SPOKANE, Wash. — The candidates for Washington’s Attorney General discussed many topics during the TVW debate held by the Washington State Debate Coalition.
The first topic of the debate: the state’s drug crisis.
“I want to make sure that we’re focusing our resources first and foremost on the people bringing drugs into our community,” said Democratic candidate Nick Brown. “We need to make sure that we’re also getting to people’s root addictions and providing the treatment and services for them, as well. “
Republican candidate Pete Serrano agrees to focus on providing more treatment and services but emphasizes the need for state intervention to ensure drug offenders receive the necessary treatment.
“We need to hold these folks accountable throughout the system, make sure they’re actually seeking treatment,” Serrano said.
Serrano also mentioned in Pasco, where he serves as mayor, he has seen how investment in local jurisdiction has made his city safer. He said he plans to implement similar practices statewide.
Another major point of discussion in this race is gun control.
Serrano is actively suing the state’s high-capacity magazine ban, which is expected to be heard by the Washington Supreme Court this fall.
“When I look at the large capacity magazines and the assault weapons bans, we had a lot of the impacted communities who were coming to the gun shops looking for safety and protection. We cannot ban protection in Washington,” Serrano said.
Brown expressed complete disagreement following Serrano’s statement.
“I believe as a state, we need to continue to advance gun safety measures here in Washington because that has results and saves lives,” Brown said.
Brown also said it’s not just crimes that are committed by guns but suicide deaths as well. Suicide is Washington’s leading cause of death by a firearm, according to the Washington State Department of Health.
The state Attorney General defends the state and elected officials in lawsuits and represents public interest by state law. This means Brown’s and Serrano’s platforms could influence policies and practices that affect your family’s and neighbor’s well-being and rights.
Election day is November 5.
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