BELLINGHAM - Whatcom County executive candidates went over some familiar territory at a Bellingham City Club forum Wednesday, Sept. 28, but where the two set themselves apart was more in manner than opinion.
Former Lynden mayor Jack Louws and state Sen. Doug Ericksen discussed Lake Whatcom, the new jail project and the proposed coal terminal at Cherry Point, responding to questions from a moderator and then the audience.
On those issues, there weren't many substantive differences between the candidates, who are both Republicans, though the race is nonpartisan. Both agreed that transferring Lake Whatcom watershed land from the state Department of Natural Resources to the county was the wrong thing to do; both said the quality of drinking water that comes from the lake was important, with stormwater a major issue to address.
Both wanted to see movement on a new, single-story jail, although they differed on how to get there.
"We need more decisions and fewer commissions," Ericksen said. "What the county needs is leadership on this issue."
Louws said the jail task force was a good idea, but also said he wants the process to move along.
Neither candidate said now was a good time to raise taxes on people struggling through a slumping economy, with Ericksen vowing not to raise taxes through his term and criticizing Louws for not making the same promise. Louws had previously said he was committed to not raising taxes, but added that it's the County Council that makes tax decisions.
Both also agreed that SSA Marine's proposed Gateway Pacific coal and cargo terminal at Cherry Point was an opportunity to create jobs, but Louws was reticent to throw his full support behind the project. He said he preferred to remain neutral so he could work with both SSA Marine and project opponents as the proposal makes its way through the permitting process.
Ericksen was on the offensive for some of the forum, criticizing Louws for being too broad and vague in his answers. He called Louws' campaign flier "clear as mud" and told people to go look at projects in Lynden if they wanted to get an idea of how Louws handles things.
Louws' response: "Aren't election seasons fun, folks?"
"I don't think you could have two more opposite types of personalities," club member Jan Fensch said afterward. "I think personality could become a factor in the election."
Fensch said she got the impression that Ericksen's decisions and actions would hem closely to the Republican party line, while Louws would be more interested in local concerns and local input.
"We don't necessarily need the party telling us what to do," Fensch said.
City Club board member Elizabeth Jenkins said the forum was a great way for people to understand the difference between the candidates.
"It seems as if Ericksen has some very set positions and Louws is willing to listen and learn," Jennings said. "Depending on what someone is looking for in a leader, either one of those qualities could be very positive."
