Stephen Smith

Let us know who is answering this survey.

Name Stephen Smith

Home City Charleston

What role do you believe the Governor plays in protecting civil liberties of West Virginians?

We want a government where the people who work the hardest and bear the most, are also the people who are writing the laws. To get there, we need a Governor who not only protects the liberties of the most vulnerable - but seeks to be led by them.

Which civil liberties issues are you most passionate about? What do those mean to you?

We cage thousands of our people for being sick or poor. We have to right this wrong.

Several states have passed bills banning abortions at as early as 6 weeks. If the West Virginia legislature passed a bill like this, would you sign or veto it? Why?

I would veto it. Medical decisions ought to belong to doctors and families, not politicians.

Following an executive order allowing governors to refuse to receive refugees, West Virginia announced that it would continue to be open to refugees. Would you continue or change this policy? Why?

I would continue the policy. West Virginia, at its best, is a welcoming place. We can have a state that open its arms to both refugees and West Virginia citizens - but only if we stop allowing out of state corporations and their lobbyists loot our wealth.

There have been several high profile instances of misconduct by West Virginia State police. What steps would you commit to taking to proving accountability and transparency for law-enforcement misconduct?

In addition to body cameras and better training, we also plan to establish an elite Corporate Crime and Political Corruption division in the state police - to make sure every public official and officer of the state is held to a higher standard.

Between the Safe at home program, and the pending Memorandom of Understanding between West Virginia and the Department of Justice, West Virginia has committed to keeping more juvenile justice involved youth in their communities. How big of a priority is this for you, and what steps do you think the state needs to take to meet this obligation?

This is a major priority. Kids should get the healing they need, close to home.

If elected, how do you think your office can help build public trust in the government and keep people informed about important events and actions?

I encourage folks to read our policy plans for themselves. Each one was written in direct collaboration with West Virginia citizens, and our End Election Buying plan details how we can change who holds political power in the state (imagine Taxpayer Councils over every agency in the Executive Branch, putting people directly impacted by government in charge). Better yet? Contact me directly at [email protected], and we can talk about what issues matter most to you.