Political Quotes

“I thank the gentleman from Tennessee. Mr. Chairman, I am very proud that my home county of Boulder County is one of four judicial districts in the State of Colorado to have a pilot program for restorative justice. Boulder, Weld, Pueblo, and Alamosa Counties are recipients of the pilot program, and it really is a tremendous opportunity to use restorative justice in the juvenile delinquency context. As you know, the goal of restorative justice is for the young people to figure out how they can make up for their crimes directly to the people affected rather than just have a fine that is placed on them. Our district attorney, Stan Garnett, believes that 60 to 70 percent of juvenile crime will be able to be dealt with through restorative justice in Boulder County. What this amendment would allow for Mr. Cohen is a more meaningful partnership with the school district to this effect. The current funds for the pilot program come through the justice system. If funds are available to train educators with regard to restorative justice, a more meaningful and integrated partnership with the school district and the DA's office and the sheriff's department can be reached to make restorative justice even more successful, both in Boulder County, Colorado, as well as the rest of the country. I strongly support the amendment.”