Tell us about yourself.
Name Ronald (Ron) Wenger
Office Sought Delegate 96th District of WV
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 96th
City/Town Martinsburg
Campaign Website None yet
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?
While I do not belive in abortion, I realize that it is necessary in many cases, and I support any womans right to have this procedure. I for one, do not even think we should have laws against it. What a person choses to do with their body should be none of our business.
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?
Not just no, but hell no! Come on it's kind of like telling me I can only have a green car, when I like silver cars. Damn I thought I spent most of my adult life in the military so that folks who were not in the military could have some basic freedoms.
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 do not yet understand what they are trying to do with this. I have only begun to try and figure out where they are going with this. I do believe that history and all that is ugly about it should be taught. You cannot sugar coat what happened in the past, God forbid should we ever repeat any of it.
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?
As the brother of an Openly Gay Male, I have watched him struggle with under employment and lack of housing opportunities most of his adult life. I would be against any law that discriminates against someone for any reason. Life is too darn hard without throwing road blocks in front of people for what ever reason.
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?
If the church's can not do it, it should not be injected into the curriculum of any school. It seems that they have failed to teach morality so now they are trying to legislate it.
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?
In 2027, my family will have been in the US for 300 years. They came here as refugees and immigrants. I have always admired what they did and the contributions that they have made to this country over the years. We should not deny that to anyone who has a need for what we have to offer. Many of these folks are going to need to come up to speed on English. A lot of Europeans are more conversant in it that used to be. Housing and jobs are going to be needed not to mention the emotional support the children are going to need. Kids suffer the most, I served in Korea, Vietnam and the Middle East during my military career. I have seen how conflict impacts children.
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?
This is a growing issue that I am not sure that I have any whts with these camps are they are often on private property and lack adequate sanitation they are often housing what may have been productive members of our community who are down on thier luck. Until such time as adequate housing can be established a more formal camp ground with sanitary facilites, bus service, and a call box for emergencie services and at the same time our commuinty now has a social worker as a part of our police department. This would be a good project for them. Violence is not stranger to some of these camps and many of these people are reluctant to report crimes because they often become a victim twice. Once by the crime and again by the police.
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 think that way too many police officers are undertrained and lack sensitivity. Some communities may see a need for Civilian Review Boards, I like the idea of having a social worker in the departments, because they may be able to rectify problems before they become major problems. I also think sensitivity training could be made a larger part of police training. Firm and Fair would go a long way to restoring our faith in the police community. Granted the major concern of a police officer is to go home at the end of a shift, but being fair, would not deter from being firm at the same time nor would it reduce the hyper vigilance that goes with that type of situation.
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?
Until we get a grip on the opioid crisis they are going to remain that way. Day reporting centers are getting maxed out too. I am getting tired of seeing non violent offenders locked up when thier are alternatives. At the same time laying heavy fines on people who are already broke is an unfair punishment. Community service is an adequate replacement but a the same time is this just a replacement for the stocks of the midevil days?
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 do not think they should be permitted to vote while they are incarcerated. Once they have discharged thier sentence they should be permitted to vote again.