What are they REALLY saying: Economic development.

The gubernatorial candidates answer H-L question on economic development. Here we go:

Question:

In North Carolina, state officials disclose on the Internet the tax incentives claimed by each and every company that receives an incentive package to create jobs in the state. Will you push to provide the same level of disclosure in Kentucky? Why or why not?

Beshear's Answer:

Absolutely. Kentucky ranks 45th in ability to compete economically. A 2005 study concluded the Fletcher Administration fails to evaluate economic development subsidies and relies on a "narrow" strategy of attracting businesses with financial subsidies while "other important strategies are comparatively neglected." We must require companies receiving incentives to do what they promise. To ensure that, state government should make public all business deals involving taxpayer dollars once the deal has been finalized. Fletcher has refused to do that, keeping the deals -- and the contributions that firms make to his plea-bargain fund -- secret. It's time for transparency and openness.

Fletcher's Answer:

My administration will provide as much information as federal and state law will allow. As Governor, I have worked to create opportunities for Kentuckians by providing new higher-paying, high-quality jobs. We have accomplished this by lowering taxes, creating new markets and cutting out needless regulation and red tape. Kentucky has seen a 240% increase in the number of high-tech start-up companies during my administration and we will continue to fuel the entrepreneurial spirit of Kentuckians by investing in education and by improving competition and products in the health care market to reduce insurance costs for businesses and employees.

My views? Check out the highlighted words above. Short and simple.

There you have it, the candidates, in their own words.