PORT TOWNSEND — Rivals in the Jefferson County commissioners’ races peacefully shared a forum table during a debate Tuesday organized by the Port Townsend Rotary Club.
During the forum, the two Republican incumbents and their Democratic rivals laid out their platforms, told of their accomplishments and the county-rooted biographies, and mostly steered away from personal attacks.
Rotarian Lloyd Cahoon moderated the forum, which featured Commissioner Dan Titterness and challenger Phil Johnson, and Commissioner Glen Huntingford and opponent David Sullivan.
Each pair appears on the countywide Nov. 2 general election ballot.
Cahoon asked the candidates to identify the two main problems in the county.
Titterness-Johnson
Speaking first, Titterness spoke about his accomplishments of changing what he called a trend of shrinking employment opportunity in the county.
The commissioner cited growth in the Glen Cove industrial area and the Port Hardlock/Irondale urban growth area.
Titterness referred to Johnson as being critical of the Tri-Area urban growth area project and urged not to “start back-pedaling.”
“We have a solution in front of us,” Titterness said. “It will take time and careful budget management to get us to a resolution of this issue.”
In response, Johnson said he supports the Tri-Area urban growth area, or UGA, but has serious concerns regarding traffic regulation and building of the necessary public works that the residents can afford.
The candidate reminded listeners of the “budget train wreck” — the term used for the troubled county budget during the past year.
“I know enough to understand that we can look good on paper today and yet have real financial problems ahead of us,” Johnson said.
Additionally, he voiced his opposition to the “pit to pier” project in Shine, which he called “too big, too dangerous” and a threat to the Hood Canal Bridge and the waters of Hood Canal.
Huntingford-Sullivan
Huntingford, R-Chimacum, debated with his Democratic challenger David Sullivan.
Sullivan began by talking about responsible leadership, which would use tax money to boost the region’s economy and continue to provide services.
“It just doesn’t make sense to slash effective county programs that took years to build, and put our vulnerable children and adults at risk,” Sullivan said,
“That will cost more.”
Sullivan promised to work with the Washington State University Extension program in Port Hadlock to enhance region’s education resources.
Huntingford’s platform mainly accented county developments.
The commissioner cited the decrease in the number of comprehensive plan appeals, which made the county “compliant on most issues.”
The Tri-Area is close to the finalization of the planning process, he said, and the county continues to provide funding for law enforcement and keeps transportation lifelines open and in good repair.
“I promised to work toward diversifying our economy and shift the tax burden from local families,” said Huntingford.
“I am very proud of these accomplishments, and I think I kept my promise.”