News from the Skagit County Democrats

Posted on August 29th, 2021

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for August 30, 2021

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DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. New Headquarters Office Space
We are now in our new Headquarters Office Space. The address is 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon. Our telephone number (360-336-1555) remains the same. We are located right next door to Munros’ Driving Instruction. We are not yet ready for business as we continue to organize and put things away. This will be an on-going process for at least a couple of weeks. Our old downtown office is no longer open for business.

PLEASE NOTE – Our mailing address has changed. We are closing our Post Office Box. The new mailing address is: 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon, 98273-2373.

We are occupying the space previously used by Farmer’s Insurance. In addition to the office space, we will have access to a large conference room on the ground floor for meetings. We will also have access to a smaller conference room on the upper floor. The move comes with ample parking and easy access via College Way or LaVenture Road. Click Here for a map. Although we will be downsizing a bit, the move represents a significant monetary saving over the next several years.

2. NEW – Votebuilder Training for Candidates and PCOs, Sunday, Sep 5, 12:00pm, via Zoom
“Come and join us for a Votebuilder training with Bennett Massey-Helber, one of your State Committee Members and a former Washington State Democrats Field Organizer. Votebuilder is an amazing tool that enables both Candidates and PCOs to communicate with voters, but it’s not the most intuitive or user-friendly program. At this training, we will learn how to set up your Votebuilder account, how to pull an effective list of voters, and how to implement that list to have meaningful conversations with voters. The session will also include a Q&A to answer any questions you have about Votebuilder. We can’t wait to see you then!” For Zoom connection information, email Chair@skagitdemocrats.org.

3. UPDATED – Fidalgo Democrats will next meet Tuesday, Sep 14, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, via Zoom
“Candidate Forum for Anacortes Mayor, City Council, School Board, Fidalgo Pool – All candidates for Anacortes Mayor, City Council member, School Board member and Fidalgo Pool Commissioner have been invited to join this forum. The candidates will have the opportunity to introduce themselves, followed by a period of prepared questions from our moderator, Shay Schual-Berke, former Washington State Representative. Time will be set aside for questions from the audience. You are invited to submit your questions in advance of the forum to Shay Schual-Berke at: shayschualberke@gmail.com. This is your opportunity to meet the candidates and to have your questions answered.” For more information contact Barbara Cooper, 360-293-4123.

4. The 40th Legislative District Democrats are soliciting applications for Board positions
Current vacancies include:

Finance Committee Chair
Actions Committee Chair
Community Committee Chair
Deputy Treasurer
Young Democrats Representative

A description of the positions, tasks, and time commitments can be found Here. If you have any questions, please email 40thdems@gmail.com.

5. ATTENTION: 39th Legislative District Democrats
The Snohomish County Democratic Central Committee has cancelled their planned booth at the 2021 Evergreen State Fair due to the current COVID-19 surge.

6. NEW – The GOTV (Get Out the Vote) Card Project
“The GOTV card project is underway. But we have 15,000 cards to write that will encourage Democrats across Skagit to VOTE in November, and to vote DEMOCRAT for important local positions – positions that make decisions about our schools and hospitals and other agencies that affect our daily lives here in Skagit Valley. Please consider writing (minimum) 20 cards! And reaching out to others in your contact circle to encourage them to be writers as well . . . “

Here are the basics:

1. ORDER your cards with a SEPARATE, NEW email to Carol Sullivan (so your order doesn’t get lost in an email thread) at carolosully@yahoo.com:
- Use the following convention: Last, First names, Number of cards (20 minimum), Pickup/drop off location: (Mount Vernon or Anacortes)
  - Mount Vernon: Skagit Dem Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104 (east end of the building)
  - Anacortes: 1319 8th Street, Anacortes (Robert & Andrea Doll’s front porch)
2. PICKUP at your location when an email notification is sent. NO POSTAGE required!
3. WRITE your cards using prepared script.
4. RETURN the cards BY SATURDAY, OCT 9 to either the Mount Vernon or Anacortes location for bulk mailing.

Note: An additional pickup/drop-off location has new been added for Shelter Bay/La Conner. The exact address will be included for those that prefer that location in the email notification that the cards are ready for pickup.

7. UPDATED – Redistricting News
The following was taken from Friday News & Action with Tina Podlodowski of Aug 20
“Now that the final census data has been released for our state’s redistricting process, the bipartisan Redistricting Commission has released their planned schedule for major dates to track in the rest of the process:
End of August – DrawYourWA mapping tool will be updated with the official Census Bureau redistricting data and the state’s adjusted data based on relocation of persons in state custody to their last known address for purposes of redistricting.

Tuesday, September 21 – Commissioners will each release their proposed state legislative district map.
Tuesday, September 28 – Commissioners will each release their proposed congressional district map.
Tuesday, October 5 (7 p.m.) – Statewide Virtual Public Outreach Meeting to receive feedback on state legislative map proposals.
Saturday, October 9 (10 a.m.) – Statewide Virtual Public Outreach Meeting to receive feedback on congressional map proposals.
Friday, October 22 – Deadline to ensure full consideration of third-party map submissions by the Commission.
Monday, November 15 – Deadline for Commission to submit final maps to the Legislature.

. . . If you want to learn more about immediate steps for getting involved, our state party’s Redistricting Committee hosted a great webinar training on how to use the Draw Your WA tool along with third-party mapping software like the free Dave’s Redistricting tool. We encourage folks who want to get involved and learn more about redistricting and their communities to watch the webinar here.”

2021 Skagit County Redistricting – In Skagit County information on the redistricting of County Commissioner Districts can be found HERE.

“Two [more] public meetings and one public hearing are scheduled for redistricting:

September 27, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (public meeting)
October 25, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (public meeting)
November 22, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (public hearing for a final redistricting plan)

Meetings this fall will be held either in a hybrid format or fully virtually, depending on best Public Health guidance at the time. If you have questions or need additional information, please visit https://www.publicinput.com/skagitcountyredistricting. You can also email redistricting@co.skagit.wa.us or call 360-416-1700 for more information.”

8. Important dates for upcoming election season
The following is from the Skagit County Auditor’s Office:

November 2, General Election
- September 17 – Military and Overseas ballots mailed
- TBD – Official Logic & Accuracy test
- October 13 – Domestic ballots mailed
- October 25 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
- November 2 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
- November 2 – 2021 General Election Day – Closes 8:00 PM
- November 16 – Canvassing Board Meeting – 1:30 PM*
- November 23 – General Election Certification – 1:30 PM*

*Times may change if a scheduling conflict arises. Changes will be posted on the Auditor’s web site.

All Logic & Accuracy Tests, Canvassing Board, and Certification Meetings are held at: Skagit County Elections Department, Skagit County Auditor’s Office, 700 South 2nd Street, Room 201, Mount Vernon, WA 98273.

9. Skagit County Democrats 2021 Endorsements
The membership has endorsed the following candidates running for office or a board position this year.

Anacortes
- Ryan Walters
  - Position Sought: Mayor, City of Anacortes
  - Campaign name: Committee to Elect Ryan Walters
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: campaign@ryanwalters.com; (360) 610-7770
  - Campaign website: https://www.ryanwalters.com/
  - Campaign mailing address: 1803 10th Street, Anacortes WA 98221
- Amanda Hubik
  - Position sought: Anacortes City Council, Position 4 (At-Large)
  - Campaign name: Friends of Amanda Hubik
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: Amanda4Anacortes@gmail.com; 360-499-3856
  - Campaign website: https://www.amandahubik.com/
  - Campaign mailing address: PO Box 3014, Anacortes WA 98221
- Sara Holahan
  - Position Sought: Anacortes City Council, At-Large Pos. 5
  - Campaign name: Citizens for Sara
  - Campaign E-mail address: sara@saraholahan.com
  - Campaign website: http://saraholahan.com/
  - Campaign mailing address: PO Box 1702 Anacortes, WA 98221
Burlington
- Tonya Bieche
  - Position Sought: Burlington-Edison School District 100, Director District 2
  - Campaign name: Tonya Bieche
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: biechebieche@gmail.com; (360)757-1020
Mount Vernon
- Iris Carias
  - Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Position 2
  - Campaign email and phone number: VoteIrisCarias@gmail.com; (360)-333-7836
  - Website: http://voteforiris.com/wp/
- Juan Morales
  - Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1, Pos. 1
  - Campaign name: Juan Morales
  - Campaign E-mail address: morales2021.citycouncil@gmail.com
  - Campaign mailing address: PO BOX 2261, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
- Richard Brocksmith
  - Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, At-Large Position
  - Campaign name: People for Richard Brocksmith
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: electrbrocksmith@gmail.com; 360-826-2094
  - Campaign website: https://www.richardbrocksmith.com/
  - Campaign mailing address: PO Box 372 Mount Vernon WA 98273
- Melissa Beaton
  - Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 3, Position 2
  - Campaign name: Re-Elect Melissa Beaton to Mount Vernon City Council
  - Campaign email and phone number: melissabeaton@comcast.net; (360)630-7070
- Chris Sadler
  - Position Sought: Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 3, Position 2
  - Campaign name: Christopher Sadler for Mount Vernon City Council
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: csadlercitycouncil@gmail.com, (360) 540-9902
  - Campaign website: https://www.facebook.com/csadlercitycouncil
- Stefanie LeJeunesse
  - Position sought: Skagit Public Hospital District Commissioner Pos. 6
  - Campaign name: Vote Stefanie: Stefanie LeJeunesse for Skagit Public
  - Hospital District Commissioner
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: info@votestefanie.com; (360)223-3741
  - Campaign website: http://www.votestefanie.com/
Sedro Woolley
- David Baer
  - Position Sought: Sedro Woolley City Council, At-Large Position
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: votedavidforcitycouncil@gmail.com
  - (360) 320-6838
- Joseph Burns
  - Position Sought: Sedro Woolley City Council, Ward 6
  - Campaign name: Friends to Elect Joe Burns
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: joe@electjoeburns.com; (360) 474-7223
  - Campaign website: https://electjoeburns.com/
- Enrique Lopez Cisneros
  - Position Sought: Sedro Woolley School District 101, Director Dist.1
  - Campaign name: Enrique Lopez Cisneros
  - Campaign E-mail address and phone number: sedrounited@gmail.com

10. UPDATED – Skagit County Democrats Volunteer Opportunities

Are you willing to help us staff our new Headquarters Office? Please email staff@skagitdemocrats.org to let us know your interest and availability.
Are you active with social media? If you love to Tweet or post Facebook messages, we need you! Please contact Kat Lohman at kat@sidenoteconsult.com.
Are you a policy wonk and are actively tracking bills? Please be part of a new committee – the Legislative Committee. Contact chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
We have various Committees needing volunteers, including the Candidate Recruitment, Social Media, Finance, Outreach, and Fundraising Committees. Due to Covid-19, all events and meetings are online, and everyone is working from home. If you are interested in learning more about volunteering and being on our Committees, please reach out to our Volunteer Coordinators, and they will help you find the right fit for your skills. We can also connect you to the Committee Chairs or our Party Chair. Please reach out to Larry at Larry.Hilliard@gmail.com for more information about Committees or Ashley at ash.gregorius@gmail.com for Outreach and Candidate Recruitment Committees.

11. Join the conversation with Skagit County Democrats on Facebook and Twitter!
Engaging with our social media content by liking, commenting, and sharing helps us reach more viewers, builds community in a digital space, and provides opportunities to better mobilize when opportunities arise. If you haven’t already, please consider:

Following us on Twitter.
Liking our Facebook page.
Joining the new Skagit County Democrats private Facebook group. This is open to all Skagit Dems members, voters, and like-minded constituents. The link directs you to the group, where you’ll have to request to join and an Online Media Posting (OMP) Committee member will approve your request.

For questions about Skagit County Democrats social media, please contact OMP@skagitdemocrats.org.

12. NEW – Links of the Week
The Links of the Week provide in-depth pieces and resources the Editor has found to be relevant, insightful, and thorough on important issues of the day.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – School Start Dates
Be on the lookout for the youngsters. School start dates are as follows:

Anacortes – Wednesday, Sep 8
Burlington-Edison – Wednesday, Sep 1
Concrete – Wednesday, Sep 1
Conway – Monday, Aug 30
La Conner – Wednesday, Sep 1
Mount Vernon – Wednesday, Sep 1
Sedro-Woolley – Tuesday, Sep 7

WATCH OUT FOR KIDS ON THE ROADS!!!

2. NEW – Skagit County Rental Assistance Program
The Skagit County Rental Assistance Program provides financial assistance for rent and utilities to income-eligible Skagit County renters and their landlords who have been impacted by COVID-19. Click Here for more information.

3. UPDATED – Applicants sought for Skagit County Planning Commission vacancy – APPLICATIONS DUE NO LATER THAN 4:30PM, TUESDAY, AUG 31
“New members are invited to apply for a District 3 seat on the Skagit County Planning Commission. Interested applicants must reside within the boundaries of District 3; residents of all three districts are encouraged to express interest for future vacancies.” Click Here for the full vacancy announcement. Click Here for the Planning Commission webpage.

4. NEW – No More Bombs visited Ground Zero Center for Non-Violent Action that adjoins the Trident nuclear submarine Naval Base at Kitsap-Bangor.
Highlights from the visit are HERE. This was to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

5. UPDATED – COVID-19 Information
Case counts are rising again in Skagit County. Click Here to see the Level of Community Transmission in Skagit County. Click Here for the Skagit County Public Health webpage.

Masking – State-wide Mask Mandate now in Effect
‘Governor Inslee’s statewide mask mandate went into effect on Monday, August 23. Masks are once again required in most indoor public places across the state, including restaurants, grocery stores, malls, and public-facing offices. The mask mandate applies to all Washingtonians five years and older, regardless of vaccination status. While not required, people are strongly encouraged to wear masks when gathering outdoors in large groups as well. For the full press release: https://bit.ly/3mbAauI.”

Masking helps protect those who are unvaccinated, including children who are not yet eligible to be vaccinated and others with auto-immune or other conditions that prevent them from being vaccinated. Parents should be reminded that there is real risk to children until vaccinations are available. Kids who aren’t vaccinated still need to wear masks, though children younger than two years old should never wear a mask due to the risk of suffocation.

COVID-19 Vaccines – COVID-19 Testing and Vaccination to Begin Again at Skagit County Fairgrounds on August 30
“Beginning Monday, August 30, Skagit County will once again be operating a COVID-19 testing and vaccination site at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. Both testing and vaccination will be available to the public free of cost, Monday through Friday from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.” Click Here for more information.

Pop-Up Vaccine Clinics – Find us at the following Skagit County locations:
WEEKLY VACCINE CLINIC: Wednesdays, 6-9pm at the Skagit County Administrative Building Hearing Room
Wed, September 1: Chinook Enterprises, Mount Vernon from 11am-1pm
Tue, September 7: Skagit Valley College from 4-7pm
Sat, September 11: Anacortes High School from 9am-12pm
Wed, September 1: Chinook Enterprises, Mount Vernon from 11am-1pm

All individuals 12 years of age and older are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine. Parent/guardian consent to vaccinate will be required for all dependent minors (ages 12-17) and can be provided either in-person or over the phone at the time of the appointment. Please note: 12-17 years old will need to receive the Pfizer vaccine, as this is the only vaccine currently approved for use in minors.

“Skagit County Public Health will now make third doses available to immunocompromised individuals. People are asked to speak with their healthcare provider about their medical condition, and whether getting an additional dose is appropriate for them.”

“Gov. Jay Inslee today announced a vaccination requirement for employees working in K-12, most childcare and early learning, and higher education, as well as an expansion of the statewide mask mandate to all individuals, regardless of vaccination status.” Click Here for more information.

Click Here for the Skagit County Public Health Department vaccine webpage and the most current information about availability. Evening appointments are now available at the Fairgrounds. On March 31, Governor Inslee announced that all adults, ages 16 and older, are eligible for vaccination.

Testing – As noted above, testing is now being offered at the Skagit County Fairgrounds for free.

“With case numbers on the rise and delta circulating in Skagit County, Public Health wants to remind everyone that getting tested is still essential in our fight against the spread of COVID-19. As a reminder, whether you have been vaccinated or not, if you’ve been around someone who has a suspected or confirmed case of COVID-19, you should get tested 3-5 days after your exposure, even if you don’t have symptoms.

For a list of local testing options, go to: https://www.skagitcounty.net/Departments/HealthDiseases/coronavirusTESTsites.htm.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Speak Up, Speak Out
Although Speak Up, Speak Out (SUSO) has not been airing new broadcasts, past broadcasts going back to March 2006 are still available for the next year at their website: http://speakupspeakoutradio.org/.

News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for August 30, 2021

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

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