2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum

This forum was sponsored by the Pullman League of Women Voters and the Pullman Chamber of Commerce, Recorded Monday, October 5, 2009 at Pullman City Hall. While the video has been edited for this format, all of my statements have been provided IN THEIR ENTIRETY. Thank you for watching.

Opening Statement

Jeff Williams' opening statement at the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

Question 1

"What is your opinion of co-mingled recycling?" Jeff Williams responds during the Q&A debate portion of the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

Question 2

"What innovative ideas will you bring to the city during your term of service?" Jeff Williams responds during the Q&A debate portion of the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

Question 3

"What are your positions on the current statewide referendums and initiatives?" Jeff Williams responds during the Q&A debate portion of the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

Question 4

"What more should be done in Pullman to promote conservation of our declining groundwater supply?" Jeff Williams responds during the Q&A debate portion of the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

Additional note: I believe this answer is common sense at its' best, and this issue is representative of junk science at its' worst. The Grande Ronde Aquifer is the primary water source for Pullman. While I would be in favor of a greywater system to aid in conservation efforts (if it were fiscally feasible) my bottom line on this issue is that scientists do not know for a fact that the aquifer is in decline. We should always be keeping our eye out for options, and always give high priority to conservation. However, spending millions of dollars and re-inventing the wheel before there is scientific concensus would be exceedingly irresponsible.

When I made my response to this question, although not audible on the recording, one of the audience members gasped loudly (and quite inappropriately) "That's CRAZY." However the following day at the annual water summit, "University of Idaho Professor Barbara Cosens said specific aquifer conservation legislation is on hold for now, however, as the size and quality of the aquifer still is unknown." (Link HERE)

Let's take a calm, reasoned approach to issues such as the Grande Ronde, not run around like Chicken Little screaming that the sky is falling. There is a place for responsible environmental policy rooted in common sense.

Question 5

"How do you believe the city can generate more money for improving infrastructure?" Jeff Williams responds during the Q&A debate portion of the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

Closing Statement

Jeff Williams' closing statement at the 2009 Pullman Candidates' Forum.

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