Name Scott Nale
Office Sought Delegate
Party Affiliation Republican
District 78
City/Town Morgantown
Campaign Website scottnale.com
The US Supreme Court will decide Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this summer, which some have speculated may overturn Roe v. Wade. If there were no Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
Protection should be in place for all human life. Science says life begins at conception. Abortion should be a medical necessity for the protection of the mother's life.
Several West Virginia municipalities have passed ordinances that expand the definition of racial discrimination to include discriminating against traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Would you support expanding this protection statewide? Why or why not?
Protection should be in place for all human life. No one should be discriminated against for any reason. How a person looks or what they believe should have no impact on their quality of life.
Many states have created laws that seek to limit the teaching of "divisive concepts" or "critical race theory". West Virginia narrowly missed passing a similar law during the 2022 Legislative Session. What is the value or harm in teaching these topics and what role should the legislature play in determining this curriculum?
This is a very complex issue. No doubt there have been poor decisions through the history of our Country and those should be taught in schools. Rural West has similarly suffered, oppressive policies over the years have not only targeted once race. We should teach policies that build togetherness in our communities instead of division.
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexuality or gender identity. Proponents claim these protections are necessary for ongoing discrimination by the LGBTQ community. Opponents claim that such protections infringe upon religious beliefs. What do you believe and would you support or oppose a statewide law?
I would support a statewide law protecting against discrimination. I would be willing to hear input from both sides regarding potential provisions or exclusions, but on the surface don't see the need for any.
Recently a revival was held at schools in Cabell and Wayne counties. The Legislature has, in recent years, passed laws to allow teaching the Bible in public schools and allowing for religious drug-prevention programs to operate in schools. What do you think the role of religion in public schools should be and why?
I have no issue with non-required religions activities in school. A well rounded community should be encouraged in West Virginia, however, this should be universal. Meaning all belief sets should be equal footing, outside of the regular curriculum. Parents should also be given a voice to decide what their children can participate in or avoid.
The West Virginia Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution stating that West Virginia is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Critics have pointed out that the Legislature has recently considered legislation what would make things more difficult for refugees and immigrants to settle in West Virginia. Should West Virginia welcome refugees and immigrants? If no, why not? If yes, what can the state do to support these communities?
Refugees and legal immigrants should be welcomed and encouraged in West Virginia. As a state rapidly losing population, we need to encourage population growth and the new ideas these people often bring with them. Work and language education programs can assist these people to integrate in our community.
There is increasing tension with communities of people who are unhoused or face housing insecurity. Police breakups of encampments are common, and municipalities have shown growing opposition to low-barrier housing and recovery housing. How would you address community concerns while protecting the rights of unhoused people?
This is a difficult issue and one that gets worse as we watch inflation soar. I would advocate for hand up programs to potentially help with job skills and housing for these people to help reintegrate them into the community.
Police violence has been in the forefront of national headlines for several years. Some propose more civilian oversight of law enforcement through civilian review boards that could review incidents and policies. Others view these boards as "anti-police" and point out that civilians are ill-equipped to understand the nature of police work. Do you support the use of civilian review boards? What other steps, if any, should the state take to provide transparency and accountability for police?
No, I do not support civilian review boards. I would encourage body cams to help adjudicate offenses. Trusting the legal system to bring charges if evidence shows the need.
Jails in West Virginia are above capacity and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps, if any, should West Virginia take to address these issues?
Quit housing out of state criminals. Reduce sentences and raise fines for victimless crimes.
Currently, people who are incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction are unable to vote. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people who are on probation and parole. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever should that right be restored?
I'm fine with the law as it stands, incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction seems enough. People make mistakes and the justice system punishes them, we do not need to extend the restrictions. Once the debt to society has been paid, the voting rights should be restored.