Western State Hospital, homelessness fuel clash in race for governor

The investigation of Western State Hospital was launched after two dangerous criminals escaped in April.

Investigators describe a staff that is not clear about the role of safety and security at the mental health institution.

“They admitted losing 25,000 master keys at Western State Hospital. Why do they have 25,000 master keys,” said Republican gubernatorial candidate Bill Bryant.

“I think Western State shows how incompetent the governor is in managing organizations,’ Bryant said.

Gov. Jay Inslee responded, “No this is a situation where we are improving problems that have existed at Western State for quite some period of time.

Both candidates were taking questions at today's Asian American and Pacific lslander Democracy Summit in Tacoma. And one of the issues was homelessness.

“We cannot allow the Republican Party to cut money for homelessness programs. We cannot allow that. And the day before yesterday, Bill said he wasn't even aware of the way we fund homelessness programs.”

Inslee was referring to the answer Bryant gave on Tuesday in Renton, when Bryant was asked about extending the real estate recording fee that goes to homeless programs.

“While I've worked a great deal on homeless, I have not been that well apprised on how the funding for city programs comes about,” Bryant responded then.

Today he explained, “I did not understand all the issues around the sunset of this provision.

In order for it to be extended, we need to go back and look at all the money being spent to ensure it's being spent in ways that help people who are homeless.”

On Western State, Inslee points out the he's the one who ordered the critical study, has already appointed a new director and is implementing reforms.

Cox Media Group