Issue Position: Criminal Justice Reform

Issue Position

I will work to continue the efforts of others who have started the discussion on fixing our criminal justice system. Throwing someone in jail is too often looked at as the sole solution to ending crime. Common sense punishments for non-violent offenders should not immediately require a one-size-fits-all incarceration policy. Case workers at county human services departments need to have the opportunity to adapt holistic approaches towards rehabilitation and substance abuse treatment when necessary. We must reform how we treat those with mental illness or developmental disabilities so that our jails are not a dumping ground for those without access to adequate health care. These solutions can reduce the frequency of habitual offenders, reducing the unnecessary strain on our judicial system and giving everyone a chance to fulfill their potential.

Source