Name Douglas Smith
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Republican
District 39
City/Town Princeton-Athens-Matoaka-Spanishburga
Campaign Website www.smith4wvhouse.com
The US Supreme Court will decide Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization this summer, which some have speculated may overturn Roe v. Wade. If there were no Constitutional protections for abortion, what do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
Never allowed as a form of Birth Control. Exceptions allowed for life of the mother, rape, incest.
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?
No. Do not believe it is needed. Current laws allow for complaints of discrimination to be addressed.
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?
First legislature should play the role of passing legislation that disallows the teaching of these topics in K-12. No one race is superior to another and the divisive concepts in CRT do this, that is why it is bad and of no value.
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 for ongoing discrimination by 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 oppose a statewide law. It is all about choice, we have a choice of where we work and live. There are jobs and housing available if the person making the choice takes action to do so.
Recently a revival was held at schools in Cabell and Wayne counties. The Legislature has, in recent years, passed laws to allow teaching the Bible in public schools and allowing for religious drug-prevention programs to operate in schools. What do you think the role of religion in public schools should be and why?
No religion should be allowed to be taught as a class in public schools. I do believe that schools should have the ability to offer extracurricular or clubs that are voluntary if someone wants to attend for any religion they choose.
The West Virginia Senate recently unanimously adopted a resolution stating that West Virginia is prepared to welcome Ukrainian refugees. Critics have pointed out that the Legislature has recently considered legislation what would make things more difficult for refugees and immigrants to settle in West Virginia. Should West Virginia welcome refugees and immigrants? If no, why not? If yes, what can the state do to support these communities?
Refugees, yes if vetted for security. Immigrants - only if they are legal immigrants. Illegal immigrants should be denied.
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?
If a municipality wants to allow encampments then they should have a designated safe, policed area that does not affect businesses nor is in a residential area. Municipalities should work with community service agencies to address temporary housing.
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?
Do not support use of civilian review boards. Internal Review in agencies role is to address incidents and policies. Agree that Internal Review decisions should be more transparent while maintaining protection for individuals involved.
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?
Revise bail bond process for non-violent crimes if the individual has no other felonies. Look at other methods of punishment/accountability versus incarceration for non-violent offenses.
Currently, people who are incarcerated or on probation and parole for a felony conviction are unable to vote. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people who are on probation and parole. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When, if ever should that right be restored?
If convicted of a felony you should continue to lose your right to vote. Once you have served your conviction to include probation you should have your right to vote restored unless the crime was treason, sedition, sabotage, espionage, or terrorism against the state.