News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on October 1st, 2023
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for October 2, 2023
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
The Skagit County Democrats stand in solidarity with the UAW strike
1. The Fidalgo Democrats will conduct a Candidates Forum at their regular meeting, Tuesday, Oct 3, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
The candidates for Anacortes School Board, Heather Brennen and Edward Barton, and the candidates for Anacortes City Council, T.J. Fantini and Linda Martin, will have an opportunity to introduce themselves followed by a period of prepared questions. There will be time for questions from the audience. For more information contact Barbara Cooper at mcmooper46@gmail.com or 360 770-3506.
2. The Skagit County Democrats will host a Candidates Town Hall, Saturday, Oct 7, 3:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Conference Room, 2021 East College Way, Mount Vernon
Speakers will include:
- Lucy Madrigal, Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 1
- Andrew Vander Stoep, Mount Vernon City Council, Ward 2
- Paul Cocke, Sedro-Woolley City Council, Ward 5
- Hannah Oliver, Sedro-Woolley School District 101 Director, District 3
"Join us for an engaging and informative Candidate Town Hall hosted by the Skagit County Democrats! Get ready to connect with our dedicated candidates, gain insights into their visions, and have your questions answered. It's your opportunity to be an informed voter! Don't miss out on this chance to actively participate in your community's democratic process. We can't wait to welcome you! Bring your friends along for a vibrant discussion. See you there!" Town Hall Social Media Post to share with your friends.
For those who plan to attend, 2021 East College Way is an office building set significantly back from the street. Our entrance faces the street on the east side of the building (next to the Munro's Driving Instruction Office). Our office is in the space previously occupied by Farmers Insurance. Click Here for a picture. To reach our Conference Room, enter the building and proceed down a long hall to a crossing hall. Turn left and proceed nearly to the end of that hall. Our Conference Room is on the left across from the restrooms. Our restrooms have a security keypad lock restricting access. The combination should be available from the meeting coordinators.
3. NEW – Reception for Rick Larsen, Thursday, Oct 12, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, District Brewing, 520 Main Street, Mount Vernon
"Please join Mayor Jill Boudreau for a reception supporting Congressman Rick Larsen’s re-election campaign . . . After playing an instrumental role in shepherding the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill into law, Rick was voted Ranking Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. He is now leading the way in fixing our nation’s roads, bridges, and broadband. And he is doing this while working with the Republican majority to appropriately fund these infrastructure projects and promising example of how our government is supposed to work." Please RSVP to Alex at (253) 906-2539 or Alex@newmanpartners.com.
4. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, Oct 14, 10:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. Although only the Executive Board may vote, our members are welcome to attend.
5. NEW – Dia De Los Muertos: Campaign Silent Auction Fundraiser for Lucy Madrigal, Friday, Oct 13, – 6:00pm to 8:30pm, Mount Vernon (Location to be disclosed upon RSVP response.)
"Co-hosted by: Joe and Connie Solorio; Kristina Storm; Faviola Lopez; Lynn Campbell; Brenda Cunnigham; Edgar Franx; Rosalinda Guillen . . . Contact us at (360) 840-8880 or faviolalopez21@gmail.com"
6. NEW – The 10th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Saturday, Oct 21, 10:00am, via Zoom
The Zoom link will be distributed later.
7. The League of Women Voters of Skagit County list of upcoming candidate forums
- October 2, 6:15 to 8:30 PM
- League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
- Candidates for: Sedro-Woolley Mayor and Contested City Council Races
- In Person: Skagit PUD 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
- Register Here to watch the forum via Zoom
- October 10, 5:00 to 8:00 PM
- Anacortes Chamber and League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
- Candidates for: City Council Position 3, School Board Position 5, Port of Anacortes Commissioner Position 4:
- In Person: Anacortes City Council Chambers 904 6th Street, Anacortes, WA 98221
- October 11 6:15 to 8:30 PM
- Burlington Chamber Candidate Forum
- Candidates for: Mayor, City Council, School Board
- Register here for the event
- In Person: Burlington City Council Chambers, 833 S. Spruce Street, Burlington
- October 16, 6:15 to 8:30 PM
- League of Women Voters Candidate Forum
- School District Candidates for: La Conner, Mount Vernon, and Sedro-Woolley
- Where: Skagit PUD 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
- Register Here to watch the forum via Zoom
8. Central Committee Meeting Guest Speakers Video
The Skagit County Democrats' Quarterly Central Committee and membership meeting was held on Saturday September 9th. We were joined by Port of Anacortes Commissioner Bonnie Bowers, Senator Patty Kuderer who is running for State Insurance Commissioner, and State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti. Click Here to watch a video of these three speakers.
9. November 7 General Election Information
Below are significant dates from the Skagit County Auditor's Office concerning our upcoming General Election on Nov 7
- September 22 – Military and Overseas ballots mailed
- October 2 – Accessible Voting Unit test – 10:00 AM
- October 2 – Official Logic & Accuracy test – 1:00 PM
- October 18 – Domestic ballots mailed
- October 30 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
- November 7 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
- November 7 – General Election – Closes 8:00 PM
- November 21 – Canvassing Board Meeting, Initial Review – 1:30 PM
- November 28 – General Election Certification – 1:30 PM
Felony Convictions and Voting Rights – Effective January 1st, 2022, if you were convicted of a felony in Washington State, another state, or in federal court, your right to vote will be restored automatically as long as you are not currently serving a DOC sentence of total confinement in prison. Click Here for more information.
10. The League of Women Voters of Skagit County has recently updated their listing of elected officials from national down to local offices
Click Here for the list.
11. 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.
- Inside the Next Republican Revolution
- Here's what to expect from this year's El Niño winter in Washington
- Why many business owners don't like it when you use your credit card
- Tree rings reveal a new kind of earthquake threat to the Pacific Northwest
- What will Earth look like if all its land ice melts? Here's your answer
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. The monthly Planned Parenthood rally is Saturday, Oct 7, 11:00am – 12:00pm, on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Health Center, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
"Join our Mount Vernon supporters in a monthly rally outside of the health center. They meet every month rain or shine. Bring your Planned Parenthood Swag and signs, and there will be extras if you don't have one!" Bring your signs, your friends, and your family. Please Click Here to sign up for the rally.
2. Planned Parenthood is recruiting patient greeters
"Good afternoon, Skagit supporters! I am excited to announce our Health Center Patient Greeter Program. We have begun this program in Bellingham with the goal of disrupting patient and protester interaction so that we can ensure every patient feels safe and welcome at our health centers. If you would like to become a Health Center Greeter in Mount Vernon, you will need to attend our next orientation and fill out the paperwork necessary to become a volunteer. Sign up below!" Jade Phillips (she/her) jphillips@mbpp.org.
Volunteer Orientation October 4th
3. Got surplus tires you need to get rid of? Fall Tire Round-Up Scheduled for October 5th and October 6th
Skagit County will host a free tire-round up for Skagit County residents on Thursday, October 5th, and Friday, October 6th, at the Skagit County Fairgrounds. Residents must register at this link. There is a limit of twelve tires per household and tires must be road tires only, such as car, truck, motorcycle, or semi-trucks. Tractor tires will not be accepted. Tires must be dropped off at the north entrance of the Skagit County Fairgrounds at 1410 Virginia Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273. Click Here for more information.
4. NEW – Skagit Fisheries Presents the Wild & Scenic Film Festival, Thursday, Oct 12, 6:00pm – 9:30pm, Lincoln Theater, 712 South First Street, Mount Vernon
Click Here for ticket information.
5. NEW – The Skagit Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services are sponsoring "A Night in Classic Hollywood", Saturday, Oct 14, 5:00pm – 8:00pm, Swinomish Casino & Lodge, Walton Event Center, 12885 Casino Drive, Anacortes
Click Here for ticket information.
6. Registration is open for Skagit Valley College Latino Leadership
"We are looking for the next group of students that are interested in enrolling into Latino Leadership Initiative! This is a leadership enrichment program that is open to SVC students and community members. It is an opportunity to develop leadership skills, gain awareness of the needs and issues facing the Latinx community, and develop a service project locally to practice leadership. The first day of the program will be on October 14, 9am-12pm . . . For more information, call or text Jorge Estefan at 360-421-9090, or send us an email to laura.cailloux@skagit.edu or kati.ortiz@skagit.edu."
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. Anacortes Sunday Demonstrations
Progressive folks regularly demonstrate each Sunday, 12:00pm – 1:00pm at the corner of 12th Street and Commercial Avenue in Anacortes. While this is not an official Skagit County Democrats activity, turnout is encouraged.
2. Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
Coffee and Cards meets on Wednesdays from 10:00am – 12:00pm. This is the group that was previously led by Carol Sullivan and is now led quite capably by Judy Farrar and Judith Chilcote. The group is a way for us to express ourselves about issues of importance to us all.
We will write messages of encouragement and support to people who are making positive contributions as well as messages of concern and opposition to people who are negatively impacting our world. This includes legislators on the local, state, and federal level as well as CEOs of corporations and other people having a significant impact in our world. We will share ideas for people to write to and issues to address.
Postcards and stamps will be provided, but we ask that people bring money to cover the cost of the postcard stamps which are currently $.51. Coffee will be provided or bring your own. As Carol always reminded us, “We are stronger together.” Our office is located at 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon, 360-336-1555."