SPOKANE, Wash. – Gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson (D) and Dave Reichert (R) debated at The Fox Theater Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. Over the course of an hour, they answered pressing questions about the economy, reproductive rights and their leadership styles.
Opening statements.
What, as governor, will you do to improve the overall business climate for owners and employees statewide? Specifically, how do you humanely and forcefully impede the negative impact of those struggling with homelessness in proximity to businesses, and repeated incidents of crime, vandalism, and a lack of safety for those trying to work day to day?
A recent Cascade PBS/Elway Poll shows “economy, jobs and inflation” as the biggest issue for voters when it comes to the Governor’s race. Right now, we’re seeing 33,000 Boeing workers on strike demanding 40% wage increases to keep up with the cost of living. What, within your control as governor, would you do to address the rising cost of living?
Washington’s Superintendent of Public Instruction says the state is underfunding public schools to the tune of about $4 billion a year. How would you balance the constitutional demand to fully fund public schools, including special education, with other high priority demands for state spending like human services and higher education?
The North Spokane Corridor has been in the works for decades. Now funding is finally secured and a finish date is set for 2030. With the gas tax diminishing and construction costs rising, how do you make good on that promise? And create more funding for transportation projects across the state?
For the past 12 years, Governor Jay Inslee has prioritized combating climate change and shifting the state to a clean energy economy. Besides the Climate Commitment Act, which is on the ballot this year, Inslee and legislative Democrats have enacted several other climate policies. They include: a plan to phase out the sale of gas-powered cars and a shift to 100 percent clean energy by 2045. As governor, what priority would you put on reducing Washington’s carbon emissions and transitioning away from fossil fuels?
Bob Ferguson asks Dave Reichert about abortion.
Dave Reichert asks Bob Ferguson about taxation.
Question from John Chiarella of Jerrigan, Inc.: What will you do to help Washington’s small businesses who have been struggling to stay afloat amid numerous state mandates, and to end the perpetual cycle of automatic “cost of living” minimum wage increases that do nothing but perpetuate the increase in the cost of living?
Question from Steve Anderson of Wagstaff, Inc.: Regarding regulations, while the specific ratings may vary depending on the source of the list, Idaho is consistently rated in the lowest 10 states with respect to state regulations while Washington is consistently listed as one of the 10 states with the highest amount of state regulation. If elected Governor, what concrete steps would you take regarding Washington State regulatory environment to ensure Washington businesses are not disadvantaged when competing with a similar business in Idaho?
Some Republican-led states have passed anti-DEI laws and now some major companies are getting rid of DEI efforts. As Governor, what direction would you give to the state’s Office of Equity? And what’s your message to Washington businesses and their approach to DEI efforts?
In 2019, the state legislature established a bipartisan legislative Tax Structure Work Group to recommend ways to make Washington’s tax system more fair and stable. Last year, the Work Group delivered two proposals to the legislature, including a recommendation that the state replace the Business and Occupation tax on gross receipts with a margin tax. What is your view of the fairness of Washington current tax system – for individuals and businesses – and what if any changes would you support?
More women are coming to Washington, from Idaho and other states, for abortion services. And Governor Inslee has taken further steps, including stockpiling mifepristone and putting money into the state budget to cover abortion costs. As Governor, would you maintain these efforts? Would your priorities around abortion care be the same or different than the current governor?
Closing statements.
Ferguson is the Attorney General of Washington State. Initially elected in 2013, he has focused on , and
Reichert is a former US Congressman and former King County Sheriff. Throughout his political career, he has highlighted and
Wednesday night marked the second match-up between Reichert and Ferguson, who appeared for their first debate in Seattle earlier this month.
