Candidates show cards

Dan Logue and Sue Horne are locked in a heated race for the 3rd District State Assembly seat, but they were downright civil during a debate Thursday in Oroville.

Before an audience of more than 100 people attending a chamber of commerce luncheon, the Republican candidates discussed topics including the state budget crisis, the need for secured borders and improved infrastructure in the district.

Logue and Horne debated on answers to pre-submitted questions from the audience at Feather Falls Casino. Residents questioned the supervisors' knowledge to meet the needs of Butte County.

Logue, a two-term Yuba County supervisor, said his highest priority is to fix the roads and levees in Butte County and all of District 3.

"The highways need to be fixed in order for business to want to come and settle here," he said. "It's a big issue. Transportation arterials need to be opened up."

Sue Horne, a Nevada County supervisor for two terms, said water distribution rights and storage is critical.

Horne said retaining water rights is important for the agriculture community, an issue she's dealt with as a member of the Regional Council of Rural Counties.

"We've been advocating for Butte County's needs for the last seven-plus years," Horne said. "We understand how important it is to get the license back for the dam here in Oroville."

There was little difference between Horne and Logue when border security, the need to streamline government and the change in environment were discussed. But when it came to balan ing the state budget the supervisors presented different ideas.

Horne said full access to the state budget is needed in order to eradicate out-of-control spending.

"Our budget needs an aggressive review to cut out the waste," Horne said. "We need to streamline government to cut out the reckless spending year after year."

Logue said a constitutional amendment that would limit state spending is the answer.

"We can't spend more money than the rate of inflation and the increase in population," he said. "A constitutional amendment will make sure we can control our future."

Logue said the answer is not to raise taxes. Instead, he advocates bringing business and, ultimately, sales tax revenue to the state.

Securing the border with Mexico, Logue said, would reduce the funds spent on dealing with illegal immigrants.

"It cost the taxpayers over $10 billion," he said. "We cannot afford this."

Horne went a step further and said a fence needs to be built along the border to prevent illegal immigrants from coming to the United States.

Horne said the role of government is to provide public safety and enforce current laws.

"We need to immediately deport convicted criminals," she said. "It is intolerable to me that we are housing convicted criminals on our taxpayers' dime and they are illegal citizens."

Despite the heated race outside the debate, Thursday's showdown between the two candidates remained civil.

When asked the difference between Logue and his opponent, the Yuba County supervisor declined to answer. Instead, he listed the strengths he could bring to the capital.

Logue said he would demonstrate "backbone" in Sacramento.

"We are at a crisis point. It is a time for courage and a time to stand strong. We need someone who won't blink under pressure," he said.

Asked the same question. Horne said she's been tested by fire.

"I fought against the liberal mindset of other supervisors in Nevada County who thought government was the solution," she said. "I know how to work with people, but I will never compromise conservative values."

Thursday's event was the fifth scheduled debate between the two candidates before the June 3 primary election. Another debate is scheduled in Chico later this month.

Contact Appeal-Democrat reporter Andrea Koskey at 749-4709 or akoskey@appealdemocrat.com