Arts & Crafts

March 8, 2011 Today I applied to be a clerk in the Eagle Point Unit's Arts & Crafts room. Due to Arizona's budget crisis, there has been a severe lack of programs being offered to Eagle Point orangemen. Although all areas of rehabilitative programs have been affected, arts & crafts, band room, and the library were three areas I've noticed have been in dire need. Eagle Point's Deputy Warden and Counselor (CO III Killman) have gone above and beyond in their attempts at helping orangemen here continue to have these programs. DW Lawrence has authorized inmates, their family & friends and even ADOC staff to donate arts & crafts, band equipment and reading materials to the unit. CO III Killman has organized, managed and even helped with donations for the unit's art program. Although run entirely on the donations made, these three programs break up the monotony and stagnant time we orangemen have on the unit. The Band and Arts & Crafts programs here have been a huge benefit to the population. As I'm sure I've discussed over the years, idle time for addicts and those with behavioral problems is not good. These programs are important to many and vital to others. Currently there are two other Arts & Crafts room clerks. Both very talented artists, who cherish the art room and the opportunity to teach others. Both good guys. It was them who asked me if I'd be interested in joining them. After briefly speaking to DW Lawrence about the job, she suggested that I speak with CO III Killman about it, which I did minutes later. Now, my program application is filed. I'm waiting for it to be processed and approved. A simple process that should be done before the end of the week, although I'll begin tomorrow. My duties will include a variety of things including making certain the Arts & Crafts room and its restroom is are kept neat, clean and organized, which I'll share with my two co-workers. Additionally, I'll be spending my days helping other guys learn to tap into their artistic talents as well as learning and honing my own skills. I've been enjoying drawing with ink and graphite, oil pastel crayons, chalks, colors and various other mediums. Since Einstein and Woody introduced and encouraged me to try other things months ago I've been water color painting and doing mixed media. Now I'll have ample time and be able to focus more on these things and explore other options. If things work out, I'm hoping to be able to donate some quality art supplies to Eagle Point's artroom for me and other inmates to use, and will encourage others to make donations. Right now, the only catalogue I have to order from is "Cheap Joe's". I'll do my best to give us a little cozy place to do arts & crafts with what I can scrounge up. I've even been tossing around some ideas with CO III Killman for a charity fundraiser using our arts and crafts. Like me, Ms. Killman is partial to charities like Domestic Violence Shelters or children's charities. So much good can be done with this. If you have any ideas, donations or know of any charities...contact me.

From the blog administrator...

The prior post was sent to me two weeks ago. I have no dates or specific information on the commutation hearing except that I am sure time is of the essence in writing to the board. My own schedule and sickness made it very difficult to get this important and lengthy post typed in, for which I apologise to you readers and Shannon.

Sue

Commutation Request #2

March 1, 2011

I've decided to apply for a Commutation of Sentence again, pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes 31-411 (H) (I) (1). I applied two years ago, but was denied a commutation, based on false information.

The Arizona Board of Executive Clemency will now have a second chance at releasing me early. Although I only have about 13 months left until my Early Release Date, it would be a responsible move to grant me a commutation of sentence and release me early, considering Arizona's budget crisis.

The following is a brief summary of what I said to the Board in my Request and I invite everybody to send letters to the Board on my behalf. Every letter helps! Chairman, Duane Belcher, Sr., Arizona Board of Executive Clemency, 1645 West Jefferson, Suite 101, Phoenix, AZ
85007-3000, (602)542-5656, Fax (602)542-5680.

*Cause #2002019776-Burglary-11 1/4 years concurrent
*Cause #2003005505-Burglary-10 years concurrent
*Exact Years/Months of Sentence Reduction Requested: I've requested Time Served, which would release me a couple of months early, but the Board has the power to reduce my sentence in any way they see fit. I'm hopeful that in the least, the Board will acknowledge the change in me and my life. I've provided the following response to the Board's fourth question on their form application for a commutation of sentence. Although slightly different, the following is the gist of what I wrote and what the Board will consider, along with "letters", ADOC's files on me, and "testimonials". Any family & friends may attend and testify if they'd like.

Question #4: Describe why you believe you should receive a commutation of sentence (Reduction)?

Answer: I believe that I should get a commutation because I've changed myself and my behavior. I've spent 8 years in prison changing behaviors & habits that got me in prison. Also, a commutation, in my case, is fiscally responsible, on this Board's part.

For 8 years, many changes in my life have occurred. Some of my own doing. Others by chance.

I've become financially stable and able to support myself when released. I intend to support myself and have the funds to do so. I intend to continue pursuing a college degree at my expense, which began in prison. I'll be attending Yavapai College parttime and working parttime.

I'm 36 years old. I'm not the immature youngster that ran away from problems. In my past, I absconded from Community Supervision. That won't happen again. In my past, I used drugs to run away from problems. I won't do this again. I've been drug free since November 2002. I faced my drug addictions head on and am in control. Using again will cause me to reoffend, lose family & friends I cherish and cause my health to fail. I won't allow this.

Previously, this Board considered my request for commutation. One reason this Board used to deny my request was that ADOC's records indicate I am a suspected racist gang member with racist tattoos. I am NOT a racist or gang member. I have NO gang related tattoos, although I have many tattoos, which I offer to show you. As a youth, I knew and co-existed with gang members of all races. An unavoidable consequence of getting locked up due to my behavior. I don't agree with racist ideologies and hate violence, but must co-exist with racists, gang members and violent people while locked up. I spend my time reading, writing, working, attending classes/programs and blogging via a 3rd party (I provide my web address), as well as preparing for release.

I have reunited with my only sibling after 18 years, as well as my niece, who is 19 years old and an NAU student. My niece writes, but does not visit. I do not want her to see me as an inmate. Ever. I will make up for lost time and my absence in their lives when I'm release. My sister has invited me to live with her at her home in Northern Arizona and has even plotted out all of the things we will be doing to make up for lost time. Comedy Clubs and Disneyland are on the top of her list.

If all of the above hasn't swayed this Board's decision to grant this request, possibly my medical condition and the medical care I will need may.

I have cirrhosis of the liver caused by hepatitis, which requires medical care. Expensive medical care. Despite having sued ADOC, who settled with me for a large sum of money and an agreement to provide me necessary medical care for my condition until my release. ADOC is and has been failing to provide medical care, AGAIN, as agreed since the settlement. Upon my release, I will be responsible for my own healthcare needs. A commutation will allow ME to obtain the medical care I require, avoiding further injury to me, further expensive court litigation with ADOC and further expenses for my medical care and legal ramifications to ADOC (Arizona taxpayers).

If after reading all of the above fails to convince this Board that my request for commutation should be granted, I will appeal to your sense of fiscal responsibility in this desperate time in Arizona history.

As I'm certain this Board is aware, the State of Arizona is in a budget crisis of historical magnitude. Arizona legislators and the Governor have the task of balancing our state's budget. A duty seemingly impossible and hindered by hidden agendas, special interests, political biases and conflicting ideologies. ADOC's budget, although a necessary agency needing funds, is a huge burden on the state. One of the top three general fund expenditures in spending. Releasing me, a non-dangerous rehabilitated offender, with a high chance of successfully making it in society, is fiscally responsible of this board. I will be a tax-paying, productive member of society instead of a burden on Arizona taxpayers as a prisoner.

I ask this Board for time served, but any reduction in my sentence I'd be grateful for, including but not limited to my community supervision being reduced.

*For those writing to the Board, please put "RE:Shannon M. Clark ADC #113372" on your letter.