Democracy was at work last week in Skagit County, with political hopefuls and incumbent candidates faced off in two Skagit County forums last week.

Community members were able to hear local state senator and representative contenders sound off on current problems and the candidates’ proposed solutions.

Hot-topic issues — from health care to farming, Puget Sound Energy to transportation — were addressed by candidates for the 10th and 40th legislative districts, who each had a chance to answer submitted questions from attendees.

The Sept. 22 event, held at the Burlington Library, was organized by the League of Women Voters of Skagit County.

The economy was the most-discussed issue relating to Skagit County voters. Many of the candidates agreed that changes must take place at the state level to ensure stability in the wake of rising fuel and food prices.

Democrat Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen of the 10th district and Republican Linda Haddon discussed the importance of water in the county, and what each candidate would do to help protect Puget Sound.

State topics, such as assisted suicide and traffic congestion relief were touched on by candidates, as well as county and local issues.

An emotional Steve Van Luven, a Republican running against Democrat Kevin Ranker for the 40th district senator position, recounted his experience with his father as he battled Alzheimer’s, and said he opposed Initiative 1000, Death With Dignity.

Ranker, who said he had a grandparent that was in the care of a Hospice center, said he would likely support the initiative.

Most of the candidates agreed that a state income tax was not the way to solve the state revenue crisis. Some preached fiscal conservatism, while others were more creative in their approach.

Howard Pellet, who said he was likely the first Green Party candidate to ever take part in a county forum, said he would aim to end the Iraq war if he were elected as District 40 representative in position two.

He said the state has spent about $10 billion in funds on the war.

“We’ve wasted a lot of money on an unnecessary war,” he said.

His opponent, incumbent Democrat Jeff Morris said he’s been working on a variety of “unsexy” projects, including energy-related legislature during his past few terms, and thanked voters for giving him the opportunity to do so.

Other issues that came up during the two-hour forum were mental health funding, protecting farmland and farmers, single-payer health care, rising costs for residents on a fixed income and the Macquarie / Puget Sound Energy takeover.

Nancy Johnson of the league said she was pleased beyond expectation with the event.

“I was impressed with how well all the candidates handled the questions,” Johnson said. “It always amazes me how much information people need to know, and they all did an excellent job.”

Johnson said planning for the event started in July.

The league’s second forum, which will include candidates from the 39th district and those running for the Skagit County Board of Commissioners, will be held Oct. 6 at the Sedro-Woolley Community Center at 7 p.m.

Ballots will be mailed out to voters on Oct. 15 for the Nov. 4 election.