Six legislative candidates agreed Tuesday night that the economic vitality of the state depends on a good education system and the creation of enterprise zones.

"We seem to have some of the same priorities," said Jim Wright, a Republican running for Senate District 3.

Other candidates at the forum, which drew an audience of about 30 at Medford City Hall, included Wright’s opponent for Senate District 3, Alan Bates; House District 6 candidates John Doty and Sal Esquivel; and House District 5 candidates Peter Buckley and Joanna Lofaso.

The forum, sponsored by nine community groups and moderated by Robin Stroh with the League of Women Voters, focused on how elected officials would deal with stimulating economic development.

This was the final forum in the series sponsored by the community groups.

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Both Wright and Bates agreed that "shovel-ready" sites are needed to attract business to the area.

They opposed Measure 37, an initiative that they said would undermine current land-use laws.

Bates said the very first issue in maintaining and promoting economic vitality is an educated work force.

As an example, he cited Boeing’s opening a plant in Mississippi, followed by its pulling out a few years later because it complained there was a lack of a qualified work force.

Bates said companies "want a well-trained work force — that’s what we’re told over and over again."

Wright said the state already has distinct advantages that encourage new business, including lower worker’s compensation rates and lower utilities.

He said he would personally get involved in marketing the state and the region to attract new business.

Agreeing with Bates, he said, "Education must remain our priority."

Lofaso said legislators need to remove obstacles to business and create tax incentives as well as providing "shovel-ready" zones.

She said, "We should be leading the nation in economic development."

Buckley said protecting the environment and building the economy can work hand in hand in Oregon. He also suggested that better funding of the community college system would also create a more viable work force that would attract industry.

Esquivel said he would push to encourage revitalization of "challenged areas" in communities, creating trusts that would help families get affordable housing.

Doty said creating a vital economy in Oregon is complex, requiring the full exploration of many ideas and better support of the educational system.

Candidates didn’t always agree on the issues.

Esquivel, responding to a question about creating better rail access to the Rogue Valley, said that with the decline in the timber industry, he wasn’t sure it was something he would invest in.

"Today I’m not sure it is a detriment in bringing business to this area," he said.

Doty, however, thought some discussion should take place over the future of rail in this valley.

"A rail system that is suitable for both passenger and freight is an economic boost," he said.

Lofaso and Buckley squared off on the debate over a proposal by the state Department of Environmental Quality to relax air quality standards to encourage more businesses to the area.

Lofaso said she thought some kind of compromise was needed, otherwise it would discourage businesses from locating to this area.

"There has to be some middle ground," said Lofaso.

Buckley said the DEQ made the right decision, upholding the wishes of the people of Jackson County.

"They did not want us to go backwards," he said.

Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476, or e-mail dmann@mailtribune.com