State representative candidates outlined their plans and ideas for education, behavioral health, transportation, senior-specific issues and more Monday morning at a forum hosted by Regency on Whidbey.

Curt Huber spoke on behalf of Dave Paul, who is running against incumbent Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano. Incumbent Norma Smith, R-Clinton, and her challenger, Scott McMullen, also spoke to the full activity room at the retirement and assisted living center.

Democrats Paul and McMullen both said one of their biggest priorities is education. Paul is a vice president for student affairs at Skagit Valley College, and Huber on his behalf emphasized his focus on having a well-educated population.

“There’s a direct economic benefit to our district from these educational investments,” Huber said.

McMullen called the Legislature’s recent investment, called the McCleary fix a “great first step” but said more work needs to be done.

McMullen said paraeducators are still underpaid and he proposes looking at eliminating corporate tax breaks to fund wage increases.

Hayes and Smith both pointed to continuing work on addiction and mental health issues.

Hayes said one of his focuses will be partnerships between law enforcement and human services officials.

Hayes said he is working on introducing a grant program for local law enforcement to tackle specific issues, such as addiction or homelessness.

“I believe we need to do more in that respect to improve your quality of life and the quality of life of all community members, including those folks who are suffering addiction and mental health issues,” Hayes said.

“I want to look at those at the street level.”

Smith, who is on the House Capital Budget Committee, said she hopes to continue to map the state’s mental and behavioral health services to determine where gaps are. She said in her work on the capital budget, she also strives to ensure the Legislature is “fully funding the promises we’ve already made.”

This includes putting money to stabilize programs that support seniors and looking at the wages of caregivers, which she said are too low.

To help seniors, Hayes said he wants to focus on the “heavy regulatory burden” that comes with caring for Medicaid patients.

A focus on spending and making reasonable and responsible regulations with stakeholder input is what he said is needed.

He believes increased access to mental health care at community-based programs is necessary, and providing it in an “affordable, long-term, bi-partisan manor.”

McMullen said if elected, he would enhance transportation programs for seniors.

Overall, transportation infrastructure is a big priority of his, he said, to ensure safe delivery of goods and services as well as to create living-wage jobs.

To pay for his proposed services, McMullen said the Legislature should look at a capital gains tax, saying the state has “one of the most regressive taxes in the country.”

McMullen said he would not consider raising property taxes, however.

Paul’s representative said the candidate agrees with McMullen’s sentiment that large corporate tax breaks should be evaluated.

He said he’d consider eliminating exemptions for companies that don’t keep jobs in the state.

Smith said as state revenue is increasing, instead of starting new programs, existing ones should be evaluated and stabilized.

“We are blessed to have a growing economy,” she said. “This is the wrong time to start a lot of new stuff.”

“We need to be saving and we need to be fulfilling our promises to you,” Smith said.

Hayes also pointed out state revenue has increased the last few years, and said the Legislature should consider if it’s spending is properly prioritized.

Hayes said he is in favor of the significant increase in education spending, but other programs should be looked at and evaluated for effectiveness.

“Do we really need new funds?” he asked.

• The candidates will speak at another forum, set for 7 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 4 at the Elks Lodge.

Rep. Dave Hayes, R-Camano Island, speaks at a forum with Curt Huber (on behalf of Hayes’ opponent Dave Paul) and Norma Smith, R-Clinton. Smith’s opponent Scott McMullen (not pictured) also attended. Photo by Laura Guido/Whidbey News Group

State Representative candidate Scott McMullen speaks Monday morning at the forum held at Regency on Whidbey. Photo by Laura Guido/Whidbey News Group