Patrick Hathaway, 1st Ward
Patrick4Morgantown@gmail.com
Q1. There have been proposals put forward to create a Civilian Review Board for the Morgantown City Police. Please share your thoughts on this ordinance, or a civilian police review board in Morgantown.
While it is important that the city not run afoul of any state policy that exists in regard to police disciplinary action, I believe that the city should establish a citizens board in order to review and provide input on police policy. The police chief has expressed that he is very open to providing information on police policy, and that is a great start. However, many citizens may not be aware of the proper avenues to request policy, or how to be sure that any suggestions they have are taken into account when reviewing and revising police policy. An official city board made up of citizens provides a clear line of communication for citizens to have their voices heard by the police and their input given on police policy and procedures.
Q2. In the past year, the city has been engaged in conversations about housing insecurity and houselessness, especially in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. How would you like to see the city address houselessness in Morgantown?
Houselessness is a perineal issue in Morgantown, and one that will not be solved overnight and not without serious dedication. The city needs to work with the local non profit organizations that work with these communities in order to better understand the needs of these organizations and how the city can assist them in their mission. The city should also engage willing members of the houseless community to build relationships with those who are willing. Understandably, not everyone will want to be a part of a working group, but no one that is willing should be turned away.
The city needs to adopt a housing first policy. Working with local landlords to find acceptable properties, or converting unused municipal property into tiny house lots where temporary housing can be easily accessed.
Q3. People experiencing houselessness sometimes set up encampments on personal or public property. These can provide a community and stability but have also created concerns about safety and sanitation. How do you think Morgantown should approach encampments like these?
Current city policy does not allow encampments on city property. This creates more instability within a population where stability is a scarce resource. I would propose that the city create a place where encampments are permitted. This area could be established with proper safety and sanitation in mind. From there, local services would be able to come in and provide additional aid to the population that is willing to camp there.
Q4. The Center for Disease Control advocates for needs-based syringe programs (providing access to the number of syringes needed “to ensure that a new, sterile syringe is available for each injection” with no restrictions including returning used syringes) as the best practice to reduce new HIV and viral hepatitis infections. These evidence-based programs that follow suggested best practices have been controversial in West Virginia and under attack at both the state and local level. If elected to city council how would you view syringe distribution programs?
Syringe distribution and needle exchange programs are vital for protecting the health of these communities. As a councilor, I would advocate for continued funding from our state legislators and provide financial aid to maintain programs within the Morgantown community.
Q5. In 2017, Morgantown passed a Non-Discrimination Ordinance to include protections “against discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on account of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, familial status, or veteran status.” Do you support that NDO? Why or why not?
I fully support the Morgantown Non-Discrimination Ordinance. It’s a shame that in today’s day and age such an ordinance is still necessary, but it’s vitally important to provide legal protection to these communities. It is also important that this NDO be a living document and it continues to be revised as necessary to ensure the rights of these individuals are upheld.
Q6. In 2020, the Morgantown City Council passed a cannabis decriminalization ordinance, lowering the misdemeanor crime of possession of less than 15 grams in city limits to a $15 fine and no jail time. What are your views on cannabis and decriminalization of drugs for personal use?
I fully support drug decriminalization of personal use drugs. Criminalizing drug use pushes people suffering from addiction further into the shadows and away from help. Unfortunately, the ordinance passed by City Council will do little to achieve the goal of cannabis decriminalization within the city limits. The Morgantown Police Department is continuing to follow the guidelines established in state law. In order for this goal to be realized, changes will need to occur at the state level. As a City Council, I will advocate for decriminalization to our state legislators.
Q7. This year, a resolution was passed in support of the Crown Act and council members have spoken about their commitment to put this into law in the form of a municipal ordinance. Will you support this effort to prevent discrimination on the basis of traits commonly associated with race like hair texture and protective hair styles? Why or why not?
I fully support the Crown Act being passed at the state level, and would support an amendment to the existing NDO to incorporate similar language or passing a supplemental ordinance.
Q8. Many WV municipalities have passed ordinances allowing cities to force abatement measures on ‘nuisance properties’ where there are multiple instances of suspected crimes. Proponents say this can help crack down on drug activity and predatory landlords. Opponents say this can create due process concerns and discourage calls to the police when help is needed. What is your opinion of these ‘drug house’ ordinances?
I don’t think that an additional ‘drug house’ ordinance is necessary. However, I believe that the city needs to be more proactive in the enforcement of already existing policy. The city needs to expedite the removal of unsafe structures. Currently, there are numerous structures that are abandoned and condemned. These structures are unsafe to be occupied and should be removed and redeveloped. The city should also be more proactive on inspecting rental properties to ensure they are meeting building and fire code standards.