To: Governor Laura Kelly
Gov. Kelly: Please commute all Kansas death sentences!
I am writing to urge you to please commute all nine Kansas death sentences before leaving office. I am particularly concerned about reports that these cases will not be given the time and consideration they deserve, and that any attempt to expedite the process would result in further injustice. These cases deserve your full consideration. This issue is of great importance to me.
The death penalty in Kansas is deeply dysfunctional and has been administered in an unjust manner that has drained vast public resources without improving public safety. There has not been an execution in Kansas in more than 60 years, but the state continues to spend millions on this flawed system.
Commuting all death sentences will address the system’s deep flaws while allowing scarce taxpayer resources to be redirected to more effective public safety programs, including mental health programs, community violence prevention services, education and job training, crime labs, and services for victims of crime.
Commuting death sentences also sends a powerful message to Kansans: that it is time to consider repealing the death penalty. Please give these cases the attention they deserve and do not rush through this process. Your leadership on this issue could be a beacon to others across the country.
Thank you for considering this important issue.
Why is this important?
The death penalty in Kansas is deeply dysfunctional and has been administered in an unjust manner that has drained vast public resources without improving public safety. There has not been an execution in Kansas in more than 60 years, but the state continues to spend millions on this flawed system. Commuting all death sentences will address the system’s deep flaws while allowing resources to be redirected to more effective public safety programs.
Commuting death sentences also demonstrates strong leadership and sends a powerful message to Kansans that it is time to consider repealing the death penalty. The governor should take time to consider this issue thoroughly and not try to expedite the process.