News from the Skagit County Democrats

Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for July 15, 2024

 We are greatly concerned about the assault at former President Trump's rally in Pennsylvania. Violence in American politics is reprehensible. We must condemn it and reject it. Our thoughts and hopes for speedy recovery are with him, his rally goers, and their families.  
 

DEMOCRATIC EVENTS

1. UPDATED – **Rescheduled** Membership Meeting, Saturday, Jul 20, 10:00am, via Zoom AND In-Person – C2C Community Center, 224 Stewart Road, Suite 2320, Mount Vernon
Unfortunately, due to the unavailability of several party leaders [for the previously scheduled time], we had to postpone the Membership Meeting originally scheduled for [Jul 13]. It is extremely important to us that all party business is handled appropriately and that we are prepared to address the concerns of all members. The meeting will include a discussion about the H2A Program led by Rosalinda Guillen and a resolution proposed by one of our members.

This Membership meeting will be a HYBRID meeting. Please note the location of the IN-PERSON VENUE. If you choose the Zoom alternative, we ask that you log on no later than 9:45 a.m. Click Here for the Zoom link: Meeting ID: 815 0989 7011; Passcode: 850899. An updated agenda will be published early next week. Please let us know if you have any questions (Chair@SkagitDemocrats.org).

2. The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Tuesday, Jul 16, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link. 

3. NEW – Join 10th Legislative District Representative Clyde Shavers and Senate Candidate Janet St. Clair, Saturday, Jul 20, 2:00pm – 3:30pm, for Ballots and Brews, Temperate Habits Brewing, 500 South 1st Street, Mount Vernon
Click Here to RSVP or email info@janetforsenate.org.

4. NEW – John Snow, 39th Legislative District State Senate Candidate, has a number of campaign opportunities

• Virtual Town Hall, Wednesday, Jul 17, 6:00pm – "John will be holding a Virtual Town Hall on July 17 via Zoom to have a conversation about the issues that matter to you the most. In order to get the Zoom link to participate in this event, please RSVP using this form. You can also submit any questions or topics you would like to hear John talk about during the event."
• Sign-waiving opportunities throughout the Primary Voting Period – Click Here to sign up.
• John will walk in the Lake Stevens AquaFest Parade, Saturday, Jul 27, 1:00pm. If you’re interested in joining John, please use our contact form to sign up. Indicate it is for the AquaFest parade.

5. NEW – Richard Brocksmith, candidate for District 2 Skagit County Commissioner has campaign opportunities

• Doorbelling – options for volunteering can be found at https://www.facebook.com/electbrocksmith/
• Got a good sign location? Small yard signs or bigger 2'x4' signs for busier roadways. Contact electrbrocksmith@gmail.com
• "Host a meet and greet with your friends for a fun hour of chatting about the future of Skagit County. I will travel anywhere anytime to chat with people! It doesn't have to be complicated."
• Make a donation – Click Here.

6. UPDATED – PCO Recruitment
We need more PCOs for the 2022-2024 biennial to help us Get Out the Vote in this critical election year and to help us build a strong Skagit County and 10th, 39th, and 40th Legislative District Party Organizations. You can get involved in a big way by becoming a PCO.

• Step 1: Find Your Precinct. You can use the Skagit County iMap to find your precinct.
• Step 2: Check the list of vacant precincts.
• Step 3: Application: complete this form for Skagit County and email chair@skagitdemocrats.org.

We are offering an session for "What is a PCO & Orientation", Thursday, Jul 18, 6:30pm – 7:30pm, via Zoom
Make a real difference, starting with YOUR neighborhood. Neighbors with a PCO in their precinct have a 5% higher turnout. PCOs remind their neighbors to vote, vote on party priorities and leadership, and decide which candidates to endorse. PCOs are the backbone of the local Democratic Party. Click Here for the Zoom link.

7. The 2024 Primary Election is fast approaching
Here are the upcoming dates of significance (from the Skagit County Auditor's website).

• July 9 – Accessible Voting Unit test – 10:00 AM
• July 10 – Official Logic & Accuracy test – 10:00 AM
• July 17 – Domestic ballots mailed
• July 29 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
• August 6 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
• August 6 – Primary Election – Closes 8:00 PM
• August 13 – Canvassing Board Meeting, Initial Review – 1:30 PM
• August 20 – Primary Election Certification – 1:30 PM

8. Vote "No" on all Initiatives
Just as a reminder, the Skagit County Democrats have recommended AGAINST all 3 statewide initiatives. They are:

• Initiative 2109 would repeal the state’s new tax on capital gains on certain investment profits of more than $250,000 annually. Click Here for a Fact Sheet.
• Initiative 2117 would repeal the state’s 2021 Climate Commitment Act, which requires oil refineries and other major greenhouse gas emitters to pay for pollution permits and reduce emissions over time. Click Here for a Fact Sheet.
• Initiative 2124 would allow people to opt out of a .58% payroll tax that funds a long-term care insurance benefit of up to $36,500 per person. Click Here for a Fact Sheet.

9. Rocio Lopez is requesting assistance to attend the National Democratic Convention in Chicago
Rocio has been elected to be an At Large Delegate to the Convention, Aug 19 – 22. Click Here to see Rocio's GoFundMe page.

10. Congratulations to 40th Legislative District Representative Debra Lekanoff who has been selected as a National Delegate to the Democratic National Convention
Debra needs donations but wants donations for her to be sent to Skagit County Democrats (Click Here for our donations page). Please write in the memo section of the donation page it is for her.

11. The Center for American Progress has some answers to "Project 2025"
Click Here for "Project 2025: Exposing the Far-Right Assault on America".

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.

• How Bad Is Inflation Under Joe Biden, Really? An Analysis
• Kroger, Albertsons are selling 124 grocery stores in Washington
• ‘Stealing with both hands’: veteran reporter Joe Conason details the right wing’s graft
• CEPR Sanctions Watch June 2024
• Tianeptine: From antidepressant to 'gas station heroin

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COMMUNITY EVENTS

1. NEW – The City of Sedro-Woolley is holding an Open House, Jul 15, 6:00pm – 8:00pm, Central Skagit Library, 110 West State Street, Sedro-Woolley
The purpose of the Open House is to discuss the 2024-25 update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. The meeting will be a walk-in style open house, available to the public, anyone who wants to attend. City staff and other experts will be available to answer questions on the Comprehensive Plan update process and discuss how the community can be involved through the next year.

2. NEW – Fundraiser for Live & Love Like Tay, suicide prevention & awareness, Spaghetti Dinner and Auction, Thursday Jul 18, 6:00pm – 7:30pm, Hillcrest Park Lodge, 1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon

3. NEW – Shipwreck Festival, Saturday, Jul 20, 8:00am – 4:00pm, Commercial Blvd from 10th to 3rd street, Anacortes
"Forty years ago, our commercial fishermen sold their used gear as yard art on Commercial Ave. "Shipwreck" has evolved into a massive community garage sale including flea market and antique vendors. The event technically starts at 8 am, but there are usually some businesses and booths that get started right at first light, just like the old time fishermen used to. This event features over 200 vendors set up in booths along Commercial Ave.; each booth brings something new and usually very eclectic, and you are sure to find something that you can’t live without. There are also some food stands set up that serve a variety of different and delicious treats. This event is family friendly and is organized by the Fidalgo Island Rotary Club. But, please leave your pet at home . . . A very limited number of food booths (mostly drinks and snacks) are available. Plenty of restaurants on Commercial are open during the festival."

4. NEW – The Concrete Fly-in, Jul 19 – 20
Click Here for the Fly-In flyer. For more information, call (360) 873-9807 or email concreteflyin@gmail.com.

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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 $.53. 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."

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