News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on July 21st, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for July 22, 2024
On behalf of Skagit County Democrats, the Leadership team would like to extend our deep appreciation and profound gratitude to President Biden for how he has led our country over the last 3 ½ years. President Biden has accomplished more in that time than any other President in our lifetime, leading with integrity and grace. As evidenced by his decision, President Biden has always put our country first.
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Win with Women PAC 10th LD Day of Action, Saturday, Jul 27, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Stanwood
Knock doors for Janet St. Clair and flip the 10th legislative district. RSVP for the address.
2. UPDATED – 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/ – Next offering doorbelling in Mount Vernon, Sunday, Jul 28, 10:00am, meet at Skagit Dems HQ, 2021 East College Way
- 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.
3. NEW – Skagit County Democrats Endorsed Candidates
Click Here for a listing and their respective websites.
4. The 2024 Primary Election is fast approaching – BALLOTS ARE NOW OUT!
Here are the upcoming dates of significance (from the Skagit County Auditor's website).
- 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
5. 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.
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. (Currently under revision – check back soon.)
- Step 3: Application: complete this form for Skagit County and email chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
7. 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.
8. 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.
- The Country’s Most Conservative Court Just Reinstated a Jim Crow-Era Voter Suppression Law
- How a faulty CrowdStrike update crashed computers around the world
- What you need to know about the latest weight-loss drugs
- The MAGA Plan to End Free Weather Reports
- Target will stop accepting this old-school form of payment
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Whole Washington is having 2 online Town Halls regarding their push for the Washington Health Trust (SB 5335)
- “Let’s Make Healthcare Happen” Town Hall – Tuesday, Jul 23,7:00pm – 8:00pm – A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP
- “It’s a Wrap!” Town Hall Finale, Tuesday, Jul 30, 7:00pm – 8:30pm – A link to attend this virtual event will be emailed upon RSVP.
2. NEW – Samish Island Arts Festival, Saturday, Jul 27, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Samish Island Community Center, 11292 Blue Heron Road, Bow
"Come enjoy over 40 original artists at our annual festival that includes live music next to the Terramar artisan beer and cider garden. Authentic flavors provided by Mexi-Craves food vendor. A kid's craft table brings joy while parents' shop. See https://samishisland.net/ for up to date information."
3. NEW – The monthly Planned Parenthood rally is Saturday, Aug 3, 11:00am – 12:00pm, on the sidewalk in front of the Mount Vernon Health Center, 1805 East Division Street, Mount Vernon
Bring your signs, your friends, and your family.
4. NEW – Safe and Sane Skagit is participating in the "National Night Out", Tuesday, Aug 6, 4:00pm – 6:00pm, Storvik Park, 1110 32nd Street, Anacortes
"National Night Out is an annual campaign that promotes community through partnerships among local civic groups and local police departments across the country. It’s a family-oriented fun evening and this year SaSS will be participating with the Anacortes Police Department on Tuesday evening, August 6. We’ll have a table promoting safe firearm storage and will give away firearm lock boxes and trigger locks along with SaSS branded information on firearm safety."
5. NEW – Road Work to Start on Old Highway 99 N July 16th through July 30th
"Starting July 16th, contractors will be grinding and paving Old Highway 99 N between Dahlstedt Road and the Samish River Bridge. Work hours are from 9:00am to 9:00pm on weekdays with no weekend work anticipated. This project is expected to be complete in ten working days on July 30th."
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."