Q1

Please provide some basic information about  yourself.

Name Christian E. Turak

Office Sought WV House of Delegates, 4th Dist.

City/Town Moundsville

Email Address cet@gkt.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 would look at a variety of ways to reduce WV's prison population. One of the biggest things we can do is to decriminalize simple cannabis use/possession, and in a larger sense, start viewing the opioid crisis and other drug use as a public health issue rather than one of criminality. The focus should be on treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment and prison time. Moreover, I think we should take a hard look at our mandatory minimum sentencing guidelines which have the possibility of leading to unfair and inequitable sentencing. We should also expand the use of drug courts in a meaningful way.

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 think civil asset forfeiture has a valid role in combating drug trafficking and other serious criminal activities. However, I think there must be a high threshold in order to seize property and meeting that threshold should not be left to whim or caprice. There should be very clear guidelines in order to pursue seizures and there should be serious consequences in the event that it is pursued in bad faith. I think one of the greatest things we can do to make sure property seizures are pursued only in good faith is making sure that if a person prevails in challenging a seizure of his or her property, that person would be entitled to an award of attorneys' fees and expenses. That would incentivize attorneys to take cases and disincentivize bad faith seizures.

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?

In a general sense, we must have an efficient process in place to make sure that people are being heard as soon as possible and a magistrate can determine bail, etc. as soon as possible. I would engage with stakeholders to determine how best to do so. However, I think we need to make sure that we have bail guidelines in WV that take into consideration the means of our people. If someone is not a threat, flight risk, etc., it may not be necessary to require bail. Being released on their own recognizance or subject to house arrest would be a more equitable (and less costly) means to tackle our jail population issues.

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 would have a similar response to the previous question. I think we need to have a system in place that takes a hard look at individual situations and where decision makers make a decision based upon that individual situation. If a juvenile is not a risk to himself or others, etc., the best place for him or her is very likely at home. Taking a juvenile out of his or her home will very likely exacerbate the issues faced by the juvenile and only cause greater harm in the long term. Therefore, only in cases where there is an identifiable and compelling need for out-of-home placement should a juvenile be placed out of home. We should increase resources for community-based organizations to provide local services, especially mental health services, where needed.

Q6

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

We already have some of the tools to combat low voter participation in that we have automatic voter registration. We just need to get our system up and running and enforced. However, we can still do more to make sure that those who are registered have every opportunity to vote. We have an aging population and for some people, getting to the polls is a challenge. Therefore, I would like to see increased time frames for early voting and having an option to mail in votes as is done in other states. I also do not favor stripping a person of his or her vote based upon criminal history. Election day should either be a state holiday or on a Saturday to reduce work-related issues.

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?

The state must not mandate that one or all religion be taught in our public schools or endorse any religion at all. That does not mean that any and all indicia of religion must be kept from our schools. If students want to pray at school, they must not be restricted from doing so. If a school wants to an elective class that focuses on religion from an historical, anthropological, or other perspective, I do not see that as being objectionable.

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 support a state-wide law prohibiting discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Putting aside the fact that this is simply the right thing to do, it makes good policy for WV and helps us retain/attract younger populations and business to our state.

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?

I support accepting a limited number of refugees in West Virginia as long as long as we have the needed resources for our citizens. West Virginians will always come first. West Virginians are also kind and welcoming, so I know a balance can be struck. Any refugees would also be subject to a very thorough vetting process to make sure any people we let into our state are not criminals and are not here simply to take advantage of our generosity. It should not and cannot be a quick and easy process.

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?

Under the current law of West Virginia, I see no need to take any further legislative action on abortion.