Washington state gubernatorial candidates Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert are debating the top issues Tuesday, Sept. 10.
The debate between Ferguson, a Democrat, and Reichert, a Republican, will broadcast at 8 p.m. PT on KING 5, and will be available on broadcast and streamed statewide by all of the media partners. That includes on KREM 2 and be available to stream through KREM 2+, including on krem.com and streaming apps on Roku, Amazon Fire and Apple TV.
The two advanced to the November general election after receiving the most votes during the August primary election.
Ferguson and Reichert will layout their stances on, among other topics, public safety, homelessness and health care.
Ferguson's top issues
On his campaign website, Ferguson lists plans for the following issues:
- Public safety
- Ferries
- Economic growth, infrastructure, and good jobs
- Behavioral health
- Affordable housing and homelessness
- Affordable health care
- Reproductive freedom
Public safety: Among the steps Ferguson says he’ll take to improve public safety is increasing the number of “more well-trained” police officers and troopers. Ferguson would increase a $100 million grant program in his budget as governor to help local jurisdictions hire more police, according to his campaign website.
Ferries: Alleging his opponent voted for a nationwide abortion ban three times while in Congress, Ferguson says he believes in privacy protections already in place, but, if need be, would pursue Constitutional amendment to protect against future legislative efforts to erode protections.
Economic growth: On his website, Ferguson says he’ll “immediately” implement a plan to fix the state’s aging ferry system. That plan includes partnering with elected officials in impacted communities to implement reforms.
Behavioral health: As far as economic growth goes, Ferguson says he has a plan that “benefits small business and large employers, strengthens urban, suburban and rural communities" and creates jobs. That plan includes fostering a healthy business climate “that supports innovation and middle-out growth,” according to his website.
Housing: Ferguson says he has four key strategies for building a better mental health and substance use support system. That includes enhancing access to care and prevention and early intervention.
Health care: According to his campaign website, Ferguson’s plan to increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness includes building more than 1 million units over 20 years and that an “incremental approach is in adequate to the urgency of this crisis.”
Reproductive rights: Ferguson says he would protect the Affordable Care Act as one step to ensure access to affordable health care. Additionally, he would increase competition and continue breaking up health care monopolies.
Reichert's top issues
On his campaign website, Reichert lists plans for the following issues:
- Crime and safety
- Cost of living
- Jobs and the economy
- Parents and children
- Accountability
Crime and safety: Reichert’s blueprint of addressing public safety includes, among other things, directing the state patrol chief “to enforce the law.” As governor, he would also help jurisdictions recruit more qualified officers.
Cost of living: Reichert lists homelessness under crime and safety as well. If elected, he would appoint a director of homelessness for the state and increase efforts to arrest the “2-3%” of those who are homeless who are “committing serious felonies.”
Jobs and the economy: To address Washington’s affordable housing issues, Reichert says he would streamline zoning laws and speed up permitting, while also using tax credits to incentivize rent relief. He would also require or incentivize developers to include a percentage of affordable housing in new developments.
On his campaign website, Reichert also says creating jobs and growing the economy is “a must.” That, he says, requires policies to lower taxes, reduce regulations and help small businesses grow. He also cites the need for “law and order” to improve the economy, saying crime makes it difficult for businesses to survive or succeed.
Parents and children: When it comes to families, Reichert says the state must ensure the safety and educational opportunities for children. He says there should never again be a “one-size-fits-all” lockdown, closure or mandates, like what state officials did during the COVID-19 pandemic. He says the state needs to “reverse the exodus of children” not returning to school as well.
Accountability: Reichert says he’s also running to make the state government “open, responsive and inclusive” and the power is wielded by the citizens elected officials serve.
“Do this and we replace delay and foot-dragging with action and results,” his website states, in part.
