1. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you propose programs and/or initiatives to limit the number of arrests for minor offenses in the city?
Easter-Thomas:
I plan to introduce an ordinance to decriminalize marijuana in the City of Memphis. I also support ending money bail.
2. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you support a pre-booking diversion program for drug-related offenses and for those suffering from mental health issues?
Easter-Thomas:
I support funding mental and health programs that aid citizens who are in need of these services before, during, and after offenses are recorded. I will push for accessible facilities in the inner-city areas, as well as reliable transportation for citizens to effectively utilize these services.
3. If elected or re-elected to the city council, will you support a policy to require transparency and democratic accountability before city agencies acquire new surveillance tools?
Easter-Thomas:
4. If elected or re-elected to the city council will you work to make stop and arrest data, including race and ethnicity data, available to the public quarterly?
Easter-Thomas:
5. If elected or re-elected to the city council what will you do to ensure a timely, transparent and independent investigation whenever an officer uses deadly force?
Easter-Thomas:
Reinstating the use and inclusion of CLERB, as well as issuing timely reports to the public.
6. Name 3 steps you would take as a council member to make the Community Law Enforcement Review Board (CLERB) more effective.
Easter-Thomas:
1. Review ordinance that allows for the existence and mandated use of CLERB. Being attentive to any clauses that may allow municipal government to refuse their services.
2. Advocating for revision of CLERB ordinance, and creating, with the council, new standards of qualifications and recruitment.
3. Recruiting new CLERB members, while appointing Council member to assist in their success and attend meetings and hearings.
7. Would you support policies, programs or initiatives to dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?
Easter-Thomas:
As a secondary educator, I experience first hand the lack of resources mandated to City students, the lack of post-secondary opportunities, and the lack of support and love shown to students by all of the school community.
I support the inclusion of technical paths as career options. I support school-community partnerships that offer intern experiences and teenage employment. I support school break initiatives that provide employment for older students and learning intervention for younger students. I support the recruitment of quality teachers and administrators to serve in our city schools, and the adequate provision of raising teacher salary and benefits.
8. What does criminal justice reform mean to you?
Easter-Thomas:
Criminal Justice Reform means to change the way we see community, government, and crime. CRJ includes supporting re-entry programs and expungement, but it also includes providing proactive services so that we can avoid creating a growing population of "felons and criminals." CRJ means holding law enforcement, government, and the community accountable for promoting ethical approaches to safety and transparent disclosures of investigations that can guide us towards the workings of a better city.