SPOKANE, Wash — Wednesday night, the second gubernatorial debate was hosted at the Fox Theater in Spokane. The debate was sponsored by NonStop Local KHQ, NonStop Local KNDU/KNDO, Association of Washington Business and Greater Spokane, Inc.
Candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert addressed multiple topics, including business and housing issues within the state.
Ferguson and Reichert were asked what their plans would be going forward for business support across the state.
Ferguson said if he is elected, he would want the government to advocate for small businesses.
"One thing I've heard is we need to streamline government for small businesses or anybody else," Ferguson said. "If I'm elected governor that's exactly what I'll do."
Reichert said streamlining is a burden on businesses, emphasizing what he says are unnecessary inspections and lawsuits being the reason why some business owners are having to close doors or move to a different state.
"We have got to stop suing our businesses so they can stay in Washington state and stay in business," Reichert said.
Ferguson said the high cost of housing is a critical issue across the state, affecting those with or without small businesses. Ferguson said he believes it's the governor's and the state's responsibility to fix the issue.
"Housing is buried in commerce," Ferguson said. "I'm going to pull that person out and team out, and the head of housing is going to be a member of my cabinet."
Reichert said the issue isn't within government officials, but within Washington laws, which he says gives renters too much freedom.
"We need to make it easier for renters or landlords to make it easier to evict people who aren't paying their rent," Reichert said.
This is the second debate between both candidates. No others are scheduled for the future.