PORT ANGELES — The two candidates for 24th District state representative displayed sharp differences on several issues during forums Tuesday before the Port Angeles Business Association and during an evening television taping.
Sequim firefighter Kevin Van De Wege, a Democrat, is challenging Rep. Jim Buck, R-Joyce, for the 24th District House seat that Buck has held since 1994.
During Tuesday night’s hour-long taping, Buck said he opposed impact fees for development, such as growth occurring in the Sequim area.
Charging up front for development stifles growth, he said.
Van De Wege said he favors impact fees because development brings impacts along with the additional taxes and jobs.
Their videotaped candidates forum before a panel consisting of Peninsula Daily News Executive Editor Rex Wilson and Commentary Page Editor Paul Gottlieb, and Peninsula News Network anchor Dennis Bragg, will be cablecast at 8 tonight on Wave Broadband channel 3.
Buck and Van De Wege differed on the state Growth Management Act.
Buck said it is “ridiculous” for local governments to get the state’s permission on how their communities will grow.
Van De Wege said the act prevents urban sprawl and preserves open spaces, helping to promote tourism, which is important to the area’s economy.
