News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on February 11th, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for February 12, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Election observers needed
Election observers are needed this week as ballots are opened and processed for replacement levies for schools in Mount Vernon and Concrete. Shifts are just 1 ½ hours each. Please see the link to the SignUp Genius form below and find a shift that works for you. Simply click on “Sign Up" then scroll to the bottom of the page to click on Save and Continue. You should receive a confirmation email immediately after you complete the form. We will send you observer guidelines in advance of your shift. We really appreciate those who help observe the process and we believe the election staff appreciates you as well. Click Here to access the SignUp Genius form.
2. The Skagit League of Women Voters present "The Ins and Outs of: 2024 Presidential Primary", Monday Feb 12, 6:30pm to 8:00pm, Skagit PUD meeting room, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon
Speakers include:
- Lynn Campbell and Nathaniel Block, Chair and Vice-Chair of Skagit County Democratic Party,
- Gabrielle Clay, Skagit Elections Manager, and
- Bill Bruch, Skagit County Republican Party Chair
"This is not a campaign event and no candidate names will be involved." The presentation will also be available via Zoom. For the link, Click Here to register.
3. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Senator and Representatives (unfortunately all Republican) will conduct a Town Hall, Saturday, Feb 17, 10:00am – 11:30am, Concrete Theatre, 45920 Main Street, Concrete
4. NEW – Dave Paul will conduct a Town Hall Meeing, Sunday, Feb 18, 3:30pm – 4:30pm, Stanwood Library, 9701 271st Street
5. NEW – 40th Legislative District Telephone Town Hall with Senator Lovelett and Representatives Lekanoff and Ramel, Wednesday, Feb 21, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, via 877-229-8493 – once prompted, provide the pin 116359
Submit questions in advance: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/5FNB3X2.
6. NEW – Janet St. Clair for 10th Legislative District Senate Campaign Kick Off Event, Thursday, Feb 22, 5:00pm – 6:30pm, Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 Northwest Alexander Street, Coupeville
RSVP to info@janetforsenate.org or via the link HERE.
7. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets, Saturday, Feb 24, 10:00am – 11:00am, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. Contact the Chair of the 39th LD Democrats at 39lddo@gmail.com with any questions.
8. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats General Membership meets, Saturday, Feb 24, 11:00am – 12:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. Contact the Chair of the 39th LD Democrats at 39lddo@gmail.com with any questions. Special guest State Senator Manka Dhingra will be joining for the membership meeting as well as some folks (possibly Carin Chase and a few others) from the state party to give a presentation on the delegate process.
9. February Elections
There is a Special Election for Concrete and Mount Vernon School Districts with ballots due Tuesday, Feb 13. Click Here for the online Voter's Guide for these elections. Click Here for the Voter's Pamphlet for these Elections.
10. NEW – Skagit County Coroner Receives IACME Accreditation
Editor's Note: County Coroner Hayley Thompson sought and received Skagit County Democrats' endorsement when she first ran for office.
11. Seeking volunteers for our Online Media Team
The Skagit County Democrats have a robust online presence of which we are quite proud. In addition to this newsletter and our website, we maintain our Facebook page, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and we are looking to expand into Threads (Facebook's answer to X). Unfortunately, we don't have enough people to keep up with everything. If you have any interest or experience in any of the above and could afford to help us a few hours a month, that would be greatly appreciated. We will be happy to orient and train. If you think you can help out, please email OMP@skagitdemocrats.org.
12. Skagit Democrats Website Calendar
We are implementing a new process for updating our website calendar. If you would like something added or corrected to our calendar, please email calendar@skagitdemocrats.org and we will do our best to see that it is done.
13. 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.
- Resetting the Record – The Facts on Hiring People with Criminal Histories
- 2024 poll: What matters to voters and what could change if it's Biden vs. Trump
- CJNG cartel targeted tranquil Puget Sound city with meth, fentanyl
- Crucial ocean current system could be on course to collapse with catastrophic impacts on global weather
- The Hawaii Supreme Court handed down a unanimous opinion declaring that its state constitution does not grant individuals the right to keep and bear arms outside of military service
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. February is Black History Month
Skagit Valley College is hosting a number of events and activities for Black History Month. Click Here for a listing. Click Here for the Smithsonian/National Museum of African American History & Culture website. Here's the story behind Black History Month — and why it's celebrated in February (Click Here).
2. NEW – Random Acts of Kindness Day Market at the Depot, Saturday, Feb 17, 10:00am – 3:00pm, the Depot Arts & Community Center, 611 R Avenue, Anacortes
3. NEW – President's Day will be celebrated Monday, Feb 19 – most government offices will be closed
4. NEW – Skagit County Seeks Applicants for Agricultural Advisory Board
"Skagit County is seeking applicants to fill two vacant seats for a Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) to serve in an advisory role in making recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners regarding land use, planning, programs, and policy decisions relating to agriculture. The Commissioners seek to fill the positions with someone who lives, works, or serves customers in District 3." A letter of interest along with a statement of qualifications is due by March 7. Click Here for more information.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. 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."
2. 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.