State Senator Bruce Tarr and Woburn Police Chief Robert Ferullo on the Governor Signing Melissa's Bill

School all wise for the big guy that's that I say I'm a sonic Pee-Wee guy and six CD WRK how and why did a good guys win is and because -- Bob Patrick. He allowed to public pressure and the globe. Had to report. That to Bob -- saw that he was not the almighty. That he saw today there was a limit to his power if you. Politics with people's -- that he wanted to continue to spit in the face. Dead police officers' families and murdered women is not others. And aren't police officers who had a very Rickey never deputy sheriff from Suffolk counties and price today. And it's because all of you. It's because all of you that he actually. I I would argue. Out out to the public pressure. And agreed late yesterday. To sign that bill. Now we know this is that this positive. At the legislature. And the governor response to public pressure public humiliation if you. Ever motivate them. Because he not intense pressure I know all those did you call the governor's -- he had to all. Network that what the governor's number and she's not somebody -- is politically active people are motivated who aren't ordinarily. Moved by -- so let the politics. Like these what the legislation but this is such a no. Brainer. Absolutely no brainer. That he had to do. -- -- -- -- -- show yesterday. At the end of the day of around 245 he put out a press release saying. It's not a perfect bill. It's not comprehensive bill but it does some. So we are expecting a call from senator -- Starr who was one of the steadfast supporters this piece of legislation and he was insist he promised to us I think. Packers have a different stars and Michelle I promise you we're gonna get this done. If I can do it well he actually. Mean that -- happen and it's a rare day at the absolute rare day. About Patrick had to nitpick. He said daddy hold next session he wants to reopen it to be over and he's at all the law did not agree. I think it would have been a bitter -- with the limited judicial. Discretion and I that I proposed. The limited judicial discretion. Story yesterday about the sex offender at a level three sex offender who is hanging out thinking in public library. He just had to be on a point -- site. The ped files. That's based in Russia. Just happened to try to print a photograph. Of a naked young girls. And an appellate ruling. Upheld its conviction. For possession of child pornography. It's the dissenting cute too little wind which means that what is the judges which shuts tactic raise the balloon. That he actually wrote. While all eyes may be to line to the girls rests. Had this country come to. If we are going to imprison people. Really for having a photo of naked child playing on a beach. The kind of world will level three sex offenders who have already being convicted of a sex crime against a child. Level three which is sexually dangerous -- into a public library and that's. Perusing. Porno sites. That are geared towards had a file freak shows like can't. So that's I did judicial discretion part of this bill that the ball actor tried to insert and send back to the legislature. I mean even. Some of the more liberal. Lawmakers -- like. That completely defeats the purpose of conducting. These debates in making sure this bill gets passed. -- -- -- about -- and their appellate judge who ruled that as serial violent rapists in Boston who was breaking into young people's houses. College students only eighty houses. Finally raking them cutting the phone lines. Well an appellate court. Judge ruled. That just civil rights were violated because nobody estimate he was a lunatic nobody asked to -- mental health issues so they vacated. One of his convictions which means that that serial violent rapists would've gotten -- thirty here as early. It's epic -- DA and Connolly is continuing to fight that battle to get what these judges. To have judicial discretion how low and that's why senator Barbara Starr. This and it in the house but so hard to make sure that that. Judicial discretion that you colleague senator Cynthia cream was trying to -- was taken right out there well Kenny congratulations senator tar. Thank you good morning Michelle and I just wanna say that the that this started to settle a little bit on this issue a huge thank you for being with us from the very start on the -- and and I also wanna set the record straight a little bit -- and that is that there's already plenty of judicial discretion that's how we get into that problem in the first. There's judicial discretion every time someone is convicted of a crime that you know they can appeal that conviction. And any particular bill does appeal and an automatic review on the third conviction under the so called restrict burgers and so what we're talking about here. Is you know the other side was looking for -- safety belt for violent criminals we're looking for safety belt to protect public safety and that's what the bill. -- I think that's so many of us aren't raging as you know senator airlock hundreds of people listening to the show right now that Paul and faxed and emailed the governor to express. They're all I care. And isn't at his hang out thick headed next. In this issue because we've seen what judges can do you know we see you at ease at. A little boy that was raped in the New Bedford public library by somebody who have been convicted already. Three. Attacks on three separate kids convicted in only valid at a one. The prosecution was arguing. Loudly hey this is dangerous we don't want to let him out they try to hold the nineteen years in the -- and we on -- the end result. In this is all because of so called judicial discretion that those little boys grow up all GAAP. It's ridiculous. But that's exactly report special there's already plenty of discretion in the system what we're trying to do push the pendulum the other way and put some parameters around that description. We get in the in the troubled discretion and Dominique and only. Was serving in the multiple sentences. And wonder being on the street to be able kill officer Jack McGuire. The killer bullets or consulate believe his name is Michael Gentile -- crime after crime after what am I know was at least two dozen. So what point is safe enough discretion. And lots -- a little but the public's safety. And I do what I say something about you listeners and all the folks that have joined us in this effort is that it truly was a grassroots effort with folks. From all over the state and a lot of your listeners Michelle. Calling the state doesn't think it. This is common -- And you have to get it done and in no small part due to their efforts. We actually now bill that the governor is gonna sign because the public demanded it and that's the way democracy's supposed to work. England was in -- party is in this argument aside from Deval Patrick obviously in the American Civil Liberties Union. And they have been loud critics of this piece of legislation saying well we needed judicial discretion in and really it's judge coercion is what it is. The liberties union doesn't do that the simple job and get off topic a little bit but we say it in response to that incident and in. Situation where has seven year old I was dragged off his own property. When the count showed up with a friend in order to unload -- that is I want. I mean that to me is a striking. Violation of civil rights yet we have the American civil liberties. Union fighting against my right to not have to run into that serial rapists who's been breaking into houses. Since 1995. And been convicted of a -- sacked five sex crimes but of the appellate court had its way -- that I could be breaking into my house and cut my phone lines next. Well you know what's ironic about that is an organization that -- discretion don't use it in their own operations -- don't say that there ought to be some discretion to say that these kinds of wrongful acts need to be swiftly punished and seriously. And so you wanna talk about discretion what's really -- And let's say that there are going to be discretion. In. Just serious criminals and that discretion going to be the punishment appropriately I think that's and and partly appropriate way to do this situation could opt out of the equation too often. While now he said Deval Patrick yesterday. It's not getting got the bill anymore than judicial discretion of a much broader type a prosecutor discretion that's the justice system. He's still fighting for these judges and you Bernie tells story after story after story about these insane judges. I mean start you argue as loudly as he is the judicial discretion that I hunter back. Lucky OTA do its job you any judge. Any judge in Massachusetts. And there's a responsibility that the taxpayers set up this. This port website and dispose of the find out who these judges -- And I challenge anyone to find a single resume on the taxpayer funded website that's supposed to be some sort of water. And accountability. For their judiciary there is not in the zeroed accountability for the judiciary and that is -- Deval Patrick is continuing to push this fight. So -- get his guys. -- I use that. His people. On the bench so he still maintain some control and that we don't want we don't want people like about Patrick controlling my public -- Well it you know it did a couple of things number one the governor himself -- discretion because she could actually -- a commutation of sentence for these folks system -- a certain amount of time so why is the governor trying to create additional discretion when he has an insult in his own power. And number -- you -- right there is a good discussion. That we have frequently about judges -- not having accountability. In that these folks are a wonderful life they make decisions and they are largely insulated. From that accountability now in some states they haven't you know elected judges I don't think that's a very good idea. But there ought to be some accountability there ought to be periodic review their ought to be somebody looking at these decisions to see if there's a trend of abusing discretion. So yeah we talked about these things it dot be that someone. I'm really on a black over it goes in the country can decide whatever they want now we do have a system of appeal in the dual system of laws. But to walk in discretion get to humans and that results in a in a very serious problem not every day. But when Republicans have very very dramatic consequences and so discretion and apparently that's Orson. Now senator a little piece of bad -- -- we not pumping her fist in the air and on teapot for rule open wouldn't police. I'm sure want to congratulate you caught on behalf of all the movement police officers as well. The bad news is there's signing of this bill roughly 6800 drug ability to be back on the streets. Well you know they're going to be back on the -- but after having served the sentence -- and that's one of the things that we had to do with -- that there were gonna punish the really bad people appropriately. Then we may have to look at some of the lesser offenders and not say that they're gonna get out of jail but to say that we're gonna give them a reduced minimum mandatory sentence and again that was part of the balance bill the governor said he wanted to have we talked with a lot of local prosecutors about this -- indicated that. It would be tolerable to have a reduction in the minimum mandatory. But I wanna make it very clear that we didn't eliminate minimum mandatory for nonviolent drug offenders we just changed them. So do what we think more accurately reflects the crime they committed and the time they're gonna serve. And -- say it's very galling about the situation that there are critics of the bill. Who would suggest but it's going to cost wildly exaggerated numbers in the millions of dollars when in fact. -- -- -- The release -- of these folks is short and save you money. Given the number of folks who put the really the worst of the worst that are going to be subject -- mistress strikes provisions. -- gonna -- a little bit of additional time so in addition to doing the right thing for public safety this bill also does the right thing for corrections economics. And make sure the. -- -- I am bad at math but I know that's. If she Nellie had been held in prison when he was supposed to be serving three life sentences I wouldn't have had to pay for his brother who with his -- and knack case. Two you yet again. Get another taxpayer funded defense attorney yet again goes to court system yet again we have to pay for an appeal let me give me a break edit that map is so flawed even. Need a map more on can figure out -- the B I -- -- -- keep these people in jail. So good about myself but. Again one other thing that was saying is that bullet -- treat these folks appropriately it let's make sure they go to jail for minimum mandatory sentence. But look also deal with this situation intelligently. And say that this category folks. We can -- back the minimum mandatory is a little bit. But the most dangerous category of folks the worst of the worst start to go to jail and serve the full -- for the third conviction and that's the balance equation and that's what we've worked so hard to create. Well and -- I know that there is somebody wants to congratulate you and and you tell lawmakers on nationality. -- police chief Bob for -- he's joining us and guess the next senator can it hang it -- permit it to you I have tool. -- thank you very and I got to show on the feel we are and -- W blackmail we come back you'll be able to ask question -- have you. Lot of senator every stock. In your -- from. -- police chief -- for rule on the. It can create a public safety and citizen. A lot I think that's fair fine really want to battle under the golden dawn and I know that one person is very happy about that we had. -- the police chief Bob for Rula wed the very sad task of burying a longtime friend. And a thirty. Plus year of the war than the year veteran of the will be -- police department Jack McGuire. At. Keep your -- senator Barbara Starr who you know has been a steadfast. Supporter of this legislation. -- -- and I have -- but this many times that at this moment. On this summer August afternoon -- acquired should be spending his time with his wife and his kids. We'll talk about -- and appointment to ask me and I think it's clear support. Is it it's been tremendous where. Who want to achieve tonight and it's been a real wanted to work review and you have certainly stood for the the right thing here and symbolized why we need to do this. And I can't thank you enough for dealing with the tragedy in the way the you have and turning it into something positive in the way of that judicial formal sentencing reform of the commonwealth. I TT EU is a whole lot of outrage you know Jerry -- with on the show yesterday he was apoplectic. When Governor Deval Patrick sent the legislation back with this judicial discretion -- because -- no more than anybody. The so he was furious when it looked like this thing with gonna -- I'm reaction. At the Woburn police department yesterday when when the news came down. Let's also got a phone call at 230 from the governor I got an email from the governor's opposite to forty in the news broke that he was actually a sign the bill. Well it was it was bittersweet happiness I mean it's it's something that we're at it's it's a tragedy that we it would we are. Tragedy or also I mean we would rather have Jack with us today -- during retirement are the street without. But you don't we will very pleased that the success getting the bill passed. Hard work that was so many different agencies. If legislators everybody who worked together because there were right on the one yard line from -- it would -- it was a but -- and -- -- -- an opportunity to speak to mr. console myself. A dispute -- -- Stanley and so we're very pleased that the success it's had. So there wasn't I imagine there is there any sort of idea that -- Cops my visit Jack's -- today is there anything that's planned to sort of mark this occasion because. You know less -- started this fight when his daughter was murdered thirteen years ago he first. You know appealed to governor then governor -- -- please tell me. And in thirteen years -- the past -- Klesko also talks about the countless hugs ego in the whispers of support. But it wasn't until 230 yesterday. That he finally. -- today you know save print it was dead daughter and we got it done -- Is he able I mean it's there's nothing formal plan any Fortier and what it's in no way. Each edit your relationship with Jack I'm sure that the visits to his grave is a beautiful memorial at the post office. -- -- -- -- -- And people have spent some time and I know decorate. You know it is is is is dealing with this in her own weight that is while. Well keep up furlough it's a great day if you it was a great day -- -- -- star. I mean it's amazing the good guys what for a change cheap but. Where our ability it was a it was a victory that's sweet victory but doubt we'll take it and when we're so appreciative of the support of buttons. So many different. Different agencies and and and you know it's it's just it's it's it's -- paper out of the date that will always be remembered. Now I know achieve that had Deval Patrick sort of bet your boss if you will but something to be said about we finally called this -- -- Because you thing I had a newbie. To politics when he arrived in 2007 I mean this guy that it was a good idea traded as Ford -- for caddy in and told debated and make the point doors anymore. And Hillary -- obvious what the 20000 dollar trades and there was so many missteps at this guy has made. And he really and digging his heels in on these battles like the parking lot. Logs that the Harold has requested yeah -- again. Now you're not gonna get him and in all these different fight -- he has taken on in and attacks there is finally -- diamond it. I mean just this yet the king of England you are the governor of Massachusetts and we want you to. The heat -- -- and we don't want people lobsters to EBT card holders is. I've refreshing to see that we called the governor's bluff and something got done. -- all the people that we're on the same page here I'm there was no alternative we need in this -- out. -- you'll be outraged citizens you know Rachel -- opposite. But all of support from the legislative it was something that -- to happen he saw that any better cost to the old light boat commander. While we aware I appreciate about furlough Woburn police chief thank you very much for joining us. And at the status Jeep were on the brother Dominic -- low -- brother was also a wreck on. Was also at the scene of this heist in others he has been charged with what's the status of decades. I'm only in and I would be corrected on this but I believing in federal custody on a previous case. These -- -- sent Serbia federal sentence. -- and available to lots of prosecution necessary but he's currently in federal custody on on on a pre existing case. I ride because they you know you've heard those rumors that there might be a lady aspect to that storage. He would have heard it then you know artificially -- there -- in the wind but nothing has been formally -- style -- Don't have a find out the answer because the FBI lies -- -- -- -- -- big issue. Should -- get paid by the FBI it becomes the guys. And then they are allowed to continue to commit crimes like markers Eddie and Whitey Bulger and Chip Kelly I mean isn't there a complete disgrace that the net. Well you know it didn't -- and I'd -- to tackle that one and I don't mean to but I try to -- would the issue but I that the federal issue and another we can look to people like US senator Scott Brown. To be looking at this and see how we can get some serious reform. -- what -- is senator Bruce Todd congratulations again he got it done. Keep up furlough I know that this is a victory for every Wilbon co -- and I certainly hope that you passed -- line in my thoughts to hijack the -- he. Shall I say -- other seventh -- we are AM 680 WRKO.