Pardons matter more to a person than almost anything else. I am going to say openly that I trust more felons than I do politicians.
When someone commits a crime, they should pay the time and live with the consequences. But if it was a non -violent offense and they want a real chance to start over, they should have that opportunity.
I’ve spent most of my career in oil and gas around convicted felons. Some of the most standup, loyal, model citizens I’ve ever known came from the hardest looking, heavily tattooed men you’d ever meet. Those are the kind of people who would stand by my side any day of the week.
A pardon puts your name on that person. That’s a risk. It’s a risk I would take to give men and women in Arkansas a shot at a new life.
If someone has proven they can be a model citizen and spent their time trying to make things right, why shouldn’t we forgive? If they didn’t hurt anyone, don’t they deserve a second chance?
As governor, I plan on giving out a pardon to every individual just like Michael Springer who has spent years trying to undo his wrongs just to get it thrown in the trash. I don't think that's right, and I am willing to put my name and give these families a second chance if they deserve it