Stanwood Citizens Respond to their State Legislators at March Town Hall .

On Saturday March 22,  Our 10th District  State Representatives -Norma Smith and Dave Hayes - along with our 10th  Legislative District State Senator - Barbara Bailey - held a town hall meeting at the Stanwood Middle School  for local citizens.  About 50 men and women showed up.  All three legislators were Republicans, friendly, approachable and willing to answer questions.  Their main focus was on the supplemental operating budget passed for 2014 which made minor changes to the larger State budget passed last year

 In spite of my Democratic predilections I appreciated some of their efforts.   

As a member of the House Higher Education Committee, Norma Smith commented on the 1000’s of Jobs in WA that go unfilled for lack of qualified workers. To provide the education that HS students need to  qualify for employment, both Reps Smith and Hayes plus Senator Bailey (on the Senate Education Committee)  supported Senate Bill 6552  which would allow School districts the flexibility and resources needed to upgrade their educational standards to met the job requirements in nearby communities.  The bill passed by an overwhelming majority in both houses and was delivered to the Governor on March 13 this year for his signature.  It will be interesting to see if this vital  legislation is successful in meetings its goal.   

As a patrol Sargent for Snohomish County Representative Dave Hayes is involved with legislation affecting public safety.  In his first term in office Hayes sponsored House Bill 2057   that passed and was signed by the Governor.  The Bill enables police officers to better help each other in making arrests.  

My main quibble with Rep Smith and Senator Bailey concerns jobs and the economy.

Both have repeated the Republican mantra that lower taxes and lower minimum wages (or no minimum wage) would create jobs.   I am not convinced by the data that this is true.  Washington State has lower unemployment even though it has a higher minimum wage than many States.  Also, if we are to provide the resources to educate students for higher tech jobs we will need to retain our level of taxes.  We will also need taxes for what was the overwhelming concern of the 50  citizens who attended the town hall meeting i.e. Public Transportation to Everett.  

 Even if you can afford to drive,  I-5 can barely accommodate the rush hour traffic.  Citizens were begging that full service be restored to the Community Transit’s  Camano Island to Everett connector.  Most comments and questions were about transit even though the legislators wanted to discuss other issues.  Many citizens stood up and spoke of their need either to get to work or their need to get to medical and other facilities because they were too old or poor to drive a car.  I need transit to see my daughter in Seattle.  The last time I drove I was stressed by the traffic south of Lynwood going 60 mph only 2 car lengths apart.  Potentially as dangerous as a mudslide.  Public Transit would relieve  some  I-5 traffic making it safer for those who do drive. 

New Candidate for the Sedro-Woolley City Council, Ward 2

Given her long ties to her community, Germaine Kornegay is anxious to direct Sedro-Woolley toward a bright future.  This election she is campaigning for City Council from Ward 2.   As a mother, grandmother and a small business owner for many years,  Germaine’s major concerns are local businesses, education and public safety.

Because Sedro-Woolley  has many young families,  Germaine also advocates maintaining funds for vocational education and public parks.

Germaine Kornegay stands in an area along Reed Street
 that she will support as a public park.

She believes the city's students should continue to be educated by Skagit Valley College, SWHS,  Job Corp and local industries for future jobs in aerospace, computer technology, healthcare, alternative energy and finance.

Germaine proposes that the city council proactively solicit the type of businesses most needed by the community such as a movie theater, grocery and a sports facility to host events such as roller derby.  Roller derby is a growing sport and the facility she is promoting is the only one between the border and Seattle specific for the popular sport.

She also envisions an active downtown made possible  by renovating the empty spaces in the buildings above current businesses for offices and apartments.  Germaine will seek grants to preserve Sedro-Woolley’s historic heritage and renovate the downtown area to attract tourism and serve residents. Sedro-Woolley could use a local Historical Society to uphold our theme and history. There is not one currently.  

Essential to the development of the city’s future is public safety.  Currently the city’s 14 officers have kept the city safe. But this is not at all practical and especially hard on the Sedro-Woolley Police Department. During certain times of the day, there is just one officer on duty. Its neighbors,  Mt Vernon has 44 officers and Burlington 25. As Sedro-Woolley’s business community grows Germaine wants the city government to anticipate and prepare for the growing demand of its police department.

Overall, the residents of Sedro-Woolley are happy and love living there. Few things are of immediate concern to them. Germaine has talked to most of the residents in her ward to find that not one person was unhappy living in Sedro-Woolley. They do however have some concerns about the rate of growth and crime. Germaine feels this is a great foundation to build from. Her goal is to fully involve residents in the process by empowering them to create the future of Sedro-Woolley that they wish to see (and seem to agree with).

WA State Insurance Commission Rescues Citizen from Malpractice.

    by Bonnie Chisum

I used to buy insurance online.   It was fast and cheap compared to buying traditional insurance from an agent.  The internet insurance coverage was fine for several years until I had to file a claim.   The nightmare began when my apartment was robbed.

“Instant Online Claims Processing!” the web advertisement had boasted.  I quickly filled out the forms online and forwarded the police reports and documentation to the insurance company.  Then everything got strange.  My phone rang.  An insurance claims adjuster from Florida wanted to confirm the details of my claim.  She asked me so many redundant questions that I had to ask: “Did you get the information from my claim form online?” The answer was “no.”

The stalling tactics began. The claim required multiple letters, phone calls and emails. When the requested information was submitted there was no response for three months.   Finally on the advice of Sue Jarvis at   State Farm Insurance in Stanwood - I filed a   complaint with the Washington State Insurance Commissioner. The company was cited by the Commission for failure to respond to the regulatory investigation!  After being cited the online Florida company finally settled my claim.

The excellent speed and efficiency in which the WSC processed the complaint contradicted the stereotype of government red tape.  In this example, the protection of a government regulatory board prevented me from experiencing a devastating financial loss.

Stanwood Democrats Contemplating Snoco Elections

At Stanwood Democrats May Meeting.
From Left:  Arlington Storm Water Utilities Director - Bill Blake,
Stanwood Democrat's Treasurer - Dave Ridgeway
Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee Chair - Richard Wright

After all the hard work and excitement of the presidential and gubernatorial  elections last Fall the Stanwood Democrats would like to relax and regroup for a year but that is not to be.  The Snohomish county government will have a wide open primary August 6th for two seats on the council because councilmen John Koster and Dave Gossett are term limited.  Arlington's storm water utilities director -Bill Blake - is running for the  District 1 seat.  So he came to the Stanwood Dems monthly meeting at the Viking Restaurant this May.  Blake  reminded  the dozen or so  of us in attendance of  the importance of the Snohomish County Comprehensive Plan and his years of experience working on advisory boards for those plans.   The 2025 Comprehensive Plan went into effect when County Executive Aaron Reardon signed it in 2005.  The Plan controls growth and development in the county including land use, building codes, transportation, park services and watershed management.

  Blake advocated maintaining and expanding a broad economic base so that the county would not be solely dependent on Boeing and vulnerable to its economic cycle.   He outlined several ideas for sustaining the counties traditional economic drivers - agriculture, logging and fisheries.  All depend on sufficient water supplies and storm water management.  Watershed management must also handle the demands of population growth in the county.  Under Bill Blake's watch as Arlington's stormwater wetlands manager,  the city completed a $35 million upgrade to it wastewater treatment and water reclamation facility.   It won praise from the Stillaguamish Tribe's environmental program manager, Pat Stevenson i.e.: "The city's wastewater treatment plant is very sophisticated, and the stormwater wetlands is that extra effort that will help bring salmon back to the Stillaguamish."

Blake also had a creative way for "killing two birds with one stone"  with his Farm to School suggestion to a joint meeting of the Arlington School Board and the City Council.  The Arlington School  cafeterias consume 25 thousand pounds of food per month.  Local fresh produce benefits both the health of the students and the incomes of our farmers.  According to the Everett Herald reporter Gale Fiege:  "In its second year, the Fresh Food in Schools Project now includes 32 new farm-to-school programs statewide. Participating schools bought more than $300,000 worth of Washington-grown fruits and vegetables, an increase of about 82,000 pounds of produce from the previous school year, Larson said."

More information on Bill Blake's background can be found on his campaign web page.

The meeting ended with an upbeat report from the Snohomish County Chair of the Democratic Central Committee - Richard Wright - about campaign financing now being in better order with the set up of a "victory fund".  Office finances are  in the black for the elections.   Alida Booth - a Stanwood Democrat  on the Central Committee - posed the challenge of finding someone to replace County Executive Aaron Reardon who is resigning his office at the end of May.

Island Hospital Merger Debated at Fidalgo Meeting.

Dr. Bogosian addresses
 Fidalgo Democrats 

           For their monthly meeting on May 7th.  the Fidalgo Democrats invited Dr. Charles Bogosian and Attorney Mary Kay Barbieri as guest speakers.    As commissioner of Island Hospital Dr. Bogosian outlined the financial necessity and medical advantages of forming a partnership with larger hospitals in the region.  Representing the concerns outlined by Healthcare Freedom  Attorney Barbieri argued that the Catholic Hospitals, now in consideration for merger,  have and will impose the  Ethical and Religious Directives (ERD) of the Catholic Bishops on affiliated hospitals and clinics.   GoSkagit Reporter Gina Cole provided an excellent summary of  the proposed mergers for Island and other  hospitals in the North Sound.

Dr. Bogosian told the audience that Island Hospital is financially stable,  but warns that the Affordable Care Act requirement for electronic medical records and  reduced medicare payments due to the sequester will reduce their profit margins currently at 3%.  Because of these concerns the Hospital administration initiated the mergers.   I suspect the desire for greater profits was also a lure.

Most Democrats support medicare but if Republicans continue to win Federal Elections,  Medicare will be eroded and our local hospitals will be adversely impacted.  That is not yet a done deal.

As for electronic medical record,  one member of the Fidalgo Dems audience - Donna Davidson - asked if Island Hospital could turn to Group Health for help.   No one present could answer that question.  Hopefully an answer will eventually be found.  Because I have Group Health insurance,  my doctor and I have found  Group Health's electronic medical records (which are available to us online)  helpful and convenient.

I like many others (even some Catholics) would not like to be solely dependent on hospitals and clinics governed by the ERDs.   The death last November of a young woman because the ERDs denied the termination of a miscarried pregnancy is a cautionary event.   At the other end of life many of us would prefer Death with Dignity ( as guaranteed by WA state law) to having our estates dried up while we live on as unconscious vegetables.  We would rather see the money spent on educating the younger generation and other worthy causes we supported while we were alive.  This would be denied by the ERDs.    Death with Dignity would also reduce the cost of medicare to tax payers,  but it would mean less money for the pharmaceutical-medical industrial complex.

Hospital mergers could also mean monopoly pricing.  I would like to know what the effects of a single payer system would have on hospital costs and mergers.

Corporate versus Community Rights

 The Fidalgo Democrats gathered at the Anacortes Public Library for their April monthly meeting to discuss how Communities could regain sovereignty over their environment.  The meeting featured three speakers on this subject: Stoney Bird, retired corporate attorney,  Ron Harris, retired businessman and Bill Bowman.

  Commercial development that threatens the livability of many communities has been in the news.  In the North Sound our environment is threatened by coal trains  and a water bottling factory in Anacortes.   Communities in the Mid West are polluted by  aging pipelines transporting crude oil and worse - oil from tar sands.  Residents of Pennsylvania, New York and Quebec are worried that fracking to retrieve natural gas will contaminate and deplete their ground water.    Through their interpretation of the Interstate Commerce clause and rulings like "Citzen United" ,  the conservative US Supreme Court has given corporations the power to strike down various federal and state laws designed to protect public welfare. Businessman Ron Harris reported that there has been some local support for a 28th Amendment to  the Constitution a.k.a  The People's Rights Amendment. introduced into the US House by Congressman Jim McGovern.  Many believe that the amendment would level the playing field between coporate and community rights and allow communities to take the offense in their struggle against coporations.

Both Bill Bowman and Stoney Bird referenced the findings of The Community Environmental Legal Defense Fund  (CELDF).    CELDF claims that after decades of work, billions of dollars, the work of thousands of communities, and the involvement of the largest environmental groups,  things are worse now than they've ever been.   They argue that communities need to go on the offense and stop playing defense.  "What we've had is groups and people resisting one hog factory farm at a time, one toxic waste incinerator at a time, one road project at a time, one asphalt plant at a time."    CELDF  aims its  focus on governance that has eroded community sovereignty.   As with former slaves,  the natural environment in our current legal structures is treated as property to be exploited.  Our  environmental regulations only regulate how that property is used.   The Interstate Commerce Clause in the US Constitution has been successfully used by Corporations to override local restrictions on their activities.

The Fidalgo Democrats Chairwoman -Corinne Salcedo (left) - hosts guest speaker Stoney Byrd 

To take the offense against environmental destruction in the Pacific Northwest ,   Stoney Bird outlined efforts made by  Bellingham and Spokane.   Residents of these cities have tried to pass a "Community Bill of Rights" e.g.  One group proposing the idea is called Envision Spokane. Founded by the CEDLF,  Envision Spokane is made up of more than two dozen unions, community organizations and groups with ties to national organizations. Envision Spokane wants  “big developers, corporations and the city government” to respect the natural environment.  Envision Seattle has an agenda similar  in spirit embodied in Initiative 103 .    Coal-free-Bellingham has also proposed a Community Bill of Rights to be adopted by citizen's initiative.

 Section 6 of Envision Seattle's Initiative 103  seemed almost as aggressive as the 1776 Declaration of Independence i.e:

By the adoption of this ordinance by this municipality, the people call for changes to state and federal law that would result in the recognition of a fundamental and inalienable right to community self- government throughout this State and the United States. The people also declare their support for changes to state and federal law that would eliminate certain corporate constitutional rights and powers that currently interfere with, and prevent, the exercise of local self- governance. Those rights and powers include corporate authority to preempt community lawmaking, corporate “rights” as “persons” under the State and federal constitutions, and corporate “rights” under other sections of the State and federal constitutions. 

These Community Rights initiatives have already  faced  court challenges based on conflicts with State and Federal Law.   However,  Fidalgo Democratic Chairwomen - Corinne Salcedo - challenged my pessimism  with the following email response: "I would differ with your statement that these initiatives have already faced court challenges.  Out of some 150 community rights initiatives, only THREE have faced challenges.  So I'd say the community rights movement is making headway."

To many beleaguered communities,   large corporations have replaced the top down power of King George III.    Their power is based on money to finance elections and the promise of jobs.  Nevertheless,  the damage done by the massive explosion of the  West Texas fertilizer plant  this week has been an object lesson.   Even though there are State and Federal regulations for the use of chemicals,  citizens cannot depend on those governments to effectively administer those regulations.

Food Distribution in the North Sound

March 14 Human Rights Festival - Panel on Food Distribution
Seated Left to Right:  Ethan Schaffer, Carolyn Conner,  Michael Frazier,
 Rita Ordonez, and Holly Thompson.  Jim Meyer is at the Podium.

 As part of the Human Rights Festival at Skagit Valley College,  A seven member panel representing organizations involved in food distribution in  Skagit Valley gathered to discuss their experiences.  Jim Meyer  - a Cascandian Home Farm  manager and Community Action of Skagit Board Member opened the session with an explanation of food sovereignty and food scarcity.   Although the various community organizations  have achieved much with regard to food sovereignty and  security, they want to broaden their efforts.

According to Holly Thompson of WA. State University Extension, sixteen percent  of residents in the Skagit Valley do not have access to healthy food.  Twenty seven percent of households struggle to put food on the table.  So there is a growing effort to coordinate the various sources of food for these families.   I was impressed by their ability to provide locally grown fresh produce to those in need.  (The food collected in my old neighborhood back East was all canned or boxed).   In addition to federal money, Food Lifeline (Seattle), and North West Harvest,  there are volunteers who grow crops  and glean crops from local farms (after  farmers completes the commercial harvest) for the food banks.  Farmers also donate some of their crops to food banks.

Skagit Community Food Access manager,  Rita Ordóñez  oversees  the countywide food distribution center in Sedro-Woolley, which provides food and support to 14 county food banks, 6 programs to provide meals and other anti-hunger initiatives. She was enthusiastic about the 2,000 sq ft building that enabled the distribution center to gather enough food to serve 1.67 million meals last year.  The  center brought in 58 thousand pounds of local produce.

Michael Frazier, Executive Director of the Skagit County Food Bank Association acknowledged the many diverse sources of food his organization depends on.  The sources include Headling Farms, Ralf's Green House, Broadview Farms, Franz Bakery, Costco, Fred Meyer, Target Walmart and Starbucks.  Local businesses. organizations and churches host food drives.  They have a fleet of trucks that pick up the food and distribute it to various food banks.  In 2011 the McIntyre Foundation provided a grant for Improvements including a walk-in freezers, coolers, and awnings for clients waiting in the food lines at the Sedro Woolley Food bank -  one of the 14 food banks in Skagit County.  

After our first three speakers addressed food insecurity,  our last two speakers Ethan Schaffer, executive director of Viva Farms  and Grow Food   and Steve Crider, Amy's Kitchen Liaison for Government & Industry Affairs addressed  Food Sovereignty in Skagit County.  Advocates of food sovereignty put the people who produce, distribute and consume food at the centre of decisions on food systems and policies, rather than large-scale, industrialized corporate farms .   Illustrating how centralized Farm production has become,  Steve Crider claimed that 75% of the nation seed supply is owned by just 6 large Agribusinesses.  

 Farm crops and livestock are  a major factor in the Skagit Valley Economy with a market value of $256 million.  The Skagit Valley is rated among the top 2% in the world for agriculture use.  Over half of Skagit Farm products are sold outside the area and over half of what we eat comes from elsewhere. Some of that is probably due to the desire for variety (pineapples and bananas) but it still seems a little crazy.    
 Ethan Schaffer is involved in the effort by Grow Food to train new farmers to replace the many farmers who are retiring and own 70% of the farmland in domestic markets.  Some of those being trained are currently farm workers.  These new farmers are desperately needed as the demand for fresh, local produce grows. More people have become aware that  they are overfed and undernourished.   Locally Viva Farms was launched in 2009 to provide new farmers affordable access to education, training and technical assistance, capital, credit, land and markets.  

We as food consumers can nurture and sustain our local food supply by buying our produce and meat at farmers markets, co-ops and CSAs in our area.  I order my produce from Klesick Family Farm two miles away from where I live.  They deliver on Fridays to my door.  It is very fresh, convenient and most items are reasonable priced.  Potatoes are cheap and have a fresh flavor.   Food that is not sold at local markets goes through many middlemen before it is sold at retail.  The farmer then receives only 12 to 19 cents for every dollar you spend.

The money we spend on canned food for food bank drives would provide more food if we just gave cash to the Skagit Food Share Alliance  because the Alliance buys wholesale from local farmers. 

While I learned much about our local farm programs and food supply at the 2013 Human Rights Festival in March,  I did not fully understand the relationships between the many organization involved with helping people and farmers.  Indeed Holly Thompson commented on the lack of communication among the community groups concerned with food insecurity.  In answer to my email inquiry this week, Ms. Thompson elaborated: " There is the lack of collaboration amongst community organizations that are working to either combat hunger or improve markets for our local farmers. This is why it is critical that a "Skagit County Food Network" be created. This local food network could include a cross section of the  diverse group of community members such as: farmers, community organizations like Community Action and our food distribution/food banks members."

Money Needed for Stanwood Road Repair

Puddles  after 4 days of Sun Shine on 101st Ave 

 By now Stanwood residents should have received their ballots seeking voter approval for the newly formed Stanwood Transportation Benefit District's (TBD) proposal to raise revenue for roads, gutters and sidewalk repairs.  The revenues would be obtained by charging a sales tax on everyone buying goods and services in Stanwood.  The charge would be 2 cents for every $10.00 spent.

  Today I walked around town enjoying the sun while inspecting the condition of the roads in Stanwood north of Rt 532 that are scheduled for repair and drainage improvement.   While Stanwood had been rain free for several days there were still large puddles along several roads.  Obviously they need better drainage.

There were also many large cracks that will only get larger.  As you can see in the photo above the lovely traditional Stanwood homes were crisply painted but the crack in the road makes the neighborhood look run down.   The longer we put off repairing those cracks the larger they will become and the more it will cost  to fill them in.

Even though I prefer walking on gravel paths,  I suspect most of my neighbors want to drive to work and send their kids to school on relatively smooth roads.  So I voted for the tax to protect my property value.

Our ballots are due in by February 12, 2013.
More details at the City Government web site
@http://ci.stanwood.wa.us/page.asp_Q_navigationid_E_367

Rep Larsen Addresses Stanwood Democrats

US Representative Rick Larsen (far Left) and Mayor White (far right foreground)
 met with Stanwood Democrats for their first monthly meeting of 2013

 Having way too much to think about after major victories and defeats in the November elections,  Stanwood Democrats met at their usual monthly haunt - the Viking Restaurant.   Although very pensive,  we were encouraged about the progress reported by our elected officials - Stanwood Mayor Dianne White and US Congressional Rep. Rick Larsen.   Mayor White outlined plans to develop the waterfront along the Stillaguamish River on property bought by the City from the Hamilton family.  The development would be funded by grants from the Snohomish County government.   The City is also applying for State Funding for an elevated Walkway along Rt. 532.   In a series of public hearings on sustainable design for Stanwood held at our middle schools last July, many parents expressed a need for their kids to be able to walk and bike around town safe from traffic.  I want to be included in that youthful crowd that likes to walk to places.   Good to hear City Hall is responding.

 In spite of the filibustering and dissension in Congress,  Rep. Larsen believes that President Obama did well in the bargin he made with Republicans to avoid the Fiscal Cliff.   He also believes the President is serious about not bargaining with the Republicans over the Debt Ceiling.  He supports the President's stand on fiscal matters.

 The ( about 20) Democrats at the meeting asked Rep. Larsen many questions and expressed their concerns.    They lamented that our culture had become so violent in the use of guns.  Two native American woman remarked that while they were concerned about gun safety,  the men in their families were worried about their guns being taken away.  Rep.  Larsen reminded us that he could not change the culture,  he needed to know what gun legislation we would like to see passed.  We need to be more specific.    Michael Wooten  expressed  concern about global warming and asked Rep. Larsen why he supports the requested increase in coal  transported by rail through our coastal cities from Montana to the Ports in Bellingham for export to Asia.   Rep. Larsen claimed that China, India and Korea will be burning coal whether we export to them or not.  He thus supports the increase in rail transport because he believes the trains will create jobs for his district.   I have heard various estimates of how many jobs will be created and how it will adversely affect other business e.g. fishing, tourism, hospitals.   Of course, the highest estimates for jobs come from the coal exporters that are seeking public support.   Rep Larsen recommended that Michael and others who are concerned about the impact of coal trains on our environment should fill out a scooping form { http://www.eisgatewaypacificwa.gov/get-involved/comment } by January 22.

 The Stanwood Democrats met the second Saturday of each month.  Stanwood residents who would like to learn more about our local Democratic Party are encouraged to join us at the Viking at 9 A. M for breakfast (Dutch Treat) and 10 A.M. for the general meeting.

Black Friday protest at Mt Vernon Walmart

This Banner proclaims the  ideal of protestors at
 the  Mt Vernon Walmart Supercenter on Black Friday. 

Well over a hundred people showed up for Black Friday 2012 rally at the Mt. Vernon Walmart Super Store.   The crowd included neighbors,  some Walmart workers on strike and members of Occupy Bellingham.   All were there to support Walmart's employees right to speak out . "Our Walmart" and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 21 organized the event. Volunteer Lawyers showed up and told Walmart we had the right to take pictures since the parking lot in front of the store was on public property - a great strategic advantage for us. We were all  peaceful and considerate of property.  We did not deter shoppers from going into Walmart.  However Walmart workers were happy to see so many there in support of their grievances.  The Union Leader said this was a good start to what will be a long haul to change Walmart's attitude and practices with employees.  He also claimed Walmart didn't really know what to do with us.

At the end of the rally several informative speakers addressed the crowd. Skagit County Democratic Committee Woman - Janet McKinney  -  outlined conditions endured by Walmart employees while Walmart made record breaking profits ( click here for video ).  Walmart employee - Lori Amos -  narrated her experiences working 13 years for Walmart.  As a representative of co-workers associated with "Our Walmart", she spoke out for better working conditions, work place safety, benefits, and improved wages ( click here for video).   Lutheran Pastor -Terry Kyllo - inspired us with his Thanksgiving vision of a better future for Walmart and its employees (click here for video.    The rally ended with the String Band Jamboree from Deming strumming a rousing rendition of  "which side are you on" - a labor song written for coal miners in 1931 and adapted for Skagit County in 2012  (click here for video ).

GO DOWN AND FLIP (the ballot)

At the Carol Ronken Memorial BBQ Oct 6th Senator Mary Margaret Haugen (far right)   expressed her appreciation for Carol and Susan Ronken’s leadership of the Stanwood Democrats.

The Stanwood Democrats held a Memorial BBQ in honor of Carol Ronken at the Floyd Norgaar Cultural Center Saturday October 6th.    Carol founded the Stanwood Democrats in 2004.  Carol passed earlier this year.  We sorely miss her leadership.   Fortunately her daughter, Susan,  is continuing her mothers efforts for the Democratic Party.  

At this and other  events this Fall,  Senator Haugen has emphasized the importance of our vote not only for the governor, US congress and State senators but also local candidates like State Rep, County and PUD Commissioner.   So we had many local candidates address the crowd after the Salmon BBQ.   The candidates seeking reelection impressed me with how they work together to improve conditions in the North Sound.   Whidbey Island Commissioners Helen Price Johnson and Angie Homola worked with Transportation Committee Chair - Mary Margaret Haugen - to have Vigor Industrials subcontract the construction of the new ferries' superstructure to Nichols Brothers in South Whidbey Island.  The new ferries will replace the aging Steel Electrics operating on Puget Sound. The insourcing of State funds will allow steady work for Nichols employees and allow the company to hire 100 more workers on the Island.

Lt. Governor Brad Owen advocated for the reelection of Mike Kreidler for insurance Commission.  Because of Kreidler’s foresight Washington State is ahead of other States in setting up health insurance exchanges so WA citizens can benefit from the Affordable Care Act passed by the US legislature in 2010.   In case you are worried about your health insurance rates going up, Commission Kreidler has proposed legislation to give his staff the ability to consider revenue surpluses when approving rate increases.  So far the legislature has turned him down.  Kreidler claims: “Over the past several years, the three major health insurers in the state – all non-profits – have accumulated large surpluses while continuing to raise consumers’ health insurance premiums. The combined surplus of these companies is now more than $2.4 billion. These surpluses are in addition to the amount they are required to hold in reserves to pay future claims.” WOW!  Lt. Gov. Owens reiterated the importance of having Senator Haugen and other Democrats in office to support Commissioner Kreidler’s efforts.

Nick Petrish (http://nicklovesskagit.org) is running for District 1 Skagit County Commissioner.  Erick Teegarden  http://ericteegarden.com is running for Snohomish PUD Commissioner.  Both candidates support the development of alternative energy sources. Petrish is excited about the Saphon Zero Blade Wind technology because it is more efficient and less expensive than current wind turbines.  Saphon is now looking for a manufacturing partner.  For this technology Petrish believes “In Skagit County we have the talent, the skilled workforce and the need”.  We all know Skagit County certainly has the wind.  Much to my surprise I learned from Candidate Eric Teegarden that the North Sound also has enough sun for solar energy.  He should know.  He has been a systems engineer designing and implementing solar, wind and geothermal projects for the major utilities in Western Washington.   He is strongly opposed to the county spending over 150 million on building a hydro-electric dam at Sunset Falls on the Skykomish River.  He believes there are other less costly, more reliable and less environmentally destructive alternatives.   Teegarden elaborates his alternative to the dam @ http://ericteegarden.com/eric-teegarden-for-snohomish-pud-commissioner/my-platform/  I asked him afterwards why the current PUD wanted the Dam instead of the newer technologies.  He answered that is was faster to install the dam.  After learning more about the possibilities for alternative energy from Candidates Petrish and Teegarden,  I was less skeptical of Gubernatorial Candidate  Jay Inslee’s optimism expressed in his campaign for an energy hi-tech future. 

Gubernatorial  Candidate Jay Inslee outlined his ideas for high tech energy industries in WA to a crowd gathered at the Swinomish Lodge near Anacortes on Sept 22. The event was sponsored by the Swinomish Tribal Community and the Skagit County Democrates.  

 When I went to hear Inslee  last month at the Swinomish Lodge near Anacortes, his major concern was ensuring that WA students would have the STEM education to met the challenging demands these new industries would bring.  To do this we need to keep faith in these possibilities and go down the ballot and flip the page to make sure we vote in the best leadership for ourselves and especially our children’s future. 

Fidalgo Democrates Debate Fall Ballot issues

Former Chief of the SPD - Norman Stamper -
advocates for I 502 legalizing marijuana use.

Related links:

 I 1240 (charter schools)

I 502 (marijuana legalization) 

 

R 74 (marriage equality) 

Both those debating "for" and "against" these  ballot issues were well informed, passionate and effective in their presentations.   Although I was pretty sure how I would vote,  the debates  made me question my assumptions.

Initiative 502 - Legalization of Marijuana 

Former Seattle Police Chief Norman Stamper made a formidable case for legalizing and regulating marijuana claiming it would:
     -free police to spend more time on violent crimes.
    - increase tax revenues by as much as 5 billion.
    - weaken the Mexican drug cartels.
Stamper proposed that some of the increase in tax revenues should be spent on educating youth about drug use.  He reported that "kids are responsive to education that is honest about health risks to brain development".

NOT SO FAST warned our local Skagit County Sheriff Will Reichardt.  The Sheriff found devils in the details of I 502.  The law is legally problematic.  The State Attoney General and Governor will not support  legalization because it conflicts with Federal laws.  Likewise neither Gubernatorial Candidate Jay Inslee nor Matt McKenna support the law.   Reichardt questioned the effects of the law on drug cartels.  Since the regulated outlets would charge $350/oz  for marijuana +  45% in taxes the cost to marijuana user of $507/oz would be well above the street prices ranging between $250 - $300/oz.   Reichardt spoofed the idea that at those prices the State stores could compete with the current black market.   One high school teacher was concerned about Students being derailed by a criminal record after experimenting with marijuana.    I asked how many people in Skagit county were arrested for marijuana possession last year.   Sheriff Reichardt cited 265 arrested on misdemeanor charges - most of which did not go to court.

These two law officers cited conflicting examples of what effects marijuana legalization would have on usage.  Since  there are 300,000 in the State of WA that take marijuana in some form, we seem to need more information on this subject.

Initiative 1240 - Authorization of Charter Schools

     The Executive Director  of Seattle based Partnership for Learning  - Jana Carlisle - endorsed the creation of charter schools in our State.   She addressed some of the common criticism of Charter Schools.  The Charter Schools would be tuition free and open to all.   Financial support would follow the child not the school.   Charter School teachers would have the same certification requirements as traditional public school teachers.  There would be oversight to ensure academic standards.  She believes Charter Schools would provide more options especially for low achieving student as they did in Harlem.   However, an article in the Sept 2nd New York Times gave the Harlem Charter Schools very mixed reviews.    Carlisle argued that Charter Schools for minority students were a civil right, but I think that is a bit of a stretch.  Children have a right to a good education not necessarily a certain form. 

Anacortes' long time School Board member Mike Stark opposed the formation of Charter Schools.  Mr Stark was named Anacortes' Patron of the Arts for his years of support of art education for children.   He warned that Charter schools start out as non-profit entities and then turn to private sources for funding.   With support from a religious organizations the Charter School could promote religion rather than the secular education normally provided by the State.  Mr Stark did not find anything in the Charter Schools that would help special needs kids for whom the WA school system is responsible.   Most in the audience agreed with Mr. Stark's concern that charter schools would adversely impact the public schools revenues. 

Referendum 74  - Defending Marriage Equality.

Stephani Couturo, a social worker from Bellingham,  asked the audience to support marriage equality by voting FOR  R74 because Domestic Partnership legal rights do not hold up in other States or Countries.   She assured us that the Clergy and those involved in the wedding business will still have the choice whether or not to participate in a wedding ceremony.   Most in the audience were sympathetic.   

Josheph Kebble, a libertarian, had an unusual reason for opposing R74.   He felt marriage should not be defined by the government.  Government should only enforce contracts.  It should not force you to recognize his marriage nor he to recognize yours. 

  Because I believe in separation of Church and State,  I too wish marriages could be left to the churches - all of whom would have different requirements according to their custom - some supporting same sex marriage, some not.  Concordantly  the Government would just provide civil unions for everyone.  My GLBT friends said that would be good if it were possible but that our legal code includes thousands  of rights that are embedded with the word "marriage".   So my plan B is to vote for R 74. 

Tenth District Democrats at the State Fair 2012

 Tenth  District Democrats Stan Mason (left)  and Phillis DeSoto
greeted visitors to the Snohomish County Democrats booth at the
 WA State Fair in Monroe.

It was Senior's day at the Fair.  We had a stack of literature about the national, state and local candidates but we were really kept busy selling a variety of OBAMA buttons.  People also bought bumper stickers and signs.  It was my first experience at retail sales but my advanced degrees in Math got me through.    The sales were encouraging.  It was also fun to met so many friendly people who shared our political passion.

 Gay couples stopping by the booth were happy to see signs endorsing R74 in support of marriage equality.

 Some of the men asked in jest what "legitimate rape" was.   Told them I didn't know.  One man  was really hung up on the concept.   So I expressed hope no-one in our families learns first hand.

Later in the afternoon young adults came by to register to vote - a good sign for the future.

Stanwood Democrats Endorse Candidates for the Fall Elections

               The Stanwood Democrats met this morning to endorse the following candidates for the Fall election.  We are providing links to each Candidate's Web site to help voters to become better informed.  Just click on the name of the Candidate.

FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT

Barack Obama, President of the United States

Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator

Rick Larsen, U.S. Representative, 2^nd Congressional District

FOR OUR STATE GOVERNMENT

Jay Inslee, Governor

Brad Owen, Lieutenant Governor

Kathleen Drew, Secretary of State

Jim McIntire, Treasurer

Troy Kelley, Auditor

Bob Ferguson, Attorney General

Peter J. Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands

Randy Dorn, Superintendent of Public Instruction

Mike Kreidler, Insurance Commissioner

Sen. Mary Margaret Haugen, 10^th District

Aaron Simpson, Representative, Position 1, 10^th District

Tom Riggs, Representative, Position 2, 10^th District

Sheryl Gordon McCloud, State Supreme Court, Position 9

Millie Judg, Superior Court Judge Position 11

Eric Teegarden, PUD Commissioner, District 2

State Treasure Jim McIntire claims he is running for reelection to the most important job few are aware of - State Treasurer.  Nonetheless he reminds us of what the State Government accomplished  under the his leadership along with that of the Democrats and moderate Republicans in the legislature during these tough times. 

"When I took office in 2009, banks were failing fast, the stock market was in free-fall, and the bond market was nearly frozen.  Now, three and a half years later:

• Despite the failure of 19 community banks in Washington, no public deposits were lost, public banking laws were reformed, and $5 billion of local public funds in community banks are now safer.

• We have financed $7 billion of job-creating new construction in public infrastructure.  We also refinanced $3.6 billion of existing state debt with the lowest interest rates in 50 years.
•  We saved taxpayers $1.3 billion in interest costs on state debt by squeezing lower interest rates from Wall Street using market competition and creating opportunities for Main Street Washington investors.
• The State Investment Board is now the nation’s top performing pension fund.  We have recovered all of the value lost in the 2008-09 financial crisis, making Washington’s pension system the 3^rd best-funded pension system in the country.
• And finally, we are doing more with less – financing more infrastructure investments and investing more short-term cash for local governments with 7 percent fewer funds and personnel."

Candidate Aaron Simpson Addresses Stanwood Democrats

  Tenth Legislative District Candidate Aaron Simpson (standing)  addressed the Stanwood Democrats at their monthly meeting July 14th in their beautiful new headquarters just west of the Stanwood Country Store.

  Tenth Legislative District Candidate  Aaron Simpson  outlined several issues motivating his candidacy.   He believes that current taxes and regulations favor large agribusinesses at the expense of our local family farms.  Likewise we need to evaluate tax incentives and State regulations as they affect local businesses.  He would support State funding of education  through the entire legislative process often neglected by Republicans. There ensued a lively discussion among the Stanwood Democrats about the proposal to introduce Charter Schools to the State of WA.   Most members believed that charter schools would be a drain on the public schools with no proven benefit.  It did not make sense that Tax money would go to corporate profits instead of teachers and students.   

The Democratic candidates for office in November have left information about their candidacy at the Stanwood Headquarter.   The public in encouraged to drop by to ask questions and get the information they need.  The location is: 27116 90TH AVE NW, 

Whatcom Democrats Endorse Darcy Burner

It was a drizzly evening on Thursday June 21 when the Whatcom County Democrats assembled for their monthly meeting at the Sons of Norway Hall off State & Champion Street in Bellingham.  Walking into the room the mood was frenzied as candidates swarmed around voters to garner support for their campaigns.  Many of the volunteers phone-banked for weeks prior to the meeting to remind Democrats to come and vote for a candidate to endorse.  Phone and Email blasts reached over 7,000 voters, I personally received at least 3 phone calls to request my support. 

In the front of the hall were tables of literature, buttons and enthusiastic greeters.  BBQ dinner was served and the atmosphere in the Norway Hall was one of a rock concert -  loud and stiffling hot making the audience feel a bit restless and uncomfortable.  Discomfort aside, the impassioned speeches of the candidates seeking endorsement enveloped the room. 

Darcy Burner won the nomination by a 75% vote.

Whatcom Women Democrats host Judicial Candidate

On a warm and sunny Monday afternoon May 14th   the Whatcom Women Democrats met for their monthly lunch meeting  at the Super Buffet off the Guide Meridian in Bellingham .  Sunny weather meant a lighter than average turnout of 12 members. Judicial candidate Debora Garrett was the honored guest.

Ms. Garrett gave an update on her campaign progress.  She reported that over 40 people turned out at the Whatcom County Courthouse in support of her filing for candidacy.  Reaching out to the community, Garrett is attending at least 2 events per week around the county.  Yard signs are ready and doorbelling will commence shortly. 

Skagit County Democrats Annual Gala Attracts a Crowd

        Over 200 hundred Democrats from Skagit and Snohomish Counties attended their Annual Gala in Mt. Vernon last Saturday.  Eight major labor unions and about a dozen office holders were among those attending.  The keynote speaker, WA State  Democratic Party Chairman Dwight Pelz, reminded us of all the gruesome things the Republicans would do if and when they took office.  So we know the battle lines.  But the good news is that we have some great, younger candidates with good ideas running for office.  I enjoyed the chance to talk to two of them - Darcy Burner (running for the  1st Congressional District) and Tom Riggs ( running for 10th District State Rep.)

Several Luminaries graced the table reserved for the 10th State Legislative District (LD).  Seated from the left are: Phil Lewis,  Snohomish County Democratic Chair & Vice Chair -  Laura Lewis,  DNC Representative to the National Committee - Lona Wilbur,  Jennifer Antione, and  Democratic 10th LD Chair - Ray Miller.  We are all disappointed that the State Redistricting will place Ray outside of the 10th LD, but we are sure that Ray will provide great leadership wherever he is placed. 

Whatcom County 2012 Democrat's Caucus

On Saturday April 28, Syre Auditorium at Whatcom Community College, Bellingham, WA was filled with over 200 voter delegates from Whatcom County Democratic Party.  One notable exception was a Green Party Officer who attended and needed a special vote to serve as a Democratic delegate.   Representative Kristine Lytton served as temporary Chair of the Caucus until a permanent Chair was elected during the Caucus. 

The key purpose of the Caucus was to bring together all delegates from districts in Whatcom County for a consenses and approval of our contribution to the 2012 Democratic Platform.   The Platform which will be ratified at the State Caucus in Seattle in June.

Candidates for office were allowed to give a quick 5 minute pitch for their campaign.   Saturday was Caucus day statewide, so two of the candidates (Darcy Burner and Laura Ruderman) were unable to appear personally and sent representatives in their staid.  Please see my article from the February post about Whatcom Democrats Monthly Meeting for details of the candidates' respective platforms.

Planks (statements of policy position) to be considered for the 2012 Platform  were on Coal Transportation/Environmental Impacts and a Fourteenth Amendment movement to redefine the relationship between "Corporations" and "Natural Persons". 

Skagit County Law officers discuss "Gun Violence and Gun Laws: Stand Your Ground?"

Although Florida is thousands of miles away,  those of us in the Pacific North West could not help but wonder how gun violence, racism and the Castle or Stand Your Ground laws in the National news affect us.   So the Fidalgo Democrats asked Anacortes Police Chief Bonnie Bower and Skagit County Sheriff Will Reichardt to address these issues during their monthly meeting at the Anacortes Public Library April 17th.   

Chief Bower surprised me and maybe others with the long list of gun regulations enacted since our country was founded.   Sheriff Reichardt claimed that there had not been a strong correlation in the number of guns owned by WA state residents and gun violence.  He remarked that most violent crimes were committed with stolen guns.  WA state has extensive requirements for concealed weapons which seems to be effective in promoting responsible gun ownership. 

 The castle doctrine ( the right to defend yourself against an intruder into your home) is not a law but a principle from 17th century English common law.  WA State Senate Bill 5418 would make the castle doctrine into law.   Chief Bower credited the impetus to extend  the Castle doctrine  with  “Stand Your Ground” to the Clint Eastwood 1985 movie “Dirty Harry”  e.g “do something that will allow me to shoot you”.  The “Stand Your Ground” law promoted by the NRA varies from State to state.  In Florida the law allows immunity from arrest to the shooter if he/she meets certain criteria. This can take time for the police to verify.  This  caused a delay in police taking action against George Zimmerman in Florida after he shot an unarmed 17-year-old - Trayvon Martin.  In the Trayvon Martin case the relevant part of the statue says that “a person who is not engaged in an unlawful activity and who is attacked . . . has no duty to retreat and has the right to stand his or her ground and meet force with force, including deadly force if he or she reasonably believes it is necessary to do so to prevent death or great bodily harm.”  In WA there is “Stand Your Ground” case law which can be invoked during trial but, unlike the Florida statute , it does not provide immunity from arrest.  I had the impression from talking with Sheriff Reichardt that he favored the status quo in WA because immunity from arrest outside of the defendent's home or vehicle would require a complicated set of  determinations that would be better handled in court than by the police.  I too think these decisions would place a tremendous burden on the police to determine guilt or innocence . 

As I glanced at the audience most seemed to have pale faces, but there was some mention of excessive gun violence towards African American males and one woman pointed out an incident where a black man was convicted in spite of the castle doctrine when he was defending his home.  A few in attendance had open carry weapons at the meeting, even though others were wary of people wearing guns into a public library.  Several in the audience spoke passionately about the need to carry weapons.  One even said Trayvon Martin would have been better off had he a gun.  In which case,  I think,  it would have been harder to assume Trayvon’s  innocence and the injustice of  Zimmerman’s stalking. Both men would probably be dead. The wild west lives on in the heart of some.