Pence visits Evansville to honor MLK Jr.

EVANSVILLE, IN (WFIE) - During a visit to Evansville, Governor Mike Pence talked about the work Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did and how he's constantly inspired by him.

Pence also touched on how he says he incorporates King's ideals and values when dealing with the challenges we face today.

"My ambition is to make sure that we have the kind of compassion and large-heartedness that Dr. King evidenced throughout his life," said Pence.

He touched on state-wide problems, as well as issues in Evansville.

"We're going to continue to get very tough on drug dealers in the state. We're advocating even tougher penalties against those who sell poisons to our kids. But we're also recognizing we can't arrest our way out of this. We have to have more treatment options."

He says one of the best prevention programs here in Evansville is Youth First.

Another program he highlighted is Churches Embracing Offenders. He even gave a Sagamore of the Wabash award to Pastor Everett Freels, the founder of the organization.

"The work reverend Freels has done over the years here in Evansville, in connection with inmates that are coming out and looking for that second chance is truly inspirational"

It's a program the governor believes has been extremely successful in helping non-violent offenders get their lives back on track.

It's of several issues Pence says he'll continue to focus on in 2016.

With the State of the State next Tuesday Pence says he'll use that opportunity to speak about the progress we've made.