Our Restorative Action Alliance Board President Jason Wasserman wrote a letter to the Editor of the Times Union in response to the July 24, 2025 article by Susan Farkas entitled Woodstock board votes to fire town employee over past sex offense

Read Jason's letter here as posted in the Times Union:

Woodstock Missed an Opportunity for True Community Safety

Woodstock’s recent firing of Michael Innello, after his criminal past became public, reflects a deeper problem in how society responds to people who have caused harm. It may feel like such actions increase safety, but research and lived experience show the opposite: exclusion often makes communities less safe.

This is not about excusing the harm Mr. Innello was convicted of causing. The survivor’s pain is real and lasting, and their needs must be centered. But true safety comes from accountability, healing, and stability, not banishment once a sentence is served.

Most people convicted of a sexual offense never commit another one. Studies show over 95% of new sexual crimes are committed by those with no prior sexual offense history, often trusted friends, family, or authority figures. Singling out people with past convictions distracts us from addressing the greater sources of harm.

A restorative, trauma-informed approach asks: How do we support survivor healing? How do we prevent future harm? How do we reintegrate people in ways that promote accountability rather than isolation?

Restorative Action Alliance works to break the cycle of harm and punishment by fostering dialogue, education, and mutual accountability. Stable work, housing, and community ties reduce re-offense and build safety for everyone. 

Woodstock could have modeled this approach—acknowledging harm, setting clear safety expectations, and showing redemption is possible. Instead, fear and misconceptions drove a decision that punished without protecting.

Until we hold accountability and compassion together, we will keep repeating fear-driven responses that help no one.

Sincerely, 

Jason Wasserman

Restorative Action Alliance Board President

https://www.timesunion.com/opinion/article/letters-21017986.php