President Joe Biden pardoned a turkey last week. Former Gov. Sarah Palin pardoned a turkey, in a video that went worldwide, as another turkey was being slaughtered behind her.
But on Tuesday, the day before Thanksgiving, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced he has granted clemency to five Alaskans who, through efforts consistent with changing their life, have warranted consideration for clemency.
Each case was carefully reviewed and reflects the principles of redemption, accountability, and fairness embedded in Alaska’s clemency laws and processes, the governor said.
“Clemency is a tool that recognizes when people have paid their debt to society, have taken responsibility and rebuilt their lives,” said Dunleavy. “These five individuals, through their actions, have warranted a second chance that clemency can provide and it’s inspiring to acknowledge their efforts.”
Clemency was granted to William V. May for Driving While Intoxicated in 1999; Richard A. Vicknair for the sale of a depressant, hallucinogenic, or stimulant drug in 1970; Daniel J. Smith for misconduct involving a controlled substance in 2010; Daniel W. Woods for persons under 21 on alcohol premises in 2002; and Kit A. Stavrum for the sale of a depressant, hallucinogenic or stimulant drug in 1982.
In Alaska, clemency is a constitutionally granted power of the governor, used to forgive or reduce penalties for crimes when individuals have shown remorse and made significant changes in their lives. Each request undergoes a rigorous review to ensure it serves justice, public safety, and fairness, he said.
“Every person has the capacity for change, and these individuals have shown that they are more than their past mistakes,” said Dunleavy. “Through their hard work and commitment to bettering themselves, they’ve earned this recognition and the opportunity to move forward without the weight of old convictions.”
Gov. Bill Egan granted clemency 99 times during his term as Alaska’s first governor after statehood, over half of those granted in all of state history. Most other governors since Gov. Frank Murkowski have taken a pass. Dunleavy has granted just one, while denying more than 200 requests during his six years in office.
It’s unclear what type of clemency each man received. Clemency can mean a pardon, commutation, or reprieve. A pardon would remove the guilt and the punishment of the offender, making them innocent again in the eyes of the law. Other clemency could reduce a sentence.
All these years later Queen Sarah is the gift that won’t stop giving.
Well, Mike Dunleavy does have a heart.