Klamath Falls, Ore.– Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber this morning faced off with State Representative Dennis Richardson in a debate sponsored by Oregon newspapers. Kitzhaber touted the Klamath Basin Water Agreement as one his third-term achievements. He said he’s also working to make sure rural Oregon communities participate in the economic recovery.

“Part of the problem is that we have not been able to sort of change the business model of our natural resource-based economy, we’re still operating on the way wish it was back in the 1980s but that’s changing,” Kitzhaber said.

Richardson, who’s from Central Point, says as Governor, he would focus on the unique needs of Oregon’s Rural economy.

“I think that we need a Governor who represents all of Oregon, and not just the I5 corridor from Eugene North,” Richardson told the debate panel. “When one area of Oregon is suffering, it affects all of our state.” Richardson also criticized the Governor’s handling of the failed Cover Oregon implementation, saying that Kitzhaber spends most of his time in Portland, and doesn’t treat the Governor’s roll like a full-time job.

Both men are running for Governor in the November Election.  

You can listen to the entire debate HERE.