Candidates on stem cells, schools, NASCAR

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Related stories Rossi rips Gregoire stem-cell proposal

Here are some excerpts from last night's gubernatorial debate:

STEM CELLS

The candidates were given a chance to ask each other a question. Both asked about stem-cell research and biotechnology.

Dino Rossi (questioning Christine Gregoire): "The centerpiece of your economic recovery plan comes from a biotech research facility and stem-cell research. The experts say that you're going to put a half-billion dollars into this and the experts say it's only going to create about 700 jobs over the next four years. Most jobs won't come until 15 to 20 years from now.

"I believe this came forward because you had done some polling last spring and you decided this is what you wanted to do. How long have you been in favor of this? Have you been in favor of it longer than just last spring, or is this just a political ploy?"

Gregoire: "Well, Mr. Rossi, I don't make proposals for the state of Washington as political ploys. I've been working on the idea of biotechnology for the state of Washington for the last 18 months — long before I decided to run for governor.

"Let me tell you the promise it has. The life sciences can be the penicillin of the 21st century. We can address the problems of prostate cancer and breast cancer at a stage where we could avoid very harsh treatment like chemotherapy and radiation.

"It not only promises us revolutionized health care in the state of Washington but it promises us to be able to create 40,000 to 70,000 jobs for Washington state. That's the right leadership for Washington state."

Rossi rebuttal: "Well that's interesting, because last year there was a bill in the Legislature to have a biotech research facility that was going to be put together with the tobacco money. You opposed it. Not only did you oppose it, you sent your assistant attorney general down there to testify against it, to say we shouldn't be taking the money out. The money should be going to health care for the poor and to help people to stop smoking.

"That's why I believe it's more of a political ploy than anything else because you opposed it last year."
 
Gregoire response: "Let's stay on this subject. I have proposed a stem-cell research institute in the state of Washington because I see the promise. Let me ask why you don't support stem-cell research in our state and why you won't urge our federal administration to open up the doors to allow us to solve problems of those dealing with ... dreaded diseases that stem cells hold great promise for."

Rossi response: "The biotech industry did not ask for this research center, number one. ... You're talking about taking a half-billion dollars of the taxpayer's money. You make this the centerpiece of your recovery plan — it's only going to create 700 jobs over the next four years. ... "

The issue was followed up later in the debate with a question from the panel:

Question: Ms. Gregoire, you're predicting 70,000 jobs over the next four years. ... The city of Seattle is estimating far fewer jobs, maybe 20,000 direct jobs in the next 15 years. How do you reconcile the difference?

Gregoire: "We need to have a state that says we want to be the leader in biotech and the life sciences. As governor, I'm prepared to say we can have that type of leadership. If we have that kind of leadership and that kind of vision, there's no question that I think those promised kinds of jobs, 40,000 to 70,000, can materialize. ... "

Question: Mr. Rossi, do you feel it's possible this is the kind of bold step that a governor needs to take to create more jobs?

Rossi: "It's $500 million in taxpayer money that will create 700 jobs in the first four years. The 70,000 jobs ... is 15 to 20 years from now. There are 200,000 people looking for work in our state. They can't wait 15 years. ... "

NASCAR

Question: A Florida company recently announced it wants to build a $300 million NASCAR race track in Snohomish County. The company is asking for a state investment of more than $200 million. Do you support state subsidies to build this track?

Rossi: "I'd like to see NASCAR come here. It's the equivalent to having a Super Bowl here every single year in the dollars it brings in. I have not seen the package. Does it make sense? How many jobs will be created? How much revenue will come into the state of Washington?"

Gregoire: "If NASCAR is good for the economy and good for the citizens of the state of Washington, I'll be supportive. But there is no blank check. We have had a lot of concern about how we spend taxpayers' dollars, so I'm not willing to invest one penny of taxpayers' dollars until I see a package that says there will be multiple economic returns to the citizens of that community and to the state of Washington."

CHARTER SCHOOLS

Question: What are your positions on charter schools and the WASL?

Rossi: "The WASL test, it's controversial, but we mustn't lower our standards. We must make sure our standards are high. Should we periodically review the WASL tests? Absolutely. ...

"When it comes to charter schools, it passed this legislative session.

"We've had our children in public school, we've had our children in Catholic school, we've home-schooled. ... One thing I do know is there isn't just one way to teach a child. So having more options as a parent, I think that's a good thing."

Gregoire: "I think we need to ensure every child has access to a great education. So I think we ought to take our money and creativity and innovation and invest every taxpaying dollar into our public schools. So I'm not going to support charter schools at this time in Washington state.

"With regard to the WASL, we've got to make sure our children are seeing that WASL is meaningful to them. I believe in the three Rs, a rigorous coursework for our children — relevant coursework so they feel that they are connected to what's going on in their future education, and a relationship with their teachers and adults in that school, so that they feel they are a part of their future education."