incentive that lends itself to feeding a costly and overpopulated prison system.

We understand that the govenor has inherited an enormous debt after years of Republican leadership. Many low-income families of Boston are also suffering through hard times. Ultimately, public safety and economic health go hand-in-hand. The path to this balance is to increase job opportunities. Asking offenders and their families to bear additional fees will only deepen financial hardship while doing nothing to address the roots of crime

Boston Workers’ Alliance Legislative Committee

Regarding the Banner’s Feb. 8, 2007 editorial, “It’s Oprah’s money:” Yes, it is Oprah’s money, and she was willing and able to finance what I hope will become a beacon of light for young women in South Africa and throughout the continent of Africa. Oprah’s philanthropic focus should also be a guide for other African Americans of means as we mature in terms of our support of causes both here and abroad.

Even before Oprah built her $40 million school in South Africa, the Beverly Hills, Calif., chapter of The Links, Inc., funded the building of a school in South Africa. The opening of The Links school did not receive as much publicity as did the opening of Oprah’s school, but it is no less important an event, and both events signal a new era of philanthropic awareness on the part of our high-profile individuals and organizations.

Philip S. Hart, Ph.D.
Hollywood, Calif.

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