Dirty slate

To the editor:

Anyone who has arrested or prosecuted career criminals knows that New York’s “Clean Slate Act” is misguided and dangerous. As former Governor David Paterson said this week, automatically sealing criminal records after ex-cons serve their sentences is useless for recidivist offenders.  

This kind of ultra-progressive policy is just what will help Republican candidates win elections.  This act, if signed into law, would seal conviction records three years after sentencing for misdemeanors and after eight years for felonies. However, this is just the first step in giving convicted criminals the same rights as law-abiding citizens.  

I believe in second chances, but after all those who haven’t broken the law get their first chance — at jobs, promotions, etc.  

I remember the interview of an ex-con convicted of robbing a number of armored cars in his long criminal career. When he was asked if he regretted his life of crime, he said his mouth still watered when he saw an armored car that he knew from experience was easy pickings.  

Recidivists, even those with all misdemeanor convictions, are repeat offenders because they are unable or unwilling to follow the law and the rules of civility that most hardworking Americans follow and respect.  

The current system is not as unfair as some would have us believe. It is working. Ex-cons can contact an attorney to ask a judge to seal their records based on factors that support their request.  

Most New Yorkers care most about safety and security, and they want to know the criminal backgrounds of those whom they hire, or associate with in all the various activities they and their families are involved in.   

Michael J. Gorman