September 24, 2009
On September 3,2009 my application for commutation of sentence was heard by a panel of 4 board members of the
Arizona Board of Executive Clemency. The board was created by the governor's office to rid him/her of the responsibility (and political liability) of commuting sentences. Ultimately, it is the Governor's job to hear and decide commutation applications.
I filed for a commutation a couple of months ago on a whim, requesting that my prison sentence be commuted to time-served and I be released on Community Supervision (Parole). It was a long shot,, but something I felt was worth a try. I've never heard of anybody, other than politicians, being granted commutations.
I have no right to be granted a commutation nor am I entirely convinced I deserved to receive one. However, I do have a "right" to apply and to be fairly considered.
My application, numerous letters of
recommendation (including
ADOC staff), testimony from two loved-ones who know me and are productive, tax-paying citizens of Arizona, and of course my
ADOC records were all provided to the board. Doug and Shell spoke for 55 minutes in support of my commutation!
The Chairman of the board, Duane
Belcher Sr. listened and considered my application and related information contained in my
ADOC records that concerned him. One other board member, Ellen
Stenson inquired about the same information the Chairman did. Neither of the other two members asked questions, or even seemed to be paying attention at the hearing.
Satisfied that he had found a possible candidate for a commutation, Chairman
Belcher spoke praise of my accomplishments while imprisoned as well as the support I had for commutation and moved the board allow me to proceed to the Phase 2 hearing where I would be interviewed by the board and could speak, myself.
The other "interested" board member opposed the Chairman's motion explaining that she opposed because 1)
ADOC records indicate that in 2003 I received a racist
tattoo and was a suspected racist gang member and 2) I have a "history" of absconding from parole. The remaining 2 board
members without blinking voted "
nay" to Chairman
Belcher's motion siding blindly with the opposition. The Chairman asked the other members for their votes again, possibly in disbelief and again, 3 "
nays". The chairman shut his folder... my application for commutation was denied.
I only learned of my denial and what went on in the hearing through Doug and Shell, who were there. The board hasn't seen fit to notify ME of the outcome.
The completely FALSE
ADOC information that I am or was a racist or gang suspect for have a racist
tattoo pissed me off. I am not, nor have I been, a racist or gang member. Nor do I have such political ink. Deny my commutation but DO NOT label me something I DO NOT support and am NOT a fan of. I AM offended and upset, but will not let this change me or interfere with my future.
Just to be fair, I do have a "history" of absconding from parole. It was 10 YEARS AGO! I left a drug infested half way house
in Sunnyslope in 2000 after my PO ordered me to stay. Guilty.
I'd have loved to get out early but the hardship and heartache my being being kept in prison until April 2012 is causing my family and loved ones is
weighing on me. I have responsibilities and they need me...I'm forced to wait my time. Sorry everybody!
Chairman
Belcher, thank you for the motion and I promise you and the rest of Arizona tax payers that I will dedicate some time to discussing Arizona's broken system including the board. Shannon Michael Clark is a name you'll hear again for certain but not as a prisoner asking for Clemency. As a citizen and taxpayer DEMANDING changes.