Challenge your political candidates.  Seriously consider those candidates who will take the unpopular stand on improving Correctional policies and reinstate the Parole system in the state of Florida.  Though getting ‘tough on crime’ has been politically profitable to candidates, there is a lot of power in the hands of the 200,000+ Florida voters who have a loved one incarcerated in the Florida Department of Corrections and who are concerned about the well being of their loved ones.  Send the message, LOUD AND CLEAR, that  there is power in your vote and wield that power in a way that supports fair treatment and rehabilitation of inmates.

Inmates who are drug abusers are in the majority and, once released, are most at risk for relapse.  Rehabilitation prepares inmates for re-entry into society and has been proven very successful.  Demand reimplementation of the Parole system in the state of Florida in order to give those sentenced to ‘forever’,  who need a just little help to get their lives back on track, the hope of returning to their families and begin anew.  Demand job training and placement for inmates who are newly released into the real world.  These are the crucial steps that will make our communities safer and reduce recidivism.

Florida’s General Election will be held on November 2, 2010.  Before you cast your ballot, make demands of your candidates for Governor, Attorney General, Senate and Circuit Court Judge.  Find out where they stand on Correctional issues that negatively impact inmates.  Then make sure you get out to the polls and MAKE YOUR VOTE COUNT for those changes that will contribute to treating inmates like valued human beings and prepare them for a successful re-entry.