GOP hopefuls cite
‘corrupt’ govt.

Lingle and Carroll say a 2-party
system gives much-needed reform

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By Rod Antone
rantone@starbulletin.com

Republican gubernatorial hopefuls Linda Lingle and John Carroll squared off for the first time last night before about 50 Pacific Club members and guests.

The two candidates each gave a short address and answered questions from the audience, tackling issues that included improving the educational system, reforming government and dealing with state unions.

"Well, I'm not going to get any public union endorsements, I can tell you that," joked Lingle. "But for us to succeed in Hawaii, we need to work together."

Carroll noted: "You've got to let (the unions) know as clear as the nose on your face that you have to cut the cost of government. The only way to do that is to get with union leadership."

While the format was not a debate, Carroll did take the former Maui County mayor to task on some issues, such as what he called Lingle's "lack of work experience," describing her last employment as a "four-year-stint" as manager of the Molokai Free Press.

"Simply having your name recognized and being popular in the polls just doesn't cut it," said Carroll.

Both took different paths on how they would improve the state's business climate.

Carroll said he would get rid of the general excise tax and implement a "realistic sales tax."

Lingle referred to a recent Forbes article that criticized Hawaii's business climate and said she would first like to do a complete financial audit of the books of the state of Hawaii, comparing it to Enron.

"People are mocking us from one end of the country to another. ... The state has 300 special funds," said Lingle. "Imagine if you had 300 separate checkbooks.

"That's why it's hard for us to understand what our true financial condition is."

Both candidates said they oppose a death-with-dignity bill.

Carroll said he would veto such a measure if it came before him. Lingle said while she is against it, she would have to consider it if it had the backing of the Legislature.

Both saw eye-to-eye on corruption in government and how a two-party system could improve the status quo.

"Corruption is rampant in the state, and we've had the same party running things for a while now," said Carroll. "We need a complete housecleaning of all governmental agencies."

"There's blatant corruption with elected officials going to prison, maybe being indicted soon," said Lingle.

"We've got to attack this problem and bring about real change."