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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 Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley 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 3, 2006 Governor candidates get tough on taxes Jackson County swing gives Gov. Kulongoski, Saxton their chance to highlight differences By Damian Mann Mail Tribune Gov. Ted Kulongoski and his Republican challenger Ron Saxton criticized each other's tax plans Monday during campaign swings through Jackson County. Saxton condemned the governor's efforts to raise taxes, while Kulongoski rapped Saxton for proposing to enlarge state government while cutting taxes. Saxton's plan "just doesn't add up," Kulongoski said during an interview at the Mail Tribune. In a separate interview, Saxton said Kulongoski has backed proposals to raise taxes, but he hasn't succeeded, which shows his inability to lead the state. "His efforts to raise taxes have all failed," said Saxton. Advertisement With less than six weeks left before Election Day, Kulongoski and Saxton are making their way around the state, looking for endorsements from the media and speaking to local organizations. Kulongoski buttressed his contention that he has been a good leader, saying, "I have governed through some of the most difficult times in the state's history." He said he has not resorted to new taxes, while acknowledging he has supported tax measures. Both candidates support investing more money in education, but have vastly different approaches for raising the money. Schools will never have enough money, said Saxton. He said beginning teachers should be paid more, and veteran teachers should get raises based on performance. With schools spending most of their money on personnel, Saxton suggested districts combine administrative duties and outsource as much as possible. Saxton said his cost-cutting efforts could save hundreds of millions of dollars, but Saxton said they won't bring in the $1 billion or more that some education officials say schools need. "K-12 has to have more money," said Saxton. "Higher education needs more money." He said higher education needs a minimum 25 percent increase in funding. "I'm not sure I wouldn't put more in if I had the chance," he said. The extra money to pay for better schools would come from a growing economy, Saxton said. He suggested cutting taxes, including perhaps even property taxes, as a way to stimulate the economy, and ultimately raise more revenue for the state. "The first thing I'm going to do is lower taxes," he said. With the state's economy improving, Kulongoski said he wants to reinvest in the state's institutions, and particularly in education, which has been hard-hit over the past four years. "When you cut out 25 percent out of the budget, you do it out of efficiencies, not out of design," he said. Kulongoski said he has pushed for more efficiencies in state government over the past four years, and he is working to find more. However, he said wringing more efficiency out of government will not raise the kind of money needed to boost funding to education, a point Saxton conceded. Kulongoski said Saxton's proposals to lower taxes would add up to $1.4 billion in cuts, while at the same time he has a "wish list" of new programs that would cost $1.5 billion. Kulongoski said he is working on a long-range plan that will keep children in school by offering more opportunities for those who are thinking about a trade or a professional skill, rather than just an academic career. Referring to his style of leadership, Kulongoski said, "I'm trying to make life better for other people." Saxton said the state needs a kick-start to boost its economy and to improve government. "Oregon is muddling along, not living up to its potential," he said. 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 Windermere Van Vleet Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Texas Electric Choice Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews Online poker at AbsolutePoker.com