Name Jameson Freeman
Office Sought West Virginia State Delegate
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 86
City/Town Moorefield
Campaign Website http://jameson.live
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?
I think health-related decisions should be made by individuals, with whatever medical advise they choose to seek. I think abortions are tragic things, and support a limit on when abortions can be performed during a pregnancy when the mother's life is not endangered. Whether this is 15 weeks or longer would require more education on my part. I do not support restricting access to providers, either geographically (by forcing facility closures) or legally (with overly restrictive laws).
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?
As long as sexual organs are not on display, individuals should be able to present themselves however they choose in public. Schools and businesses should be allowed to enforce dress codes for clothing that bars overly provocative or hateful messages from distracting others in learning and working environments, but hairstyles and textures, whether natural or not, should be excluded from such guidelines.
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?
I don't think the question is always about whether the topics themselves have or don't have value, but rather the ways in which they are conveyed. I absolutely have questions about "critical race theory" because I don't think Robin DiAngelo has any reason to be in children's classrooms. I also absolutely believe that the cannon of American history needs to be expanded and inclusive (and comprehensive) of the history of slavery and discrimination in this country, it's origins and mechanisms of perpetuation, and the continuing, collective recovery from its horror.
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 believe in the inclusion of sexual orientation and gender identity in statewide non-discrimination laws.
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?
I do not think any specific religion should be highlighted over another in public schools.
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?
West Virginia should welcome refugees and immigrants, as it has here in Hardy County. Refugees should be granted special residency status, and immigrants should be given clear access to applying for citizenship. Refugees should receive housing assistance paid by federal monies, and high-vacancy multi-unit dwellings should receive priority to help strap-cashed landlords, who should be able to apply for priority tenant-assignment.
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?
What a tough issue. We need to have more mental health care and treatment options in West Virginia, that include both inpatient and outpatient offerings, as well as diverse methods and holistic treatments. We could house everyone who wants a home and doesn't have one with a fraction of what has been given freely to major corporations in the last two years - or even a fraction of their tax bill, if such things were properly enforced.
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?
More training, better pay, uniform cameras, regular (quarterly, for instance) community meetings with sheriffs and chiefs, as well as deputies.
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?
All marijuana-related convictions should be expunged. Marijuana should be declassified from a Schedule 1 drug immediately. Parole Boards should be required to review non-violent convictions after two years. Judges should have more sentencing options to include treatment and therapy.
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?
I agree with the current trend of the West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee.