Tell us a little bit about yourself and your experience/accomplishments
Thomas Perkins, a professional photographer and photojournalist, is not only a Republican candidate for the West Virginia House of Delegates in the 46th district but also a devoted father of three: Jonathan (3), Lucy, and Lilly (2), residing in Frankford, WV.
His fervent dedication to juvenile justice reform is deeply rooted in personal experience. Enduring two years in the state’s custody during his youth exposed him firsthand to the injustices of abuse and neglect. Shockingly, despite the passage of time, many juvenile treatment facilities still operate without adequate oversight, leaving vulnerable children susceptible to ongoing mistreatment and depriving them of their fundamental right to education. Even more disturbing is the exploitation of some facilities, which use controlled pharmaceutical testing on their residents for profit.
Thomas is resolute in his commitment to shine a light on these injustices and advocate tirelessly for substantive reforms that ensure the safety and well-being of every child in state custody. He firmly believes that every child deserves the chance to thrive in an environment free from fear and exploitation, and he will not waver in his pursuit of this noble cause.
What made you run for House of Delegates, or if you’re an incumbent, what made you seek reelection?
I have two opponents: one is a former Democrat who was elected to the House of Delegates in 2017, and the other is a 20-year-old with little to no real-world experience. I was honestly considering a bid for the school board. I wanted to ensure that my kids had a bright future in public school. Not to mention, Frankford Elementary School was just awarded $6 million for renovations, a school that my children will be attending in the next couple of years. So, running for the school board to oversee and micromanage that project was important to me.
However, I was very dissatisfied with my choices of candidates for the House of Delegates. I ran for State Senate two years ago, and one of the biggest criticisms I received was my age, as I was only 31 at the time. Just thinking about that and now having a 20-year-old on the ballot going up against a Democrat who’s in his 50s, I felt this election was over before it began, which is one of the reasons I chose to run for the House of Delegates. I wanted voters to have an option of a Republican that they could resonate with and who would represent their values.
What are some issues facing your district and West Virginia right now that you would like to see addressed and fixed? How would you fix those issues?
I believe the number one issue facing Americans today, especially West Virginians, is inflation. It’s a challenge that’s primarily rooted in federal policies, making it tough to tackle on a state level. However, as legislators, we can alleviate some of the burden on consumers by reducing taxes on certain commodities. Take gold and silver, for instance – why should we tax what’s meant to be money? Yet, the most tangible impact of inflation is felt at the grocery store, with prices skyrocketing. I propose that the West Virginia Department of Agriculture collaborates with local producers and small businesses to create locally sourced food products. These could be distributed through state-based retailers, helping to combat rising food costs.
In addition to economic concerns, issues like heavy traffic congestion, particularly in areas like Lewisburg, demand attention. Conducting a thorough traffic study could provide insights and solutions to ease congestion. Broadband access remains a pressing issue across the district. While Greenbrier County has plans for expansion, I believe we must do more, especially in Pocahontas County, to ensure all West Virginians are connected in our increasingly digital economy.However, my top priority is tackling juvenile justice reform. It’s a complex, long-term challenge, but one that demands our immediate attention and concerted effort. Together, we can work towards a fairer and more just system for our youth.
What makes you stand out as the best choice?
For starters, I’ve never been a Democrat. In all honesty, when I first registered to vote, I was a Libertarian, and what made me join the Republican Party was the fact that I am Pro-Life. I also support vaccine choice and am endorsed by the Health Freedom PAC. Additionally, I’m the only candidate talking about the need for juvenile justice reform, something that has been swept under the rug for years. I’m also Pro-Gun and have a B rating with the NRA. But most importantly, it doesn’t matter to me if you’re a Democrat or Republican; as your representative, it is my job to help you. Yes, I’m sure we will disagree on issues, but if there are things that we can agree upon, then I will do my best to work with you regardless of party affiliation. Because I believe that is something that has been forgotten in this current toxic political environment.
Is there anything else voters should know about you and your campaign?
West Virginia’s Republican supermajority has made it impossible for Democrats to get elected. So, Democrats are now running for office as Republicans. It’s more important than ever to do your research and vote in primary elections. But if you want to learn more about my campaign and about me, be sure to visit my campaign website https://www.thomasperkinswv.com. Together, we can bring positive change to West Virginia.