All five 9th state rep hopefuls present at League’s first forum

The five hopefuls for the 9th District’s Position One in the state House of Representatives often pronounced similar views at the first League of Women Voters candidates’ forum at Pullman last Thursday night.

The five candidates are Susan Fagan of Pullman, former public affairs director for Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories; Pat Hailey of Mesa, farmer and rancher and widow of former Rep. Steve Hailey; Glen Stockwell of Ritzville, former city councilman with a trucking and freight brokerage firm; Art Swannack of Lamont, a farmer and sheep rancher and President of the Washington State Sheep Producers; and Darin Watkins of Palouse, a former television journalist and communications director for WSU’s Veterinary College.

All five emphasized the need for fiscal restraint from Olympia, though none advocated new taxes to balance the state’s budget. They all said the legislature needs to better prioritize spending, and that lower taxes would help businesses create jobs.

All five said they would work to have hydro-power added to the state’s definition of renewable energy.

All five said they would work across political party divisions if it was in the interests of 9th District constituents.

All five agreed the state budget should not be balanced by removing tax exemptions for farmers.

The main differences in the candidates came out when they were asked to name their all-time favorite 9th district legislator.

Swannack listed current Sen. Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville. He said he admired Schoesler’s knowledge of the district and Olympia, and his ability to answer questions about policy issues in a direct manner.

Stockwell said Darwin Nealey was his favorite. A visit to Nealey’s house, he said, had the late representative poring over newspaper clippings spread across his floor.

“I think we all know who my all-time favorite ever, ever was,” said Hailey, whose late husband retired from the very seat the five candidates are campaigning for last December. Shortly after his resignation, he died from colon cancer.

She went on to cite current representative Don Cox, saying he left a legacy of leadership in the district.

Fagan said each of the legislators she has known excelled in different areas, so she could not pick one favorite.

Watkins named Cox because of his dedication to education, but also named David Buri. He said Buri gave a stirring speech on the floor of the House that helped stave off an earlier attack on levy equalization funding.

Sandwiching the above questions from the audience, the candidates gave statements outlining their top priorities if elected.

Fagan said her top priority would be to create a better business environment in Washington. She would work to remove the state’s business and operating tax on gross receipts, as well as cutting unemployment and workers compensation rates. She also advocates ending the estate tax.

She also emphasized opening up the state’s insurance market so more private insurers could compete and drive down costs.

Hailey’s top drive is to make sure 9th District families maintain a comfortable way of life. She also said she would work to reverse the state’s “use it or lose it” water rights law.

Hailey emphasized policies to ensure farms stay profitable and small schools remain viable through continued levels of state funding.

Stockwell’s main goal is to attract federal support for completion of the second phase of the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project. The project would store water that would be used for power, irrigation and recreation in the basin.

The project, he contends, would pump billions into the state economy and would make 500,000 acres of dry farmland profitable for generations to come.

Swannack said his focus would be on funding small schools and making sure farmers can continue to farm their land.

He said legislators too often take a short-term view of the implications of bills, which often end up hurting state residents.

Watkins said if he is elected, he would work to protect the quality of education for the 31 school districts in the 9th District.

Watkins also said he would push hard to bring internet access and greater communications infrastructure to the district’s small towns to allow business to thrive.

Ballots for the Aug. 18 election were scheduled to be mailed out this week.

The two candidates who receive the most votes will advance to the November general election, regardless of party affiliation.

The forum at city hall was sponsored by the League of Women Voters and the Pullman Chamber.