The fourth debate was between 42nd Dist. State Representative Vincent Buys and Joy Monjure. It was a good debate which revealed a lot about each candidate. Things that we noted from this debate are: Ms. Monjure has made poverty her chief platform. This is a laudible platform, but the devils in the details. Does Monjure plan to cure poverty by raising the minimum wage? Will she help to bring family wage jobs to Whatcom County? Will she support the Gateway Pacific Terminal project if it is able to pass the SEPA review? Will she protect the water rights of all rural county farms, residences and industries? How would she vote with regards to tax increases, or the implementation of a state income tax? And last but not the least of the most important question not publicly asked of Ms. Monjure is whether she supports the powering-down of Whatcom County as stated within the mission of the local group, Transition Whatcom? The goal of Transition Whatcom (and all Transition Initiatives) is to create a long term Energy Descent Action Pathway, a blueprint- by the community, for the community- of how to significantly reduce energy use and yet provide for our basic needs in times of energy scarcity. transitionwhatcom.org/us02_who_we_are.php On the other hand, Representative Buys gave a less than satisfactory answer with regards to the many paid for meals that our political representatives receive due to the many breakfasts, lunches and dinners they are asked to attend. Ms. Monjure gives a one-two punch with her response to the question. But, we do not think that receiving a $50 meal from the people you have pledged to represent, whether that person is an individual, lobbyist or a corporation would insure you a favorable outcome. Thats a pretty cheap date if 50 bucks buys (get the pun?) you much loyalty. Whats most important is whether State Rep. Buys grasps the importance that Whatcom Countys 42nd District needs a positive resolution to reliable and sustainable acces to water for potable and industrial uses. That the best way to fix poverty is to embrace economic growth with an all-of-the-above attitude. To insure that education is about results, not how much money is spent on it. And on these issues Rep. Buys gets the big picture.
Posted on: Thu, 16 Oct 2014 14:00:01 +0000
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