Candidates discuss issues at forum

The vote-by-mail ballots for the fall general election will go to voters this Friday, and voters and candidates gathered Tuesday in Rosburg for one final local forum.

Most candidates repeated messages given in earlier forums.

Tim Sutinen, Lower Taxes party, and Kurt Swanson, Republican party, had missed the Skamokawa Grange forum September 27 but were on hand to discuss issues with their opponents, Democrat incumbents Brian Blake and Dean Takko.

Takko and Blake quickly reviewed their experience and highlighted challenges facing the legislature--dealing with a continuing bad economy and revenues and finding ways to get agreements to get bills passed.

Swanson, who is running against Takko, reviewed his experience in the computer industry and then into various business enterprises.

"I'm pursuing a dream of running for office," he said. "With what I've seen in the last few years, I'm fed up. We'll balance the budget and work with people."

Sutinen indicated his philosophy is to promote jobs and business by lowering taxes. He suggested reducing red tape for entrepreneurs and cutting the number of occupational licenses which has burgeoned in recent years.

"We're in a state of fiscal emergency," he said. "They've been spending like drunken sailors to appease every one of the special interest groups that give them money."

Troy Norris, candidate for sheriff, questioned the integrity of his opponent, Jon Dearmore, who was ill and didn't attend the forum.

He reviewed his career as a volunteer emergency medical technician and reserve deputy, and his vocation of operating a trucking business. He said that in going door to door, he had been told that Dearmore had made at least three lapses of personal integrity.

"It's unfortunate Jon's not here," Norris said. "I'll say it anyway."

The comments drew a response from Katie Bjornsgard, sister of Dearmore's wife.

"I've never known him to be anything other than loving, kind and professional," she said. "I would trust my children with him. It's a travesty what you've said."

Her comments drew applause from the crowd of about 50 people.

One questioner asked how Norris, who has worked only as a reserve, thought he could take over and manage a department.

"The sheriff doesn't run it by himself," Norris said. "It's a team effort."

Dennis Gordon, candidate for prosecuting attorney, charged that incumbent Prosecuting Attorney Dan Bigelow is tied to the hip of District Court Judge Bill Faubion.

Bigelow had recounted his years of experience practicing law, both in private practice and as a prosecutor.

Gordon, a write-in candidate who isn't a lawyer, said his recent experience in court cases revolving around a divorce showed him that the criminal justice system in the county is unjust. He saw things like perjury and no one would do anything about it, he said.

"Elections will come and go, but I will not give up informing you about the incompetent legal system," he told the crowd.

A woman whose son had been a defendant in a criminal court case asked Bigelow if he prosecuted or persecuted people.

Bigelow responded that the job is to prosecute criminals, but he tries to treat people with respect.

"I stand by my actions," he said.