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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Readers Photo Gallery Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Readers' Choice Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Neighborhoods Employment Guide Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend October 25, 2006 Democratic Oregon Gov.Ted Kulongoski, left, and his Rebublican opponent Ron Saxton square off in a televised debate Tuesday evening in Medford. The two challenged each other on issues ranging from education to law enforcement. (Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli) A war of words Oregon governor candidates challenge each other on timber harvests, education, OSP in Medford televised debate By Damian Mann Mail Tribune The two major candidates for governor sparred on everything from timber harvests to the Southern Oregon economy during their final televised debate Tuesday night in Medford. Under questions from local media on KOBI Channel 5 and KOTI Channel 2, Gov. Ted Kulongoski and his opponent, Republican Ron Saxton, accused each other of not telling the truth on issues. "Your numbers don't add up," said Kulongoski over his challenger's claims that he will spend more on troopers, health care and education, while cutting taxes. "How are you going to pay for everything you've talked about?" Saxton said he wants to make government more efficient and said the governor's recent rhetoric displays a lack of bipartisanship. "When did politics become what side are you on?" said Saxton. Advertisement Saxton and Kulongoski are virtually tied in various recent polls with two weeks remaining before ballots are counted. Kulongoski, noting the state has been pulling out of a difficult economic downturn, touted the opening of Amy's Kitchen in White City, and said a new joint building for Rogue Commmunity College and Southern Oregon University underscores his commitment to education. Saxton said the state's economy is one of the worst in the country and the governor's opposition to timber harvesting has hurt the economy of rural areas. He wants to wring more efficiencies out of education while increasing pay to teachers based on merit. He slammed Kulongoski for opposing timber harvests that would benefit many rural counties throughout the state, saying timber production is less than what former President Bill Clinton had proposed. "This governor is even out opposing the harvesting of dead and dying trees," he said. Saxton also criticized the governor for not leading a delegation of county officials that recently went to Washington to plead for reinstatement of the federal timber money that pumps $23 million into Jackson County annually. "I would have led that delegation," said Saxton. "The governor didn't go." Kulongoski said he has been a strong supporter of the renewal of the federal timber money, saying it is vital to counties throughout Oregon. He said that if the federal government can spend billions for wars, it can send millions back to counties. He said Saxton's charges that timber harvests in the state are diminishing are "not true," saying they have increased 30 percent during his administration. "Mr. Saxton likes to tell me how I think," said Kulongoski, who has favored the federal government's Healthy Forests Initiative and supports salvaging timber where it is appropriate. Saxton responded, "I guess he hasn't seen many that he thinks are appropriate." Kulongoski, referring to Saxton's support to open up more wilderness in Oregon to vehicles, "What this is all about is the roadless area." The governor and Saxton both want to add more troopers as part of an effort to combat crime, particularly in rural areas. Kulongosi said Saxton isn't telling the truth about his committment to the Oregon State Police, saying that as governor he has added 40 new state troopers. He said additional troopers are needed to help combat crimes in rural areas of the state. Kulongoski said state has closed down 70 percent of the meth labs thanks to tough new laws that limit the sale of common cold remedies that contain pseudoephedrine. "We're going to disagree with this," said Saxton, saying that Oregon ranks 49th in the country in crime statistics. "His claim that he has done so much for law enforcement falls flat." Shutting down neighborhood meth labs is only one part of the problem in shutting down this problem afflicting rural areas of Oregon, said Saxton. He said more should be done to cut down on the demand, including education and rehabilitation programs. Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or [email protected] . Would you like to respond to this story? If so Click Here to visit our forums. Advertisement Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems Online Casino Reviews Men's Clothing GMAT Prep Fundraisers UK Homeowner Loans Discount Hotel Reservations Send Flowers Casinos Canada Texas Electric Choice Compare Electric rates in Texas Windermere Van Vleet Trunks, Footlocker Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com