Fearing speaks at Moses Lake candidates' forum

MOSES LAKE - Democratic candidate for the 4th Congressional District George Fearing shared his political views at a Monday candidates' forum at Big Bend Community College.

"2008 is the year of change," he told the crowd of more than 100 people. "I love America. I love our Constitution."

He said the congressional district needs a leadership change.

Fearing's opponent, Congressmen Doc Hastings, served seven terms. He said Hastings planned to end his service after the sixth year, but instead made a career in politics.

He said Central Washington has potential to be the energy location of the world and if elected he will pursue serving an energy committee.

Forum facilitator Brian Dano asked Fearing questions prepared by the forum committee.

He asked about his position on using domestic resources versus foreign resources for oil.

Fearing said he is in favor of using domestic resources. He said Washington is unique because there are several natural resources available including wind, sun, water and geothermal pockets.

He said Hastings voted against all bills concerning alternative energy.

"We need to get off our dependence on foreign oil," he said. "We need to combat global warming."

Fearing said Democrat leaders helped create dams, Hanford and irrigation projects.

The audience applauded his comments.

Dano asked what the government should do to assist with economic recovery.

Fearing said the government needs to be more active.

"We are in the greatest financial crisis … since 1929," he said.

He said he would have voted against the economic bail out bill that was before the House of Representatives two weeks ago.

Fearing said without a more aggressive approach from the government, pension plans will continue to fail.

"I would have voted for an economic plan (without the) tax breaks," he said. "I would encourage the U.S. attorneys to prosecute the CEOs and managers of financial institutions who in their reporting failed to report the accurate condition of their banks."

He wants adjustable rate mortgages outlawed for five years.

Dano asked Fearing what his solution to illegal immigration is.

Fearing said it's important to enforce U.S. borders.

He said it's important to grant work permits to those who are already here who have jobs and have not committed crimes. He said it's also important to work to allow people to migrate to the United States legally because migrant work is needed in the Columbia Basin.

Dano asked Fearing questions written by audience members.

He asked if he thinks government should tell companies how they should run their businesses, especially concerning CEO salaries.

Fearing said in general, no, government should not be able to dictate to businesses but there should be some regulations when a government "bailout" is used.

He said if the government bails a company by giving them money for liquidity and assistance, there should be limits on CEO salaries, bonuses and "golden parachutes."

Dano asked if he would support an amendment to balance the budget.

Fearing said yes, with one exception. He said there should not be a requirement to balance the budget during wartime.

Dano asked him what he can do about the increasing police-state.

Fearing said the Patriot Act should be repealed. He said the act violates the Second Amendment and the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution.

Dano asked him if nuclear power is a reasonable solution for Grant County and Washington state.

Fearing said, "yes" and added that it is one of many solutions.

"I strongly advocate nuclear power," he said.