Name MICKEY PETITTO
Office Sought HOUSE OF DELEGATES
Party Affiliation REPUBLICAN
District 70
City/Town CLARKSBURG
Campaign Website mickeypetitto@yahoo.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?
ABORTION SHOULD NOT BE LEGAL EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF MEDICAL NECESSITY TO SAVE A LIFE. ALL LIFE MATTERS. LEGAL ADOPTION ARE READILY AVAILABLE. NINE MONTHS OUT OF A LIFETIME IS NOT LONG ENOUGH TO DEPRIVE A CHILD OF A LIFE. MOREOVER, THE FOSTER CHILD AND ABUSED CHILDREN PROVISIONS NEED TO BE ADDRESSED TO MAKE CASE WORKERS MORE TRANSPARENT AND RESPONSIBLE. I KNOW THESE CASE WORKERS ARE WAY OVERWORKED SO ADDITIONAL WORKERS ARE JUSTIFED.
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?
THIS IS A DEMOCRACY AND AS CITIZENS WE HAVE RIGHTS AND HAIR AND STYLES ARE A CITIZEN'S CHOICE. I SEE NO NEED TO BURDEN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS WITH THIS ISSUE.
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?
OUR EDUCATION SYSTEM HAS MANY MANY ISSUES BUT MAKING OUR CHILDREN SINGLE OUT RACIAL ISSUES IS BEYOND WHAT EDUCATION SHOULD ENTAIL. BESIDES, CHILDREN TODAY ARE SO TECH SAVVY, I AM SURE THEY PROBABLY ARE MORE VERSED IN THIS ISSUE THAN ADULTS. I BELIEVE CHILDREN ARE OPEN TO OTHER CHILDREN EXCEPT WHEN ADULTS STEER THEM IN ANOTHER DIRECTION.
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?
THIS IS NOT WHAT I CONSIDER TO BE A RELIGOUS ISSUE. EMPLOYMENT AND PUBLIC ACCOMODATIONS DO NOT TYPICALLY ENACT OR EMBRACE RELIGIOUS LIMITATIONS. PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO MAKE THEIR INDIVIDUAL CHOICES. MAYBE WE SHOULD REQUIRE AT LEAST ONE "HE/SHE" RESTROOM IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS SIMILAR TO THE WAY MANY BUSINESS PROVIDE A COMMON MEN'S/WOMEN'S PUBLIC RESTROOM.
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?
IN COLLEGE, VARIOUS RELIGOIUS CLASSES WERE AVAILABLE AND IT CAN BE A STUDENT'S ELECTIVE CLASS BUT IT SHOULD NOT BE MANDITORY. DRUG PREVENTION PROGRAMS DO NOT NEED TO BE LINKED TO RELIGOUS CHOICES BUT DEFINITELY NEED TO BE AVAILABLE WITH AN INCENTIVE FOR STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE.
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?
IMIGRATION WAS THE BACKBONE OF THIS COUNTRY AND WE MUST BE OPEN TO ACCEPTING IMIGRANTS, BUT IT MUST BE LEGAL WITH A SPECIFIC PROCESS & NOT JUST HAND CITIZENSHIP OUT TO ALL. AS FAR AS THE UKRAINIAN REFUGEES, THIS IS AN EMERGENCY SITUATION THAT IMPACTS "FREEDOM RIGHTS". THEY ARE FLEEING WAR AND NEED TO BE WELCOMED. I WOULD BE IN FAVOR OF PROVIDING A LUCRATIVE PROCESS SPECIFICALY TO THE UKRAINIAN REFUGEES AND ESPECIALY THOSE HAVING A USA CITIZEN AVAILABLE TO SPONSOR THEM SUCH AS FAMILY. MEMBERS ESPECIALLYspiefic
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?
HERE IN CLARKSBURG THERE IS AN ACTIVE PROGRAM THAT HAS MANY SUCCESS STORYS FOR FAMILYS, VETERANS AND THOSE WHO CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE. THERE ARE SOME THAT CAN'T BE FORCED AS THEY HAVE CHOSEN THAT LIFESTYLE. I DO THINK THERE NEEDS TO BE PROGRAMS MAKING ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE TO ALL WHO SEEK HELP OR WILL PARTICIPATE.
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?
I STRONGLY SUPPPORT THE POLICE AND FIRST RESPONDERS WHO ARE RISKING THEIR LIVE'S TO KEEP US SAFE. DUE TO THE COURT SYSTEM BEING SO BOGGED DOWN, DEVELOPMENT OF A CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD WHO COULD HANDLE THE LESSER ISSUES FOR MERIT BEFORE THE CASES ARE PUT INTO THE SYSTEM APPEARS REASONABLE. THE CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARDS SHOULD HAVE SPECIFIC AUTHORITY WITH AN APPOINTED COMMISSION TO HEAR CASES AND MAKE RECOMENDATIONS, ARBITRATIONS AND OR DISMISSALS WHEN MERITED. THIS IS FREQUENTLY DONE IN CONDEMNATION AND DAMAGE CASES NOW. COULD USE THAT PROCESS AS A TEMPLATE.
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?
THROUGH MUNICIPAL ZONING ALLOWING THESE FACILITIES TO EXIST IN SPECIFIC AREAS MUCH LIKE BARS AND VIDEO LOTTERY FACILITIES. THE ONES I AM FAMILIAR WITH HAVE BEEN VERY SUCCESSFUL ALTHOUGH THEY DID EXPERIENCE OPPOSITION AT FIRST. THIS SHOULD BE A LOCAL ISSUE.
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?
BOTH THE PAROLE AND PROBATION SYSTEMS NEED TO BE REFORMED TO RESULT IN A SPEEDIER AND MORE TRANSPARENT PROCESS TO NOT KEEP THESE PEOPLE IN THE SYSTEM FOR EXTENDED PERIODS WHEN IT'S UNNECESSARY BUT UNTIL A PAROLEE OR AN INDIVIDUAL ON PROBATION HAVE SETTLED THE PENALTY IMPOSED BY THE COURT SYSTEM THEY SHOULD BE FURTHER PENALIZED WITH THE LOSS OF THEIR RIGHT TO VOTE UNTIL FULL RELEASE.