More information: Jim Brunner, Seattle Times, September 24, 2012
An important issue for cleantech interests–and the state–is the contrast in the two gubernatorial candidates would attack one of the prime problems that our state–and nation–face: The creation of new jobs. This issue was amplified again by the most recent job numbers: August’s unemployment rate rose to 8.6 percent from 8.5 percent in July (it had reached 9.9 percent in 2010). Washington’s August rate ranked a concerning 35th among the fifty states.
The candidates provide a markedly different approach in their approach to the issue that is consistent with their political philosophies.
Democrat Jay Inslee, the former congressman, is an activist. He argues that government should focus on targeted industries of the future. He has advocated for the creation of a new state economic agency and offer tax breaks and other assistance to targeted sectors that might include clean energy, aerospace, biotech, and maritime companies.
Republican Rob McKenna, the two-term state attorney general, does not believe that government is a primary factor in the creation of private-sector jobs. He believes that government often suppresses business creation and would focus on inititaves such as reducing regulation, simplifying tax collection, and tax cuts for small businesses.
See the actual presentations of the candidates:
More on Jay Inslee’s Views:
- Cleantech plan: Find the portion of Inslee’s Job Creation plan that is specific to cleantech here.
- Job Creation: www.jayinslee.com/issues/jobs-plan
More on Rob McKenna’s Views:
- Rob McKenna’s statement on Energy Policy: www.wacleantech.org/rob-mckenna-an-energy-agenda-for-washington.html
- Job Creation www.robmckenna.org/newdirection/jobs#_ftn1