COOS BAY —  Marine reserves, Oregon’s land-use system and the South Coast’s economy. Many coastal residents are talking about those issues these days and the topics are central in the debate between the District 9 state House of Representatives candidates.

Rep. Arnie Roblan, D-Coos Bay, and Florence Republican Al Pearn spent much of Wednesday night discussing their differences on issues at a League of Women Voters Forum in Coos Bay.

Roblan, the incumbent, presented his two terms in office as an ongoing challenge of explaining the differences between rural and urban life to his colleagues in the Oregon Legislature. Pearn countered that Roblan had forgotten the distinction and the incumbent’s voting record is more like that of a representative from Portland.

On timber

Pearn repeatedly referred to a bill from the 2007 session regarding forest management that Roblan voted against. He said this action suggested Roblan is not serious about bringing timber jobs back to Oregon.

Roblan countered by saying the bill was going to be vetoed, so he went directly to the forest board instead to ask it to increase harvesting. He admitted the results so far haven’t been encouraging.

Landowner rights

While Pearn frequently focused on his opponent’s record, he also presented himself as a supporter of public safety and landowner rights.

One project he would pursue is to re-establish an Oregon State Police crime lab on the South Coast.

He also criticized the ongoing effort to deal with land-use issues in the state for not addressing the financial impacts on individual landowners.

Roblan agreed the system needs work, though he defended his decision to support modifications made with Measure 49, a ballot measure limiting rights of landowners. It was landowners who came to the Legislature asking for modifications to Measure 37 that produced Measure 49, he said.

“We know that one size does not fit all in terms of land use,” he said.

Economics

Both men agreed that the recent economic downturn will require difficult decision making when preparing a state budget.

“I fear there may have to be cuts,” Pearn said, though he did not say what specifically would face reductions under his watch.

Roblan said he had experience dealing with cuts, having dealt with them as Marshfield High School principal. He also declined to say what programs would see reductions. He did say there may be new revenue created and also noted that the Legislature created a rainy-day fund during his past term.

Both candidates talked about education and transportation infrastructure, though they differed on health care.

Roblan listed it as one of his three legislative priorities, while Pearn referenced the state’s budget deficit when talking about it.

Pearn said he thinks the state should ensure health coverage is provided to the neediest residents, the young and the elderly.

He also talked about the need for tort reform, so quality doctors aren’t scared away by large liability insurance premiums.

LNG, marine reserves

Both candidates talked about liquefied natural gas, but neither candidate came out in favor or opposition of the project. They both said they would want to make sure landowners affected by the pipeline are adequately compensated for use of their property.

When it came to marine reserves, they were a little more opinionated.

Pearn said he opposes marine reserves as presented in the governor’s plan. He said the more important thing is to get salmon back in the area. He suggested this could be done by getting the Salmon-Trout Enhancement Program operating fisheries again.

Roblan said he favored marine reserves in some form, though he specifically opposes the one proposed off of Cape Arago.

“We need to make sure we put reserves where they are appropriate and where communities want them,” he said.