News Releases
Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July 28, 1999
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke names three to Indeterminate Sentence Review Board

OLYMPIA — Gov. Gary Locke today announced his appointments to fill the three seats on the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board (ISRB). The board has legal jurisdiction over all individuals sentenced to Washington State prisons for felonies committed before July 1, 1984. The board also has jurisdiction over all individuals, both in state and out of state, who are on parole status.

John Austin, of Seattle, already a member of the board, will chair the ISRB. Julia Garratt, of Newcastle, will also remain as a member of the board. Dennis C. Marsh, of Seattle, has been appointed as an acting member to temporarily fill the position vacated by Austin when he moved to the chair position.

"Serving on the Indeterminate Sentence Review Board means making difficult decisions that balance the rights of individuals and the safety of the public," Locke said. "I know John Austin and his colleagues will continue the board's tradition of fairness and dedication to public service."

Austin, 59, was named to the board by Locke on Feb. 17, 1998. His primary responsibilities, and those of the other board members, include conducting hearings on parole availability and parole revocation. Before being named to the board, Austin was a private-practice criminal attorney. He is also a former deputy prosecutor for King County. Austin received his Juris Doctorate from the Willamette College of Law in Salem, Ore. He also attended North Texas State University in Denton, Texas and the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. He served in the Navy until 1965. His salary will be $74,522.

Garratt, 45, was named to the board by former Gov. Mike Lowry in 1994. She serves on the ISRB at 60 percent time. Currently, Garratt is also a Pro Tem Judge serving King County Superior Court. In previous positions, she worked for the Associated Counsel for the Accused and as a deputy prosecutor for Snohomish County. She earned her Juris Doctorate at Gonzaga University School of Law and her bachelor's degree from the University of Washington. Her salary will be $42,284.

Marsh, 49, is the executive secretary of the ISRB. He is an acting board member until a permanent member can be found. He also serves on the board at 60 percent time. Marsh was hired by the board in 1987 and has previously served temporarily on the board. Prior to working at the ISRB, he was assistant personnel director at Pierce County and an industrial relations administrator at The Boeing Company. His salary will be $42,284.

The three commissioners will begin their terms immediately. Austin's and Garratt's terms expire April 15, 2004, and Marsh's term expires April 15, 2000 or when a replacement is found. The board consists of three members appointed by the governor. Board members serve five-year terms and must be confirmed by the state Senate.

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