Q1

Please provide some basic information about  yourself.

Name Johnnie A Wamsley

Office Sought House of Delegates

City/Town Point Pleasant

Email Address wamsleyforhouse@gmail.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 want to look into the underlying cause of this increase. Is it simple failure to pay bonds, is it repeat offenders. This subject is not an easy one and I stand behind the view that our prison system needs reformed.

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?

Coming from the area I do, most people do not have the ability to pay for legal representation. I would like to see a revamping of the process. However, we need to apply the time to research to make sure the model just doesn't work for some people but all people

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?

Jailing someone simply because they can't afford bail is inhumane. Bail reform is something I believe WV needs. It's long past time that the state take a position.

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?

Currently I have no position on this. However, we have significant issues with youth in WV. I would like to find a way to keep them from going down the path that requires this. Youth programs, Parent Programs how can we limit the number of youths in the juvenile system is a question I would like to address

Q6

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

Voter turn out is a problem that needs addressed in WV. This problem is particularly difficult because in order to vote citizens need to have the will to vote. Getting and keeping citizen involvement is key. News letters, Social Media, possible mobile voting units for the elderly who cannot get out. Lets re-think the voting process (casting a ballot)

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 part of the education process, this is okay. Mandating it be taught is murky for me. I believe that this is a parents decision issue.

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?

Yes. discrimination no matter the reason is wrong.

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?

The refugee program is a noble cause. Vetted refugees is key for me. We have to know who we are bringing here as a matter of safety for WV.

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 support the Right to Life for all humans. This is from the time of conception through birth. I do believe that heinous crimes need a place and survivors of those need to receive the medical treatment decided by them and their medical provider.