Candidates also had a chance last week to tell members of the business community just how they plan on helping them through tough economic times.

Incumbents and hopefuls met at the Mount Vernon Chamber’s candidate forum held Sept. 24 at the Best Western Cotton Tree Inn.

Nominees for state senator, state representative and Skagit County Board of Commissioners were all in attendance, along with proxy speakers for Gov. Christine Gregoire and candidate Dino Rossi.

Former Snohomish County Sheriff Rick Bart, a Republican challenging incumbent Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) in the Congressional District 2, was the only federal nominee at the forum.

Mount Vernon City Council member Joe Lindquist spoke on behalf of Rossi, while Rep. Dave Quall (D-Mount Vernon) made the case for Gregoire during the forum’s opening statements.

Unlike last week’s League of Women Voters of Skagit County forum, county commissioner candidates Bill Turner, Ron Wesen, Don Gordon and incumbent Ken Dahlstedt addressed the audience, which packed the hotel’s convention center.

Turner and Wesen are vying for current county commissioner Don Munks’ District 1 position, while Gordon and Dahlstedt will be on the ballot for District 2.

After opening statements, state and federal candidates were given one minute to respond to how they plan to bring revenues in line with spending.

Most Democrats and Republicans alike acknowledged that cuts will be necessary at the state level.

County commissioner candidates were asked what they would do to save rural areas and maintain a good quality of life and business climate in Skagit County.

Turner said managing growth would be his biggest concern, while Wesen said farmers need less restrictions to continue to produce.

Gordon said prioritizing natural resources is a good start and said he would help ask questions about the way county government is run. Dahlstedt said continuing to encourage local businesses to grow, such as in the timber and agriculture fields, will help the county to continue to create jobs.