Gubernatorial Candidate Bill Cole Says West Virginia Drug Epidemic Could ‘Steal A Generation’
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WHEELING --State Senate President Bill Cole said West Virginia's opioid addiction problem is more serious than some realize, especially in the southern portion of the state that is suffering because of the downturn in the coal industry.
"This epidemic has the opportunity to steal a generation from us," said Cole, who is also the Republican gubernatorial nominee this year, during a West Virginia Business and Industry Council forum Friday at Wheeling Jesuit University.
"It's a shame that we've gotten to the point that the first question in the interview is can you pass a drug test?" he said regarding efforts to find qualified employees for open positions.
Cole said efforts to combat the drug problem must begin at the elementary school level by teaching children to avoid the substances. He also offered some compassion to those Mountain State residents who find themselves addicted.
"This is a disease," Cole said, adding he would support expungement of drug convictions for non-violent offenders if they can complete a rehabilitation program and hold meaningful employment.
However, he said this opportunity for convicts would be limited to "one second chance."
Cole, though, does not hold any sympathy for those who are bringing the drugs into West Virginia.
"I want to sent a message to the drug kingpins. If we can catch those people, I want to hit them and hit them hard," he said. "We'll make room in the jail for them."
Overall, Cole said the state's drug dilemma is a battle that must be waged on all fronts, including education, treatment and punishment.
"The drug problem is tearing apart our communities and tearing apart our families," he said. "We have to address it."
Forum organizers said they invited Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jim Justice to participate, but he declined.