Lt. Gov. Stack to visit Westmoreland County to promote pardon program
Everyone deserves a second chance, especially those in recovery of a drug addiction.
However, obtaining a pardon, even for a minor offense, can take years without assistance. The Westmoreland County Drug Overdose Task Force is teaming up with Lt. Gov. Mike Stack to present a program that is designed to help.
Pathways to Pardons is a community event offering information about obtaining a pardon with the intent of speeding up the sometimes lengthy process. The event is planned for 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Commissioner’s Meeting Room in the Westmoreland County Courthouse in downtown Greensburg.
“This will give individuals an opportunity to see how it’s going to work and it’s supposed to speed up the system,” said Tim Phillips, director of the task force. “People deserve a second chance and a break, especially those in recovery.”
Getting and maintaining connections is an integral part of recovery. One of those connections is often centered around employment. However, Phillips said it is very difficult, if not impossible, to get a job with a criminal record. That’s why a program like this is so important.
In addition, getting a pardon restores some of the many freedoms that have been stripped from someone with a record, including serving on a jury, holding a public office and serving in the military.
Stack will speak at the event on the P2P program, which has been hailed as a national model for its positive effect on the opioid crisis.
Speakers will take participants on the journey of seeking a pardon, expungement or commutation from start to finish. Slated to speak are:
n Steve Burk, secretary of the state’s Board of Pardons, who will talk about pardons
n Matt Franchak, chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Mike Stack, who will speak about limited access orders and expungements
n Ross Miller, chief of assessment and classification for the state’s Department of Corrections, Bureau of Treatment Services, talking on commutations
n Ryan Yoder, state’s Department of Corrections, statewide veterans coordinator, who will speak on veterans initiatives
In addition, a number of video presentations will also be shown and guests will be able to ask specific questions during a question-and-answer session. Presenters will also stay after the event to speak privately with anyone who requires a personal one-on-one session.
In addition to individuals in need of pardons, the drug overdose task force is also encouraging anyone who may have contact with potential pardon candidates to attend, including attorneys, court employees and counselors.
Phillips is expecting a nice turnout based on the response they’ve received so far, including individuals from neighboring counties, such as Indiana, Allegheny and Fayette who have expressed interest in the program.
The program is free and open to the public. To RSVP, call Mimi Brooker at 724-830-3110.