On Sept. 24, 2024, Carmela Conroy (D) and Michael Baumgartner (R) participated in an hours-long debate at Cordiner Hall. Presented by the American Association of University Women-Walla Walla, this debate was the second in a three-debate series. 

Conroy and Baumgartner answered pre-written questions covering topics ranging from resources for veterans to reproductive health care, child care access and homelessness.

Conroy remarked that the expense of housing is a problem in the entire 5th District and praised Walla Walla for its progressive approach to housing flexibility. She suggested making it harder for banks and businesses to buy up the housing supply and raise prices, as well as simplifying financing for first-time homebuyers.

According to Baumgartner, the state’s restrictions and inflation have a distinct effect on housing costs in Washington. He stated that his strategy would be to enhance government expenditure, expand the housing supply, and lessen cost-inflating regulations. 

“It is a choice of the government to make housing more expensive in the state,” Baumgartner said. “It’s just unfair that young people trying to enter the workforce today are facing this enormous burden, and some of us should be able to afford a home because we were born in a certain era.”  

Baumgartner stressed four important aspects of tackling homelessness during the discussion: access to housing, mental health, drug abuse and addiction, and interpersonal connections. Baumgartner pushed for additional federal funds to treat the underlying causes of homelessness and provide the required resources, as well as the hiring of more mental health professionals.

Baumgartner also pointed to the U.S.-Mexico border as a key issue for ending homelessness and drug addiction. According to Baumgartner, the “open border” allowed for drugs and terrorist organizations such as Al-Qaeda, alongside Chinese spies, to enter the US. 

Conroy acknowledged the value of drug enforcement but stated that drug firms ought to be held responsible as well. Conroy is also in favor of the Helping Heroes Act, which provides services and programs for veterans and their families in order to combat homelessness. 

Conroy stated that regardless of a person’s citizenship or immigration status, there are ways to provide for their needs in terms of accessible health care, high-quality public education, and cheap health infrastructure.

“It is completely erroneous to argue that immigration reform cannot occur without a secure border,” Conroy said. “Our immigration system is out of date, which contributes to the chaos at the border.”

“We should also increase funding so that family members can get paid to give in-home health care to their family members,” Conroy said.

In an interview with The Wire, Conroy expressed her excitement and appreciation for the audience that showed up to watch the debate. 

“It’s the first time we’ve had an open seat with new candidates in 20 years. So I think we’re scheduled to do five debates. This was the first one. I’m really, really happy about how things went,” Conroy said.

Additionally, when asked about the key takeaway from the event, Cronroy emphasized the importance of a peaceful democratic process.

“It’s important for people to see that, while my opponent and I have significant policy differences, neither of us would ever want political violence to result from our disagreements… We ought to agree without being disagreeable, and speak plainly about our priorities.” Conroy said.

During political events, Baumgartner, the Republican candidate, stresses the value of interacting with the community rather than approaching arguments as hostile or combative. 

“I don’t really look at it as a debate as much as it’s a community conversation,” Baumgartner said. 

Since many voters might have made up their minds before attending debates, Baumgartner mentioned that his objective is to come across as personable and transparent. 

“A lot of people come probably with their ideas already made up of who they’re going to vote for. But you just want to tell them that you’re accessible and if you win, you represent everybody,” Baumgartner said.

Baumgartner mentioned that there have been more Democrats in the crowd than Republicans, however, he highlighted that he took this chance to represent himself as a candidate.

“It’s a good opportunity for me… because if I am elected, I’ll be their representative as well,” Baumgartner said. 

Baumgartner highlighted his active efforts to engage with constituents through town halls, setting himself apart as a politician who prioritizes direct, ongoing communication with the public. 

“I really like town halls. I think I do more town halls than any other elected official in eastern Washington. So in my first year, it would be my hope to do at least one town hall in every county. So I’ll definitely be back to Walla Walla frequently,” Baumgartner said. 

The Wire has compiled the issues that will appear on Walla Walla voters’ ballots in November. Take a look below to learn more about who’s running, and what’s on the ballot. For more information, sites such as Ballotpedia provide detailed sample ballots based on your voting address.