Working For Justice For All

The first speaker at the heated Sangamon County Board meeting on August 13 was not there to speak about Sonya Massey. He was a soft spoken man by the name of Larry Catrell. He stated he was there to ask that all county officials be held accountable for there actions. Larry’s teenage son and a friend were walking down the street on July 21st in Springfield and were victims of a drive-by shooting. Fortunately, his son and his friend were not killed but they were hit several times. The shooter had just been released from Sangamon County Jail after committing another shooting crime and violating his pre-trial release conditions. Upon release, the shooter cut off his ankle monitor and decided to commit yet another shooting crime. https://newschannel20.com/news/local/three-injured-in-stand-off-with-police-on-south-15th-st

Everyone who spoke after Larry spoke about the injustices visited on the community by Deputy Grayson and in the Sangamon County jail during the years Susan Boone served in the Coroner’s office. Coroner Susan Boone only resigned under the threat that her elected office would be eliminated by the County Board and become an assigned department under the Sangamon County Sheriff. Sheriff Campbell elected to retire only after it became clear that a non-binding referendum would likely find him being asked to resign by the voters of Sagamon County. County Sheriffs are required to be elected by the Illinois Constitution and the position cannot be eliminated.

What should have occurred in the wake Susan Boone’s scandal is now taking place. The Jail Committee will consider submitting a binding referendum to the board to allow county officials to be recalled on Tuesday, August 20. The recall will require petition signatures totaling 10% of the prior vote for that office. I support such referendums considering 2 county officials in the past 14 years have needed to quit their positions under scandal and patently refused to do so at first.

Voters should also be aware that Illinois Judges can be effectively recalled by removing from their positions. Illinois Circuit Judges are up for an approval vote every 10 years. If the voters say no, a new judge is elected at the next general election. The judge in Larry’s case is obviously not suitable for the bench. When someone is charged with shooting offense, that offender should not be released back with no consequences. Ex-Deputy Grayson pleaded just such a case after he was fired from the Sheriff’s Department. His attorney argued he was now a regular citizen and entitled to be released. His request was denied. He currently sits in Menard County jail awaiting trial. If the shooter of Larry’s son was held to the same standard, Larry’s son would not have been shot.

The Safe-T Act has resulted in many cases just like this. I support some of the Safe-T Act, such as body cameras on law enforcement officers and a ban on choke holds. However, making all accused offenders eligible for no-cash bail makes no sense. Illinois voters should hold judges accountable when they release violent offenders back on the street by removing them from office. We shouldn’t forget that justice for all means justice for all. Larry’s son is just as worthy as Sonya. When elected, I will work to ensure that we do have justice for all.

To watch the meeting, click Here. Larry’s speaks from 20:00 to 20:22

Posted on 16 Aug 2024, 12:50 - Category: Justice for Sonya Massey