He said he supports longer sentences for violent offenders, a concept that was strengthened in this year's crime bill, which he supported. Scorsone denied there was a pattern in the missed votes, saying he had voted in favor of plenty of crime legislation, such as the 1998 crime bill, which also enacted Kentucky's version of Megan's Law. My record is pretty clear that I've been active on crime legislation. Beyond questions about past records, many of the candidates' stances on crime aren't very different. With a few exceptions, most said decisions about crime and school safety are best left to local and state authorities.
Nobody knows better than local communities how to deal with their own crime problems.
Madison County Attorney Bobby Russell and Perryville resident Scott Land agreed that crime decisions are more the province of states and communities. Russell, a longtime prosecutor, said funding is needed for more juvenile detention facilities. He said he'd also like to see more alternative schools that try to get troubled youths back on track. But at the same time, the juvenile area is one where we can make a big difference in lives. Under his plan, expelled children would be sent to military-style boot camps or alternative schools, though he hasn't worked out funding details.