Oklahoma County DA's ultimatum to parole board goes too far

But Prater's demand this week that board members resign by Friday or face misdemeanor charges of violating the state's Open Meetings Act seems extreme. If members had ignored Prater's accusations, this move would be warranted. But they seem to have gotten the message that their previous practices weren't good enough.

Soon after Prater accused the board of acting illegally about 50 times over a three-year period, Chairwoman Lynnell Harkins said there was no intent to deceive but that, “We'll do whatever we need to make it right.” In December, board officials said no inmate would be considered for early parole or commutation, even if eligible for parole, until a new procedure was in place. The board has plans to vote later this year on a new early release policy.