Legislative Forum Cordial, But Highlights Differences

Clarification: An earlier version of this story stated that Troy Kelley indicated he wanted to find a way for cities to replenish money lost to voter initiatives. Kelley later contacted Patch and said he was not necessarily in favor of replenishing those funds, but voters should be aware that the money will be lost if the measures passed.

There were no signs of politicians with Hitler mustaches Wednesday at University Place City Hall. No mentions of Wall Street or Main Street. No accusations of political misdealings or underhandedness.

In fact, given the rancor that has pervaded national politics this election year, Wednesday night's forum for candidates in Washington's 28th Legislative District races was downright cordial.

Both positions for state representative are up for grabs in the Nov. 2 election. In Pos. 1, incumbent Troy Kelley seeks re-election against challenger Steve O'Ban. In Pos. 2, incumbent Tami Green is trying to stave off a challenge from Paul Wagemann.

On Wednesday, all four candidates answered audience questions in a roundtable format forum, which was sponsored about the Tacoma-Pierce County League of Women Voters.

They answered questions about budget shortfalls, military families and bipartisanship. Of particular interest for University Place residents, the first question involved whether or not the candidates would support finding money to replace funds that would be lost if either of the state's two liquor-related initiatives on the Nov. 2 ballot.

O'Ban and Wagemann, both of whom favor the Republican party, indicated they would want to respect the will of the voters.

"Being in the liquor business is not an essential function of government," O'Ban said.

Green, a Democrat, indicated that they wanted find some way to make sure cities get back some of that money if the initiatives passed.

"We're looking at lost revenue, and I don't think that's been put in perspective," Kelley said.

Check back next week to read the candidates' reasoning about why they should get your vote.