Thomas Perkins

Criminal Justice / Public Safety

Extending the statute of limitations: Allowing children who have been abused while in state custody to file lawsuits against the state beyond the current statute of limitations could provide them with a pathway to seek justice for past wrongs. By extending the time limit, it acknowledges the complexities and challenges victims face in coming forward and seeking legal recourse. Learn more

Community-based alternatives to incarceration: Investing in community-based alternatives to incarceration aligns with best practices in juvenile justice reform. By diverting youth away from the formal justice system and providing them with support and resources in their communities, it can reduce recidivism rates and promote positive outcomes for young people. Learn more

My passion for justice extends to juvenile justice reform, where I aim to address the systemic issues within a broken system. Learn more

Creation of a Drug Monitoring Database: A critical aspect of juvenile justice reform involves the establishment of a comprehensive drug monitoring database specifically tailored to juveniles in state custody. This database would serve as a centralized repository of information regarding the prescription and administration of medications to youth within the juvenile justice system. Learn more

Transparency and accountability: Perkins' emphasis on transparency and accountability underscores the importance of robust oversight mechanisms within the juvenile justice system. Clear guidelines and protocols for treatment, coupled with regular reporting on system performance, can help ensure that children are treated fairly and their rights are upheld. Learn more

Children currently in West Virginia state custody are enduring unimaginable abuse, highlighting the urgent need for juvenile justice reform. While the drug epidemic has garnered attention, it merely scratches the surface of the profound crisis within the juvenile justice system. Recent reports from Southern Regional Jail expose inhumane living conditions and even deaths among inmates, underscoring the dire state of affairs. Shockingly, conditions in foster care homes and juvenile treatment facilities can be even worse. This alarming reality demands immediate action and systemic change to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in state custody. Learn more

Prohibition of Interstate Placement: Crucial reform in juvenile justice involves prohibiting the placement of juveniles from West Virginia in neighboring states. Currently, some juveniles under state custody are transferred to facilities in neighboring states due to various reasons such as overcrowding or lack of appropriate facilities within West Virginia. However, it's increasingly evident that this practice not only fails to address the underlying issues but also serves to prevent parents from taking legal action against in-state facilities. Learn more

Creation of an Inspector General's office: Establishing an Inspector General's office dedicated to overseeing juvenile facilities could enhance accountability and transparency within the system. This office could serve as an independent watchdog, conducting inspections, investigating complaints, and ensuring that children's rights are protected while in state custody. Learn more

Economy

As a Libertarian Conservative, I am dedicated to advocating for economic liberty, reducing government regulations, promoting free expression, freedom of choice, and supporting free-market capitalism. Learn more

While some may advocate for handouts to big corporations from outside our borders, I staunchly oppose such corporate welfare. Why should hard-earned taxpayer dollars be funneled to entities that have no vested interest in our state's prosperity? Instead, let us focus on nurturing homegrown businesses, fostering an environment where local entrepreneurs can thrive. Learn more

Education

Curriculum Overhaul: Our current curriculum is outdated and often biased. History textbooks need to be revised to accurately reflect our nation's past, without perpetuating racist narratives. Critical race theory has no place in our classrooms; instead, we must return to teaching fundamental historical facts and principles. Learn more

Traditional Skills: Basic skills like cursive writing should not be neglected. They are essential for communication and cognitive development. By reintroducing traditional writing skills, we ensure our students are well-rounded and capable individuals. Learn more

For too long, our public school system has been failing our children, and the consequences are dire. Generations of young adults are ill-equipped to compete nationally, a stark result of the negligence of out-of-touch lawmakers. It's time for a radical overhaul, but not in the way some might expect. Rather than diverting resources to charter and private schools, the focus must be on fixing our existing public schools. We need tangible solutions, not ideological debates. Learn more

Job-Oriented Education: Education should be practical and relevant to the needs of the workforce. We must focus on teaching essential skills that prepare students for the jobs available in today's economy. This means providing vocational training and promoting entrepreneurship. Learn more

Security Measures: Installing security cameras in all schools is a necessary step to ensure the safety of students and staff. Additionally, any individuals found selling drugs on school premises, whether they be teachers or students, must face legal consequences. Learn more

Optional Bible Education: Schools and teachers should have the freedom to incorporate the Bible into their curriculum if they so choose. This respects the diverse beliefs of our communities and provides students with a well-rounded education. Learn more

Maintaining Biological Reality: In the realm of education, it's imperative to uphold biological reality. There are only two genders: male and female. Allowing transgender ideology to infiltrate our schools undermines the foundational principles of biology and creates confusion among students. Learn more

Teacher Accountability: It's high time to weed out ineffective and abusive teachers. Those who mistreat students or fail to provide a quality education have no place in our classrooms. This means implementing a fair system of evaluation and, when necessary, termination. Learn more

Infrastructure / Transportation

The impact of inadequate broadband infrastructure extends beyond commerce and education; it also affects our tourism industry. Visitors who cannot share their experiences online due to poor connectivity hinder our ability to attract tourists and showcase the beauty of our state. Therefore, it is imperative that we prioritize expanding broadband access as a public utility, ensuring that every household in West Virginia has unmetered, high-speed internet access. Learn more