1) Something is seriously wrong with our criminal justice system. We need to end the war on drugs and legalize gambling, prostitution and other “vices.” No victim, no crime, period. There are also other crimes for which I would pardon individuals. I believe in the 2nd Amendment and the unalienable right to self defense. As Governor, I expect a significant decrease in the prison population. Part of my platform is to appoint a volunteer commission to help me pardon anyone who has been convicted of a victimless crime, in prison or out of prison. Only dangerous people belong in prison.
2) Yes; prison guards, like most state employees, are overpaid and receive obscenely excessive benefits, especially retirement benefits (pensions and health care). As a result of the decrease in prison population that I anticipate, I would lay off a large portion of the prison guards, focusing in particular on those who have a history of violence (we need a house cleaning). Too many prison guards (and other law enforcement personnel, especially SWAT teams) are authoritarian and are a far greater danger to citizens than most criminals.
3) Punishment should fit the crime. No third strike should ever be for a non-violent crime. Only those individuals who are a continuing danger to others should be in prison. Those who commit crimes only against someone’s property should be punished in a different fashion, through fines and restitution. Rather than being warehoused in prisons, they should continue to live in regular society, perhaps with restrictions on their activities, and continue to work and be productive citizens. There needs to be balance and common sense in sentencing.
4) I would look for someone who believes, as I do, in the concept that the only crimes are crimes against people and their property, someone who recognizes that people, especially young people, sometimes make mistakes and, while some form of punishment may be necessary (restitution is always my preferred punishment; victims should be made whole if possible), they should be rehabilitated through their work experience and self-sufficiency.
5) I believe that Governors have tried to prove themselves in favor of law and order. Conservatives and Republicans believe in punishment and liberals and Democrats are afraid of looking soft on crime. As a Libertarian, I believe in the rights of all individuals (groups have no rights), that restitution is important, and that rehabilitation creates an asset while imprisonment creates a liability, and that prison often becomes a recruitment center for criminals. Someone leaving prison may have difficulty getting a job; someone who has been working will always find it easier to get a job.