My desire to serve as District Court Judge is founded on the belief that I can bring about some new ideas in reform, while at the same time restoring professional courtesy to a sometimes wrenching courthouse experience.  My service on the bench will be conservative and innovative. Firm and consistent application of rules of law will be combined with thoughtful decisions and creative options. My objectives include:
1. Mandatory substance abuse monitoring. Substance abuse is a dominant theme in many issues arriving to court. Over 90% of inmates have an identified substance abuse problem. Divorce, child custody and domestic litigation, as well as civil and financial disputes, are often permeated with substance abuse factors. Substance abuse monitoring is an effective way of redirecting deviant behavior.
2. Mandated reentry programs after incarceration. Work release coupled with night jail and mandatory counseling are critical to reintegration of the criminal offender. Providing programs only to inmates who seek assistance after release will not capture the individuals most in need of structured living. Monitored work release can be simultaneously less costly and more rehabilitative than round-the-clock incarceration.
3. Efficient court scheduling and processing. Courts face limited budgets and impose hefty time demands on all parties. The courts must adhere to strict business principles of efficiency. My diverse experience with private law practice and commercial real estate, as well as involvement on various local boards and committees, has fostered my ability to manage time and people well.
4. Flexible and courteous service. Litigants and interested parties should have broad access to the judiciary. I will be available at short notice, at unusual night or weekend times, or in places that allow for accessibility to all interested parties. I will bring civility to my courtroom and show all parties attentiveness and respect.

HEADLINE:  Unable to get jobs, freed inmates return to jail

Recidivism rate likely to rise as jobless rate for ex-cons may be 60 percent

 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35263313/ns/business-careers/

Jennifer Kostyal of Transformed by the Word Ministries visits prisons throughout North Carolina and elsewhere.  She is constantly receiving letters from women who are facing release, with little plan for reentry.  Here is a touching and poignant letter from one of those inmates, representative of the many she receives:
JENNIFER,        8/28/09 Hey I’m Ronda and I’m 32 years old and currently in prison.  My release date is June 26th, 2010.  I’ve done the bible study “Moving in Faith” and attended a Sunday service, which you preached.  I have to say both have been a blessing.  There (is) so much I want to say but don’t know where to start.  I really need your help.  I’m hoping you will find me a loving, supportive safe place to go, prior to me leaving prison.  I’m so scared to go back to where I came from which was a very controlling, abusive relationship.  And a life of Alcohol/Drugs/Prostitution and one abusive relationship after another.  I’ve never known was it’s like to have a place to live of my own or what it’s like to hold down a job for more than 30 days.  Since I was 12 all I’ve known is being in homes, hospitals, institutions and jails and prison.  I’ve been away from my family more time than I’ve been with them.  And when I was in their presence I managed to hurt them deeply.  I have 4 beautiful children, which I lost.  I’ve never had any real friends.  And I’ve become dependent on men for security, but had to pay a big price for that.  Being made to do things that I didn’t want to do, just to keep a roof over my head.  Or I had to become what they wanted to make them happy.  Many times I wanted to just end my life, and have tried.  I hate my life and who I’ve become.  I want to get my life together and make something of myself.  I have so many dreams that I wish I could make come true.  If nothing else, Jennifer, I just want to be happy and loved.  Sometimes I feel like God works miracles for everyone else, but he doesn’t hear my prayers.  Will you please help me, I have no one else to turn to.  GOD BLESS YOU … I hope to hear from you soon.    Ronda xxxxx.