Candidates discuss issues at forum

Ten candidates attend

MOSES LAKE - Nearly 100 people attended the Monday night candidates' forum at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake.

The forum was sponsored by Soroptimist International of Moses Lake, Moses Lake Chamber of Commerce, Moses Lake Business Association, Big Bend Community College and the Columbia Basin Herald.

Several candidates attended including congressional candidate George Fearing, Grant County commissioner candidates LeRoy Allison and Carolann Swartz and Grant County Public Utility District commissioner candidates Tom Flint, Sam Johnson, Don Long and Randy Allred.

Congressman Doc Hastings, R-4th District, was invited but was unable to attend. Instead, Deborah Moore attended on his behalf. She read a statement written on Hastings' behalf.

Moore listed several Columbia Basin projects Hastings was involved in including protecting Wenatchee Valley Medical Center clinics, securing funding for the Odessa Sub-aquifer project and helping Wilson Creek work through issues related to a no-build zone.

Brenda Teals spoke on behalf of Gov. Christine Gregoire, who was unable to attend. Teals said she supports Gregoire because of her priorities including protecting families and building the economy.

She said Gregoire helps to protect families by increasing jail time for sex offenders, implementing more police and increasing scholarship funding for low-income students.

Teals said Gregoire helps the economy by creating more jobs and expanding agricultural opportunities.

Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, spoke on behalf of Republican governor candidate Dino Rossi who was unable to attend.

She said the state is ready for leadership change. More than 50,000 people contributed to Rossi's campaign and his support is strong, she said. Warnick said in the last election it came down to a difference of 129 votes and she reminds everyone to remember to vote.

She said Rossi will center his leadership around customer service values to best serve citizens.

All candidates who attended were given the opportunity to provide opening remarks and answer questions prepared by the forum committee and the audience.

Representatives for candidates were given the opportunity to provide opening remarks but were prohibited from answering questions on behalf of their candidate.