2024 HOD Candidate Questionnaire Response
Name Dave Cantrell
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 3
Your Hometown Wheeling
Campaign Website Cantrellforwv.com
Cantrell for WV on Facebook, Instagram, X and Tiktok
On June 24, 2022, the US Supreme Court overturned Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, effectively overturning Roe v. Wade. As a result, the WV legislature enacted a near total ban on abortion less than three months later. With no access to or Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think abortion policy should look like in West Virginia?
First, as an elected official I shouldn’t have a say in what someone does with their body. I believe that decision should be left to the individual and their healthcare provider. As a Planned Parenthood endorsee, I look forward to working together to restore and secure everyone's reproductive freedoms.
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?
I would support these protections against discrimination pertaining to traditional or natural hair textures and styles. Protecting someone’s individual freedoms should also extend to their personal identity.
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?
I believe that the teachings of Critical Race Theory help us see how racism continues to have an impact on people’s lives. As a legislator I would work to remove prejudices embedded in our laws, policies and societal norms.
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 to end the ongoing discrimination against 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 law protecting those being discriminated against based on sexuality or gender identity. In my opinion, no one should be denied employment, housing, or access to public accommodations solely based on sexuality or gender identity.
During the 2024 legislative session, the Senate passed legislation mandating, “In God We Trust” be posted in all West Virginia schools and permitting teachers to discuss ‘creationism’ and ‘intelligent design creationism’ as part of public-school science curricula. What role do you think religion should play in the public school system, and why?
None. I believe by keeping religion out of public schools we maintain a separation of church and state and ensuring inclusivity for all students regardless of faith. Plus, this goes against our First Amendment prohibiting government from establishing a religion or favoring one religion over another.
In 2023, West Virginia lawmakers passed HB2007, severely restricting access to gender affirming healthcare services for West Virginians under the age of 18. Proponents of the legislation claimed it was about keeping kids safe, and opponents argued in favor of parental rights and medical freedom. What role, if any, do you believe government should play regarding medical decisions relating to gender affirming healthcare services, and why?
As stated in question 6, I don’t believe elected officials should have any say in what someone may or may not do to their body. When it comes to West Virginias under the age of 18, I believe it is essential to the health and well-being of transgender youth, that this decision be made with parental consent after an in-depth assessment from medical and mental health professionals.
Though abolished in 1965, lawmakers have introduced multiple bills designed to reinstate the death penalty. What are your thoughts on capital punishment in general, and would you support or oppose the effort to reinstate the death penalty in West Virginia?
Quick answer, I do not support the death penalty. I believe there are too many variables that would possibly lead to someone being wrongfully executed.
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?
I believe this is an ongoing national crisis with each community facing different situations. Lack of jobs, poor economy, not enough affordable housing and or low-income housing, and most importantly mental health. In my opinion mental health going undiagnosed may be one of biggest issues with people ending up unhoused. I also believe without any kind of rehabilitation those affected will never get out of the cycle of not being able to get a job without an address and not being able to get an apartment/house without a job.
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?
To an extent, yes, I do support a civilian review board. However, I would like to see these positions voted on by the public and not as an appointment. If the state itself had a review board, it could monitor any officers wanting to transfer when they may have had complaints or violations in their previous communities. In my opinion, we should invest more into mental health and how to diffuse a situation with law enforcement.
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?
For starters, decriminalize adult use cannabis. As with all state employees, invest properly with raises, better benefits, more staff, etc. Making positions more desirable and attracting qualified and properly trained staff for each position.
Currently, people coming out of incarceration on probation, parole, or supervised release for a felony conviction are unable to vote. When, if ever, do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever, should that right be restored?
I don’t know if I can give an informed answer, but I will say I would lean more to those that have committed serious crimes involving death, rape or abuse give up their right to vote when those crimes are committed
Across the country, there is controversy about what is obscene. Often these focus on sexual education, content that discusses sexual orientation or gender identity, profanity, and references to sex. This controversy has led to renewed attempts to censor or restrict access to controversial material. What do you think is the proper role of the government in restrict material like this and where do you draw the line at what is obscene?
I for one am not for banning/restricting any sort of material. I believe if used in an educational setting and depending on what age group sexual education should be taught in our public education systems.