Name Thomas Perkins
Office Sought State Senate
Party Affiliation Republican
District 10
City/Town Frankford
Campaign Website https://thomasforoffice.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?
I believe that abortion should be illegal after eight weeks of pregnancy. The political position that life begins at conception could undermine women's reproductive health. However, I would support a abortion ban seven days after conception.
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?
No opinion, would most likely support legislation that protects against discrimination based off of hairstyle.
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?
Critical race theory is in fact racist. Black History Month is racist. Women's History Month is sexist. What we need in our public school system is new textbooks. That don't discriminate against individuals based on race or gender.
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 wouldn't oppose having a state law that provides protections to LGBTQ community. However the protections should only apply to programs that receive government funds. I wouldn't wanna force any type of new regulations on the private sector or religious groups. I also want to be clear that I don't support LGBTQ rights for juveniles, only legal adults.
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 believe that we should teach what is known as religious history. This should be a high school class. That is taught from a history book. It talks about each different religion in its context. This way people understand the different religions and their traditions.
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?
The United States should not get involved in Ukraine. This also means that the United States should not accept any refugees. I strongly oppose the resettling of Ukrainian refugees in West Virginia. I believe that this would have a negative impact on our society.
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?
Homelessness is a growing problem in our communities. Some people choose to become homeless so that they can qualify for government benefits. As they cannot afford benefits based off of their own income. I would like to see more community centers within the state and resources available to help people in need.
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?
I was brutally beaten as a child by law enforcement. I have little confidence in our law enforcement community. I believe one solution is that all police officers should be equipped with body cams by law. Second is I want to have proper training for our law enforcement officials on how to deal with juveniles. I also believe police officers should be prohibited from using things such as tasers or pepper spray as they are typically abused. Law enforcement officers used Tasers to torture individuals, especially blacks. We also need to have community programs where the public is informed on what is proper policing protocols.
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?
I wanna put an end to all private prisons within West Virginia. I believe that prisons need to be managed by the state. The state should also have laws on cell block size and capacity. There should also only be one inmate per cell. I also support bringing back the death penalty for inmates who kill a correctional official or fellow inmate while serving a life sentence.
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?
An individual currently in jail should have the right to vote through an absentee ballot. However, if that individual is found guilty and sent to prison. Then they shall lose their right to vote till one year after the completion of their prison sentence.