Name Skip Crane
Office Sought House of Delegates
Party Affiliation Democrat
District 37th
City/Town Bluefield
Data shows that Black and low-income students are disciplined at a higher rate than their peers in West Virginia schools. Involvement of School Resource Officers (SROs) exacerbates these discrepancies and can lead to the school-to-prison pipeline. Studies show SROs do little to make schools safer, while contributing to harsher discipline and drawing resources away from other services like mental health and other support services. What is your position on having SROs in schools?
I was not aware of this problem. More Diversity for those serving as SROs. Are all SROs of the majority race. Maybe cameras on SRO officers as like the police? These issues need bipartisan discussions so as to fix this disparity.
Mental health has been a growing concern since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Conversations on mental health are complicated by the prevalence of substance use disorder (SUD) in the state. WV has long wait times for mental health services including SUD treatment. One proposal is using mental health teams as first responders. Would you support funding for more mental health response teams? Why or why not, and what if any is the role of the legislature in solving this issue?
100% Role of legislature….more funding. Listen to and adopt policies suggested by professionals in the mental health field.
In Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In response, the West Virginia Legislature banned most abortions. Do you agree or disagree with this new law? What do you think West Virginia's abortion policies should be?
“Uterus Control” is a personal right and violating it violates your right to privacy. I TOTALLY DISAGREE!
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?
Of course. Hair textures etc are personal freedoms under attack. How does hair style harm another?
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 am not familiar with CRT being taught in WV public schools. Students should be taught truth regarding history I.e. the civil war was taught incorrectly. Here, we glorified many aspects of traitors to our democracy. CRT is a subject for mature students most commonly in college. There is no harm in teaching TRUTH!
Currently there is no statewide law protecting people in matters of employment, housing, and public accommodations based on their sexual orientation or gender identity. Do you support or oppose adding sexual orientation and gender identity to the state’s nondiscrimination law? Why or why not?
Yes. 100%. I am a gay retired educator so I am sure you know how I feel on such issues.
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 another example of treating mental illness. These folk’s needs to be addressed by trained mental health professionals. We listen and then work with them and their clients for solutions.
Jails in West Virginia are overcrowded, have some of the nation’s highest death rates, and are bankrupting some counties. Prisons are understaffed, making them dangerous for residents and staff alike. What steps should West Virginia take to address these issues?
Too many imprisoned for minor offenses. More outside requirements for work , education, and learning a trade while “working off your sentence.
Taxpayers who have served time behind bars and are currently on probation and/or parole cannot vote in West Virginia. The West Virginia Senate Judiciary Committee joined a growing number of states this year and passed a bill that would have expanded that right to people in community corrections. When, if ever do you think people should lose their right to vote? When should that right be restored?
You should be able to vote after your sentence is complete. You paid your dues!
Study after study shows that gender-affirming care is lifesaving for trans people. And yet, some states have banned things like hormone therapy and even labeled gender-affirming care for minors as child abuse. How can West Virginia, a state with a large percentage of trans-identifying teens, best protect transgender people?
By accepting and loving all people. What harm is a trans identifying person causing others? Legislation is necessary but educating is just as important.