Seth Collins, First Ward
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Q1. There have been proposals put forward to create a Civilian Review Board for the Morgantown City Police. Please share your thoughts on this ordinance, or a civilian police review board in Morgantown.
I was raised in Morgantown and have personally never seen or heard of any wrongdoings of the Morgantown Police Department like that of what has gone on nationally and in other cities. I’ve lived here my whole life and have always felt safe.
I completely understand wanting to be proactive, but we need to ask ourselves, “Are we trying to create solutions to problems that don’t exist?” The Council’s time and resources are a precious commodity, and there are many other urgent issues and projects that could use more attention.
When it comes to the citizens review board, the Attorney General stated it would violate West Virginia law. From my understanding, it is mainly the investigating officers for wrongdoing part that is unlawful. There is also already has a three-member Commission that has the authority to do those things.
I’ve called the Morgantown Police department and asked Chief Powell about the Citizens review board and he sounds very open to the idea of citizen input, accountability, and transparency between the police and the city. There are aspects of the plan that are great, but the city needs to work with the police to make a mutually beneficial plan. We can’t try to push something that is unlawful.
Q2. In the past year, the city has been engaged in conversations about housing insecurity and houselessness, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you like to see the city address houselessness in Morgantown?
To help combat houselessness, before we try to create any new programs or initiatives, we need to ask ourselves what is already in place. The city needs to work with organizations like West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness, Bartlett Housing Solutions, and United Way who are specialists and approved by the state. This is what they do, and they do a good job. The Ramada Inn project is a step in the right direction, but it isn’t the entire answer. If any city money is going to go towards these non-profits to help battle homelessness, it should come from the stimulus funds.
Q3. People experiencing houselessness sometimes set up encampments on personal or public property. These can provide a community and stability but have also created concerns about safety and sanitation. How do you think Morgantown should approach encampments like these?
Encampments like this may provide a perceived community and stability, but we need to remember this is still not an ideal situation for anyone involved. Encampments like this are illegal and do not fit into any zoning ordinance. The role of a city councilor is to uphold the law. The encampment like the one at Diamond village was not supporting the needs of those living there, but supporting habits, as well as affecting Morgantown citizen’s perception on those experiencing houselessness. This is why I support Housing First. It is the mission of non-profit organizations in town like West Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness and Bartlett Housing Solutions to house people experiencing homelessness and to provide services to keep these individuals housed. The goal of Morgantown should be to support and work with these organizations to prevent the need for an encampment like this in the future.
Q4. The Center for Disease Control advocates for needs-based syringe programs (providing access to the number of syringes needed “to ensure that a new, sterile syringe is available for each injection” with no restrictions including returning used syringes) as the best practice to reduce new HIV and viral hepatitis infections. These evidence-based programs that follow suggested best practices have been controversial in West Virginia and under attack at both the state and local level. If elected to city council how would you view syringe distribution programs?
The common misconception is that providing access to sterile syringes encourages using. People who use will find a way, and a syringe distribution program will only help to reduce the new HIV and viral hepatitis infections between finding and receiving help for addictions. I believe any program that can help these individuals is a good idea.
Q5. In 2017, Morgantown passed a Non-Discrimination Ordinance to include protections “against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on account of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, or veteran status.” Do you support that NDO? Why or why not?
I believe that our city should not support discrimination in any form. I support this ordinance.
Q6. In 2020, the Morgantown City Council passed a cannabis decriminalization ordinance, lowering the misdemeanor crime of possession of less than 15 grams in city limits to a $15 fine and no jail time. What are your views on cannabis and decriminalization of drugs for personal use?
I believe the use of cannabis should be legalized for recreational use and decriminalized. There are too many people imprisoned in our country for a substance comparable to the legal alcohol. The use of cannabis should be treated similarly to alcohol. I do not support driving under the influence of cannabis. The legalization of cannabis has many positives for the economy such as the ability for taxation and the decreased amount of money required to house people in prison.
Q7. This year, a resolution was passed in support of the Crown Act and council members have spoken about their commitment to put this into law in the form of a municipal ordinance. Will you support this effort to prevent discrimination on the basis of traits commonly associated with race like hair texture and protective hair styles? Why or why not?
I do not support discrimination in any form. If these issues arise in Morgantown, we need work with all groups and minorities to prevent discrimination. Working together, we will be able to achieve this goal.
Q8. Many WV municipalities have passed ordinances allowing cities to force abatement measures on ‘nuisance properties’ where there are multiple instances of suspected crimes. Proponents say this can help crack down on drug activity and predatory landlords. Opponents say this can create due process concerns and discourage calls to the police when help is needed. What is your opinion of these ‘drug house’ ordinances?
I do not have enough information to make a decision on this matter. I would need to hear out both sides before stating my opinion.