ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, October 14, 1996 TAG: 9610150002
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C4 EDITION: METRO
D=Democrat R=Republican L=Libertarian VIP=Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
What policy or policies do you advocate that would address James Clemons' concern - and the concerns of others like him - that crime is getting worse and spreading to suburbs and rural areas?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``We know that crime has no boundaries - criminals strike in our cities, suburbs and rural areas. The police are understaffed. That's why I support a plan to put 100,000 more police on our streets - helping to prevent crime and catch criminals. I also support tough sanctions, like the death penalty for the most serious crimes.''
John Warner (R)
``Fighting crime is primarily a local responsibility. However, the federal government can and does provide financial resources to help local police departments, and by passing laws that address federal crimes, the Congress creates a model for local and state government to follow. One law that I am particularly proud of is a measure that enables local police agencies to benefit from the assets taken in drug trafficking cases.'' Also backs instant background checks on guns.
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``I was proud to be the first Senate co-patron of the legislation that abolished parole in Virginia. We are beginning to see results from the implementation of this legislation. At the national level, we need to refocus on the war on drugs, to increase efforts to stop the inflow of drugs, and to crack down on the drug pushers in our country.''
George Landrith (R)
Says federal government needs to focus on fighting drugs. Supports federal block grants for more local police, as long as money doesn't have too many strings attached. ``They need to allow home-grown solutions to exist. You can't solve everything from Washington with one cookie-cutter, one-size-fits-all approach.'' Wants to see criminals convicted more quickly and serve more time for serious crimes.
Tex Wood (VIP)
``I live in a rural area. Odds are, James [and his neighbor] got ripped off by homegrown crime. Urban visitors casing rural areas might as well be Martians trying to blend in at a nudist colony. Local cops'Il nail the thieves. Stricter gun control laws will just drive up the prices, thereby increasing such break-ins.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``The key is making sure criminals know that if they commit a crime they will receive sure, swift and severe punishment. I've voted for requiring mandatory life sentences for three-time convicted felons, ending frivolous appeals that death-row killers have used to avoid their deserved death sentences, providing prison funding for states that have adopted 'truth-in-sentencing' laws I agree with Mr. Clemons that we should take Virginia's 'instant background check' nationwide.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``I believe the president's crime bill, that would put 100,000 new police officers on the streets, would be essential in protecting our communities. Punishment should fit the crime. Funding under this crime bill will help state governments carry out full sentencing on criminals.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``The legal war on drugs causes one half of the crimes against persons and property today. It stimulates drug demand. It causes private violence to protect drug profits, inventory and territory. Letting peaceful, honest addicts be will dramatically reduce crime.The use of force as therapy doesn't work or even help.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I strongly support a reinstitution at the federal level of a successor to the federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration which very effectively supplied local law enforcement authorities with resources to buy equipment and enhanced communications capabilities, and to provide training. I also support the current administration effort to put more police on the beat through the 'Cops More' program.'' Supported the three-strikes-and-you're-out law.
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``We must put criminals in jail and keep them there for their full sentence. I support building more prisons, deporting criminal aliens, reducing the number of criminals who go free on technicalities and passing truth-in-sentencing laws, requiring criminals to serve their full sentence.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Rural crime requires rural solutions. Congress, if given a chance, would find a way to line it's pockets with political action committee funding in the name of rural crime prevention. The best preventative measures for rural crime are good and nosy neighbors, a big dog and rural justice.''
LENGTH: Medium: 92 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB