2006 Governor Candidates on Juvenile Justice
What does our future Governor think about the Florida Department of
Juvenile Justice? JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG asked the candidates. See email request copied below.
After repeated email and phone call requests since August 3rd, the
responses from the candidates are listed below. To share your thoughts and
suggestions for the candidates,
click here
to post your comments to the Bulletin Board--click "Governor Candidates"
as your Topic.
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Letter to the candidates August 3, 2006 As a candidate for Florida Governor, JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG requests a statement from you in relation to the current status of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and your vision for the future of DJJ. There is widespread perception that DJJ has evolved into a corrupt culture characterized by deceit, incompetence and political cronyism. Ongoing problems within the walls of DJJ include physical abuse, medical neglect, emotional torment, hostility, retaliation, favoritism, inadequate staffing and questionable financial practices. The cozy relationships between DJJ officials, lobbyists, private contractors and some elected officials appear suspicious to the informed citizen. DJJ leadership must ensure that children are protected and not abused while in their care and custody. Tragically, children have died from horrific abuse and neglect while in the ‘care’ of DJJ. Countless other children have survived abuse inflicted by DJJ staff deemed to be ‘professionals’. Many advocates think true reform will occur only with independent citizen oversight. Hopefully a new administration will facilitate significant changes within DJJ. I look forward to your reply describing your position about the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Cathy Corry President and Founder Candidate responses as of September 20, 2006 |
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Charlie Crist Cathy, Thank you for contacting us and sharing your concerns about juvenile justice. Below, please find Charlie Crist's statement on this issue. Karen Charlie Crist believes that we must impose greater accountability standards throughout the entire juvenile justice system so that it provides better outcomes for the juveniles it serves. Accordingly, he supports the recently created STAR Academies that emphasize character development and prohibit physical intervention between guards and youngsters. The Crist Administration will work with local law enforcement to ensure adequate implementation and funding of these programs. Because Charlie Crist also believes that education is the key to preventing delinquency as well as reforming youths who are already in the juvenile justice system, he will emphasize the importance of education, with a focus on reading, life skills, and career skills.
From:
cathycorry@juno.com Karen, On behalf of Charlie Crist, WHEN will you respond to the request sent to you one week ago? See below. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From:
cathycorry@juno.com Karen, JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG would like a detailed statement from Charlie Crist about DJJ. This was not provided to us during the month of August. Now that Charlie has prevailed in the Republican primary election, we would like to know his vision for DJJ and if he would implement independent oversight of DJJ. Here is a message just received on our website as a bulletin board posting: Governor Candidates: To J4K - Cathy, you and this site are wonderful both as an outlet for points of view that would otherwise be suppressed, and as a source of relief and entertainment. As a current employee in the system I could never speak the truth freely without fear of retribution. I have one request: Could J4K formally ask both candidates for governor if they will commit to an independent review and financial audit of DJJ. I would also like to know if either man will establish an independent citizen's board to monitor and advise DJJ. Does Crist consider Schembri and the DJJ mess to be part of the "Jeb Bush Legacy" he touts? Will Davis support dramatic reform of the Department? These facts are critical. I for one intend to base my vote on their responses. Thank you, Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com Karen, It has been four weeks since I requested a position statement from Charlie Crist. Two weeks ago, you provided a one-sentence preliminary statement, along with the following message: 'I realize that this statement does not address your specific conerns, I was waiting for more before replying. However, I want to you know that we have this on the agenda.' WHEN will a statement be provided? Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com Hello Karen, I hope this is still on your 'agenda', as you stated 10 days ago. What is the anticipated date that a complete position statement will be sent to me? Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com Karen, It's Friday and I'm still waiting for more 'meaningful information'. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com Karen, I was hoping to have a complete statement by the end of today, Monday. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com Thank you Karen. I will await your detailed reply. I'm not wanting to 'rush' this, but I also don't want it to be set aside or forgotten. I was hoping to post all positions on our website this weekend. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org On Fri, 18 Aug 2006 19:50:00 -0400 "Karen Halperin" <karen@charliecrist.com> writes: Cathy, I do apologize if I sounded cavalier. I am truly working to have meaningful information for you. This is what I can provide for you so far: “Charlie Crist will impose greater accountability standards throughout the entire juvenile justice system so that it provides better outcomes for the juveniles it serves.” Because I realize that this statement does not address your specific conerns, I was waiting for more before replying. However, I want to you know that we have this on the agenda. Sincerely, Karen Karen Halperin Deputy Policy Director Charlie Crist for Governor Office: 850-656-9445 karen@charliecrist.com
From: cathycorry@juno.com [mailto:cathycorry@juno.com]
Karen, 4th send .......... Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From:
cathycorry@juno.com Charlie Crist, It has been two weeks since I requested a statement from you about your position on DJJ. Please respond. Juvenile justice advocates are waiting. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From:
cathycorry@juno.com Charlie Crist, Please acknowledge receipt of the request I emailed to you one week ago (forwarded below), and provide an approximate date that you will reply. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From:
cathycorry@juno.com August 3, 2006 Charlie Crist, As a candidate for Florida Governor, JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG requests a statement from you in relation to the current status of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and your vision for the future of DJJ. There is widespread perception that DJJ has evolved into a corrupt culture characterized by deceit, incompetence and political cronyism. Ongoing problems within the walls of DJJ include physical abuse, medical neglect, emotional torment, hostility, retaliation, favoritism, inadequate staffing and questionable financial practices. The cozy relationships between DJJ officials, lobbyists, private contractors and some elected officials appear suspicious to the informed citizen. DJJ leadership must ensure that children are protected and not abused while in their care and custody. Tragically, children have died from horrific abuse and neglect while in the ‘care’ of DJJ. Countless other children have survived abuse inflicted by DJJ staff deemed to be ‘professionals’. Many advocates think true reform will occur only with independent citizen oversight. Hopefully a new administration will facilitate significant changes within DJJ. I look forward to your reply describing your position about the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Cathy Corry President and Founder JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG, INC. PO Box 15202 Clearwater, FL 33766 727-799-9762 www.justice4kids.org |
Jim Davis Jim Davis, WHEN will you respond to the request sent to you one week ago? See below. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com Jim Davis, Now that you have prevailed in the Democratic primary election, JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG would like to know your vision for DJJ and if you would consider independent oversight of DJJ. Here is a message just received on our website as a bulletin board posting: Governor Candidates: To J4K - Cathy, you and this site are wonderful both as an outlet for points of view that would otherwise be suppressed, and as a source of relief and entertainment. As a current employee in the system I could never speak the truth freely without fear of retribution. I have one request: Could J4K formally ask both candidates for governor if they will commit to an independent review and financial audit of DJJ. I would also like to know if either man will establish an independent citizen's board to monitor and advise DJJ. Does Crist consider Schembri and the DJJ mess to be part of the "Jeb Bush Legacy" he touts? Will Davis support dramatic reform of the Department? These facts are critical. I for one intend to base my vote on their responses. Thank you, Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org On Thu, 17 Aug 2006 16:12:51 -0700 "Jim Davis" <JimDavis@jimdavis2006.com> writes: Cathy- Thanks for your email on this important subject. Jim Davis believes Florida’s juvenile justice system is badly broken and desperately needs reform. Jim will work with key stakeholders to focus on improving opportunities for our children and invest in programs that are proven effective in reducing delinquency and recidivism among at-risk youth. We’ll reform programs so employees are held accountable for the way they treat children who are in the state’s custody and for their success in reducing crime and delinquency in our communities. (sorry for the delay in responding). www.jimdavis2006.com 813-875-2006
From: cathycorry@juno.com [mailto:cathycorry@juno.com]
Jim Davis, It has been two weeks since I requested a statement from you about your position on DJJ. Please respond. Juvenile justice advocates are waiting. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From:
cathycorry@juno.com Jim Davis, Please acknowledge receipt of the request I emailed to you one week ago (forwarded below), and provide an approximate date that you will reply. Cathy Corry - www.Justice4Kids.org
From: cathycorry@juno.com To:
jimdavis@jimdavis2006.com August 3, 2006 Jim Davis, As a candidate for Florida Governor, JUSTICE4KIDS.ORG requests a statement from you in relation to the current status of the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and your vision for the future of DJJ. There is widespread perception that DJJ has evolved into a corrupt culture characterized by deceit, incompetence and political cronyism. Ongoing problems within the walls of DJJ include physical abuse, medical neglect, emotional torment, hostility, retaliation, favoritism, inadequate staffing and questionable financial practices. The cozy relationships between DJJ officials, lobbyists, private contractors and some elected officials appear suspicious to the informed citizen. DJJ leadership must ensure that children are protected and not abused while in their care and custody. Tragically, children have died from horrific abuse and neglect while in the ‘care’ of DJJ. Countless other children have survived abuse inflicted by DJJ staff deemed to be ‘professionals’. Many advocates think true reform will occur only with independent citizen oversight. Hopefully a new administration will facilitate significant changes within DJJ. I look forward to your reply describing your position about the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice. Cathy Corry |
Max Linn 24 Aug 2006 We apologize for not responding to your request earlier. Our website is finally near completion. The information that you have requested can be found at www.maxlinn.com . There you will find our platform/issues. I hope our site will answer any questions that you may have. If not, please feel free to contact our office at 727-347-8784. Sincerely, Donna Rodriguez Media Relations Max Linn For Governor Campaign (727)347-8784 Political advertisement paid for and approved by Max Linn, Reform Party, for Governor |
John Wayne Smith 24 Aug 2006 Cathy, I apologize for not getting back to you sooner but trying to work and campaign is real hard. Other than returning control to the counties I will have to agree with your program as a step to returning control to the counties. A Statewide Oversight Committee and some state guidelines may be the right answer to making county control work. It is a serious subject that cannot be given a light touch or answer. So that is my stand in a nutshell as of now. Sorry, but I will not have time to formulate a deeper program until after the election. The Oversight Committee would have to have some real power but the rules must be flexible so as not to tie the hands of the counties as long as they work within reasonable rules and cause no harm to the juveniles involved. There should be no state camps and the parents of the juveniles must be involved or face some type of punishment themselves. Professional psychological help should be kept to a minimum as I believe that is part of the problem. While necessary, I have never seen much real good that they do. John Wayne Smith, NPA Candidate for Governor, 2006 03 Aug 2006 |