Is there anybody who doesn’t remember the gut-wrenching tragedy that occurred last year in Lakewood. A convicted felon was let out on bail and went on a rampage, killing four police officers before he, himself, was gunned down.

How could this happen? Simple. Under our laws, a judge is allowed to grant bail unless the suspect is accused of aggravated murder. The Lakewood killer was not facing such a crime when he was let out of jail.

House Joint Resolution 4220 would change that by denying bail to people facing life in prison if convicted of their crime and when the suspect is truly dangerous. If 4220 had been place, the Lakewood tragedy could have been avoided.

The measure cries out for a “Yes” vote.

Opponents of the resolution say we shouldn’t alter our constitution without careful consideration. We think the wanton killing of four police officers is reason enough for making a change.

Our constitution was written in a time when we didn’t have the “Three Strikes You’re Out” law that mandates life in prison the third time a person is convicted of a serious crime. Someone facing such a fate, and let out on bail, can see committing a new heinous crime as adding nothing to his potential prison sentence.

This resolution doesn’t deny the accused a trial. It only keeps certain people locked in jail – and safely away from the rest of us – until a trial is held and a verdict has been reached.

Vote “Yes” on House Joint Resolution 4220.

– Craig Groshart, Bellevue Reporter