2 DEMOCRATS DEBATE AT COLLEGE CANDIDATES WILL FACE OFF IN MARCH PRIMARY.

Byline: Susan Abram Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Two Democratic candidates hoping to unseat U.S. Rep. Howard P. ``Buck'' McKeon, R-Santa Clarita, debated Thursday at College of the Canyons, tackling issues close to students' hearts, such as tuition increases, jobs and the limited water supply.

Tim Willoughby, a small-business owner from Crowley Lake, and Robert Conaway, an attorney who lives near the Mojave Desert, said their motivation to unseat the longtime incumbent had to do with ensuring that federal funding goes toward long-term projects and not short-term corporate interests.

McKeon, who has secured a total of $1.7 million for the college's new University Center, is not spreading the wealth, both candidates said. As a result of that kind of politics, tuition fees at community colleges continue to increase, from $11 to $18 per unit.

``While you're getting your building, you may not get your textbooks,'' Willoughby said. ``We need to make sure we have the essentials to move forward (in education.) That's great about the building, but there are too many pork projects that's hurting us as a country.''

As for jobs, both candidates said California politicians have all but ``aired out the state's dirty laundry,'' by badmouthing such issues as workers' compensation. The result is that out-of-state businesses once eager to operate in California are staying put or moving elsewhere, both said.

``We need to sell California,'' Conaway said. ``You work on the problem but you don't go talking about it in public so that people refuse to move to California. We are an attractive investment.''

Both candidates said they were concerned with the water supply in northern Los Angeles County, saying government is not funding studies that show how dangerous toxic chemical levels are in the drinking water.

About 20 students watched the debate, held by the college's Associated Student Government, though many left for classes after the first hour. Those who stayed were split on how the candidates addressed the issues.

``What struck me was that the candidates had a lot to say about what shouldn't be happening, but I didn't hear any plans on what they would do,'' said student Tristen Molina, 25. ``I'm not as familiar with Congressman McKeon, but if these two gentlemen are representing the Democrats, then I would not vote for them.''

But student Sean Feldman, 19, said he believed both candidates were quite articulate in expressing their views.

``Though they both had the same opinions, I think Mr. Conaway seemed he would fight harder for us in Congress,'' he said.

Conaway and Willoughby will face off in the March 2 primary. The winner will face McKeon in the November general election.

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com

CAPTION(S):

4 photos

Photo:

(1 -- color) Attorney Robert Conaway, right, and small-business owner Tim Willoughby, Democrats looking to unseat Republican U.S. Rep. Howard ``Buck'' McKeon, debate Thursday at College of the Canyons.

(2) Tim Willoughby speaks as Robert Conaway waits his turn during a debate between Democratic congressional hopeful at College of the Canyons Thursday.

(3) - Robert Conaway

Democratic candidate for Congress

(4) - Tim Willoughby

Democratic candidate for Congress

David R. Crane/Staff Photographer