ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, October 16, 1996 TAG: 9610160005
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
D - Democrat
R - Republican
L - Libertarian
VIP - Virginia Independent Party/Reform Party
What policy or policies do you advocate that would address Dennis DuBuc's concern - and the concerns of others like him - that there are too many young criminals nowadays?
FOR U.S. SENATE
Mark Warner (D)
``I am extremely concerned about the rising tide of juvenile crime - it's hard even to believe some of the crimes you read about kids committing. I support Virginia's bipartisan efforts to reduce juvenile crime. Juveniles who commit serious crimes should be tried as adults. But the vast majority of juvenile offenders are not violent and we shouldn't give up on then - that's why we need prevention programs with a proven record of success and good education programs.''
John Warner (R)
``Crime statistics give support to citizens' concern about personal security.``The origins of crime are frequently rooted in the upbringing of a child, in substance abuse, or a loss of moral compass.
Through our homes, in our schools, and in our communities, we must instill in our children a greater sense of personal responsibility and respect for themselves and others. When these efforts are not sufficient, then we must use our criminal justice system effectively to protect innocent citizens from being victimized.'' We must have truth in sentencing, an end to parole, sufficient prison space, and tough sentencing for violent offenders.''
FOR 5TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Virgil Goode (D)
``In the 1996 session of the Virginia General Assembly, we reformed Virginia's juvenile justice system to make it tougher on those who commit violent crimes. Teen-agers who commit violent crimes can now be tried as adults, and the juvenile court system is now open to the public. Juveniles must realize that they will not be coddled.''
George Landrith (R)
``Drug use among teen-agers has doubled since Bill Clinton was elected. Crime and drugs go hand in hand. We must do a better job of protecting our borders and preventing drugs from entering our country. We must promote policies that strengthen families rather than tearing them apart. We must do a better job with education.''
Tex Wood (VIP)
``Regarding young thugs: come down so hard so fast so sure that they're stunned into attention. They traffic in fear, so I've no qualms about squashing them. We already understand them. They need to start understanding us, immediately.''
FOR 6TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Bob Goodlatte (R)
``Juvenile drug use has skyrocketed in the last four years, which has directly contributed to the rising crime rate among young people. Helping families stay together and prosper is a key way to combat juvenile crime and our welfare reform law will help toward this goal. However, those juveniles who commit adult crimes like murder, rape or armed robbery must be tried and punished just like adults, with the same tough sentences.''
Jeff Grey (D)
``The federal government should help find community programs and school programs, like drug-free schools programs, that are aimed at getting young people off of the streets and away from drugs.''
Jay Rutledge (L)
``Almost all people are decent. The exceptions seem more numerous than they are because of publicity. But a bad example instituted at the top is demoralizing and a bad influence on the young. Legal theft is a bad example rotting the moral roots of society. We must repeal the income tax and stop the rot.''
FOR 9TH DISTRICT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Rick Boucher (D)
``I think the best answer to that general problem is that more money should be invested in education as the best deterrent to a criminal career. Specifically, I support the proposal to provide a tax credit for the cost of tuition at community colleges and a tax deduction for up to $10,000 per year for the cost of attending a four-year college.''
Patrick Muldoon (R)
``Under President Clinton, drug use is dramatically up among teens. We must resume the war on drugs as drug use contributes heavily to our rising crime rate. Increased parental and community involvement in our children's lives will help ensure our youth won't turn to drugs and crime.''
Tom Roberts (VIP)
``Children in grade-school and later as teens often learn that they are not responsible for their actions at school or at home, and as 'juveniles' are immune from most punishment. Since our current permissive system doesn't work, I advocate a return to the discipline system of the 'old days' that did work.''
WANT MORE INFORMATION?
For links to candidates' home pages, previously published stories and other election information, visit our on-line voters' guide at: www.roanoke.com
LENGTH: Long : 101 lines KEYWORDS: POLITICS CONGRESSby CNB