The city of Norwood, where I grew up 41 years ago, is completely different today. I never felt unsafe there. It feels like a whole new world now.
Surrey Square was a palace. We had Media Play, Hollywood Video, Murray Bros and Godfather’s Pizza. Now, the empty shells of my childhood have been renovated and taken over by modern companies: Chipotle, Advanced Auto Parts, Kroger, Cricket Wireless, and my favorite restaurant in all of Cincinnati, Skyline Chili.
When I read about Alyssa Hill, a waitress who was stabbed to death in a Norwood Skyline Chili, my heart sank for many reasons. I kept thinking this can’t be the same Norwood I grew up in; the Norwood where, as kids, we rode our bikes everywhere and went home when the streetlights came on.
How could this have been prevented? Hamilton County Judge Samantha Silverstein is how.
I’m proposing a new law to the Ohio House of Representatives − The Hill Act. This legislation would hold judges responsible for the actions of violent offenders they release back on the streets. Our judicial system needs higher bonds, or no bonds set. Too many criminals released on bond resort to their old ways.
Alyssa Hill would be alive today with her two children if Silverstein had done her job. Since there are no repercussions for her, Silverstein doesn’t think twice about bail or if violent offenders are running free. Once judges are held accountable and can be fined and/or jailed for the actions of violent offenders who get released on low bail, then maybe we can get one step closer to safer communities, and these untouchable judges will make better decisions.
Stephen Koller, a Norwood native, lives in New Paltz, New York.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Judges should answer for dangerous bail decisions | Opinion
Reporting by Stephen Koller, Opinion contributor / Cincinnati Enquirer
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Stephen Koller, Opinion contributor | USA TODAY Network
