Lawmakers, families protest Spitzer's parole changes

Families of crime victims joined elected officials in speaking out against Gov. Eliot Spitzer?s proposal that would grant early parole hearings to convicted felons Saturday. The family of Harry Ryman,

News 12 Staff

Nov 11, 2007, 12:34 AM

Updated 6,180 days ago

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Families of crime victims joined elected officials in speaking out against Gov. Eliot Spitzer?s proposal that would grant early parole hearings to convicted felons Saturday.
The family of Harry Ryman, an NYPD officer shot and killed nearly 30 years ago, recently learned the governor could approve a plan that would allow Ryman?s killer a chance at freedom. The family took their outrage to City Hall.
?Gov. Spitzer is conducting these little behind the door deals and these deals affect us ? my family ? but not just my family, all the victims,? Ryman?s daughter Margaret said.
Brooklyn lawmakers are also pressuring the governor to reject the deal.
State Sen. Martin Golden (R-Brooklyn) and Congressman Vito Fossella (R-Brooklyn) are calling on Spitzer to quash the deal. Golden said it would allow 1,000 convicted felons early parole hearings. The deal would also reportedly let an inmate?s remorse and rehabilitation into consideration for a parole decision.
Golden says he?s working on a bill that would prevent the state from setting early parole hearings.
Margaret Ryman says she?s calling for a meeting with Spitzer himself to discuss the policy face to face.