Candidates clash at Monday forum in Edmonds

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If you missed the candidates’ forum in Edmonds Monday, you can watch it on the Edmonds Community College cable channel (Comcast channel 21 and Verizon channel 38).

On the broadcast, you’ll see Democratic and Republican candidates running in the 32nd Legislative District, two other legislative districts and the 1st Congressional District clash along predictable party lines.

The channel, which carries Edmonds Community College, Edmonds School District and Lynnwood City events, was scheduled to broadcast the forum at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday with the forum to be repeated at unannounced times.

There were a few jeers, boos and catcalls, but the crowd was mostly well behaved. The candidate questions — drawn randomly from a stack created by the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce’s economic development committee — centered on business-related issues.

All legislative candidates spoke in support of streamlining the state budget, but the Republicans generally called for “doing more with less” and “living within our means,” and the Democrats generally said that the State’s financial problems are the result of a worldwide recession and that it’s time to move beyond ideological differences to solve problems.

Dr. Art Coday, a Republican running against Democrat Cindy Ryu for 32nd District Representative, Position 1, said he is committed to taking the time and efforts necessary to address the state’s budget woes. “I’m not in favor of going in with a machete cutting everything or raising taxes,” he said.

Republican Gary Gagliardi, running against Democratic incumbent Ruth Kagi for 32nd District Representative, Position 2, said the solution is to “move dollars and control out of Olympia and into our communities.”

David Baker, a Republican running against Democrat Maralyn Chase for 32nd District Senator, cited his experience as mayor of Kenmore, where the city is financially stable and even built a new city hall under budget.

In response to a question about the two statewide initiatives to privatize state liquor sales, Chase said she opposes both initiatives due to the $300 million loss of State revenue.

Some of the most-lively debate came during the Congressional questioning, with Republican challenger James Watkins and Democratic incumbent U.S. Rep. Jay Inslee sparring over questions about how to serve constituents effectively amid partisan strife in Washington, D.C.

Watkins said he will “vote for people, not special interests,” while Inslee cited recent bipartisan efforts to pass prescription drug abuse reform and about the next steps in health care reform.

In closing statements, Watkins questioned Inslee’s focus on environmental issues and in particular his commitment to creating green jobs.

“We need real jobs in the 1st District, not la-la-land jobs,” Watkins said.

Inslee responded, “I am not going to turn this seat back to someone who wants to vote with the coal and oil companies.”