Q1

Please provide some basic information about  yourself.

Name Charles Horst Sr.

Office Sought State Delegate

City/Town Falling Waters

Email Address luckydogten@yahoo.com

Q2

From 1980 to 2016 the West Virginia state prison population has increased by 470%.  What, if anything, would you change to reverse this trend?

I have not previously looked at this issue, I suspect we can and should penalize some non violent crimes differently like having sentences of community work with an emphasis on work. I find it sad we destroy lives for minor crimes. The legislature did pass a bill this year which is a step in the right direction. (not suspending drivers liscense for unpaid fines)

Q3

Civil asset forfeiture is a process where police can seize any property "related" to criminal activity and later can file a civil case to forfeit the property to either be used or auctioned for money which is shared between the police department and local prosecutor.  This can happen regardless of whether there is a criminal conviction or even criminal charges brought against a person.Proponents say this is a useful tool for taking ill-gotten gains from criminals and funding police work, and that legal protections adequately prevent abuse of the system.Critics say the system amounts to theft, that many people cannot afford the legal costs to challenge a forfeiture action, and that it creates a perverse incentive for police.Do you support or oppose the practice of civil asset forfeiture?  What, if any, reforms would you make to the practice?

I oppose this as it is theft unless there is a conviction of a crime in which the property was used or was a proceed of the crime.

Q4

More than half the population of West Virginia's regional jails are pre-trial.  That means they haven't been found guilty of any crime yet.  Most are there because they could not afford bail, though some are there because they were denied a chance to post bail.  What changes, if any would you make to our pretrial and/or bail system to balance concerns about safety and court efficiency with ensuring we are not incarcerating people without due process?

Not sure of exact changes but change is needed, i personally know people who have been affected by this, this also contributes to the belief we have a 2 tiered justice system.

Q5

In 2015 West Virginia passed significant reforms to the juvenile justice system.  Despite these reforms, the State still utilizes out of home placement at a high rate for system-involved youth.  What, if anything, should West Virginia do to reduce out-of-home placements for system-involved juveniles?

I honestly do not know or have enough information to make any judgement or thought on this issue.

Q6

West Virginia has a very low voter participation rate.  What changes, if any, would you make to increase voter participation?

To me this issue is like leading a horse to water, you cant make him drink. It would be great to have more involved but i really dont know how to accomplish this effectively, a poorly educated voter can be a danger.

Q7

Over the past few years, there has been legislation aimed at requiring the Bible to be taught in public schools, allowing a Bible-based elective, or faith-based drug prevention electives.  What is your stance on incorporating religion into the public schools?

As an elective i am not very concerned, however that is a sword that cuts both ways. Generally speaking public schools should not be involved with religion.

Q8

At least 20 states have passed laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.  13 West Virginia municipalities have similar protections.  Do you support or oppose a statewide law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity in West Virginia?  Why?

I oppose as it would set the stage for lawsuits any time a protected class is denied and would make it near impossible to defend even if there was another reason for the denial. My understanding per constitution they are protected without additional laws.

Q9

In December 2019, Governor Justice announced that West Virginia would continue accepting refugees.  Do you support or oppose accepting refugees in West Virginia?  Under what conditions?  Why?

If taxpayer money or services are used i oppose, we can not afford what we have now (our citizens)

Q10

Over the past few years, some states have continued to erode protections and access to abortion care.  Other states have done the opposite and codified abortion rights that had previously been defined by courts.  Do you favor further restrictions to abortion, expanding or codifying abortion rights, or taking no action on abortion?

I do not support taxpayer money going to abortion and do not support abortion being used as a method of birth control.