9NEWS reached out to all the gubernatorial candidates for comment on the

issue of the Victim Rights Act. Statements from candidates are below:
STATEMENT FROM LEW GAITER REGARDING THE VICTIM RIGHTS ACT
As defined in the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S 24-4.1-302 1.3), Correctional
facility means any private or public entity providing correctional services to
offenders pursuant to a court order, providing no exception for out of state
facilities. Accordingly, C.R.S. 24-4.1-303(14)(j.5)(a,b) does not provide an exception
for inmates moved to out of state facilities or as a result of unique circumstances.
The job of the Governor is to ensure that the laws of Colorado be faithfully executed
in accordance with the constitution. As Governor, I would enforce the law as it is
stated and release the relevant information regarding the institution where the
inmate is being held when properly requested. However, I would support legislation
allowing the Department of Corrections to withhold an inmates location in cases
that present a significant risk to the employees of the prison where the victim is
located.

STATEMENT FROM NOEL GINSBURG REGARDING VICTIM RIGHTS ACT

"As Governor I have an obligation to follow the Colorado Constitution. It is a delicate

balance of ensuring the state is not causing victims of crime to feel re-victimized by
denying them information they feel is critical to their own well-being while also
protecting our prison personnel.
Overall, I support victims being given information related to the whereabouts of
their perpetrator. In cases where prison guards' safety might be at risk by making
this information available to the general public, a confidentiality agreement could
be required before the information is released to the victim."

STATEMENT FROM MIKE JOHNSTON REGARDING VICTIM RIGHTS ACT

"Mike believes in the rights of victims to participate in every stage of the criminal
justice process, but without having reviewed the interstate corrections compact, nor
had access to the legal opinions on which the Department of Corrections and the
Governor's Office are relying for their decision, it would be premature to take a
position on this. But it is certainly something he would look at once elected."

STATEMENT FROM CARY KENNEDY REGARDING VICTIM RIGHTS ACT

"My priorities will be transparency and the rights of victims. There are times with
high profile cases that there may be extenuating circumstances. I would meet with
the victims and talk with key stakeholders to determine the appropriate course of
action."

STATEMENT FROM ED PERLMUTTER REGARDING VICTIM RIGHTS ACT

"The reading of the statute indicates the victims should be given notice where the
inmate is transferred but there may be other factors including contracts between
the states and safety concerns for inmates and corrections officers that need be
considered. But upon initial review, the location of the inmates should be given to
the victims upon written request."