News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on August 18th, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for August 19, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Democratic National Convention, Monday, Aug 19 – Thursday, Aug 22
Here are some links for this event:
- DNC Official Website
- DNC Schedule
- Speakers on C-Span
- YouTube Coverage
- TikTok
- X (Twitter)
2. The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Tuesday, Aug 20, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.
3. UPDATED – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Membership Meeting will be conducted IN PERSON, Saturday, Aug 24, 10:00am – 11:00am, Granite Falls Library, 815 East Galena Street, Granite Falls
4. UPDATED – The Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meeting has been cancelled for August
However, the next Executive Board meeting is being planned for Thursday, Sep 12 via Zoom (link to be forwarded later). Also, a Hybrid (in-person or Zoom) Membership Meeting is being planned for Saturday, Sep 14.
5. NEW – Mark your calendars! – Skagit County Democrats Annual Picnic, Saturday, Sep 15, 1:00pm, Hillcrest Park, 1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon
"Come hear speakers, get to know your candidates, and enjoy being in one another's company. We will honor our first responders who have worked tirelessly for us all since 2019. This is a family friendly event. We will bbq hot dogs, hamburgers, and salmon." Please plan to bring your own plates and utensils….to help keep us green. Please RSVP to staff@skagitdemocrats.org.
6. NEW – "NO on 2117" campaign needs your help! Saturday, Aug 24, 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit Public Utility District, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon
"People are not aware of the threats posed by this initiative. Help us spread the word and save the Climate Commitment Act. Join us on August 24 at 10 am for a short training, followed by a leafletting action locally. Leafletting is not the same as doorbelling – you will be asked to just put a door hanger on each residence. It does not require you to engage with voters. Please see this description. And please share with your networks in Skagit. RSVP at this link:." Click Here for a Fact Sheet on this initiative..
7. Volunteers needed to staff our Headquarters Office
If you would like to volunteer in the office by answering phones or questions that people may have, please sign up here.
8. NEW – Skagit County Democrats has an extra-large "Ferguson for Governor" barn-size sign available
If you are interested, contact Chair@skagitdemocrats.org. If you act soon, we have a volunteer able to build the frame and help hang the sign! Hurry…signs are getting scarce for Bob Ferguson. Also, signs and buttons for Harris and Walz will be available this upcoming week. There is a suggested donation of 20.00 for signs and $2.00 per button. With the help of Representative Alex Ramel, we have been able to get in 200 yard signs for Harris-Walz. We will start making phone calls and notifying everyone who has signed up for signs, after that it will be first come first served.
9. Yard Sign Etiquette
As election season heats up, it is crucial to be mindful of proper yard sign etiquette to ensure we all show respect for our community while supporting our candidates. Here are some helpful do's and don'ts to keep in mind:
- DO:
- Place signs on your own property or with the permission of the property owner.
- Ensure signs are set back from roadways to avoid obstructing visibility or traffic.
- Remove signs within 10 days after the election, as required by RCW 29A.84.040.
- DON'T:
- Place signs on public property, such as parks, medians, and sidewalks, or private property without permission from the property owner.
- Block sidewalks, driveways, or other access points.
- Put signs in areas that violate local zoning laws or homeowner association rules.
10. 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.
11. NEW – Missing Potted Plan
Skagit County Democrats were gifted with a plant commemorating the death of Ted Kennedy. That plant has flourished under the loving care of our volunteers. The potted plant is missing from the office. If anyone has information in regards to the plant's whereabouts, it would be appreciated. Please contact staff@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.
- Explained: The Controversy Over Tim Walz's Military Service
- Rising costs for WA school districts outpace funding, report finds
- The GOP’s War on Retirees Is Just Blatantly Ripping Seniors Off
- The changing landscape of economic opportunity by race and class in America
- $75M Grid Storage Launchpad opens at PNNL in Richland WA
- Why Banks Are Restricting Employees From Backing Harris-Walz
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Burlington-Edison Back To School Fair, Saturday, Aug 24, 10:00am – 1:00pm, Maiben Park, 1011 Greenleaf Avenue, Burlington
"This FREE community event provides services to Burlington families in preparation for the coming school year. There will be free school supplies, community booths, bouncy houses, Public Health vaccine van, and more!"
2. NEW – Sedro-Woolley Pride Walk & Picnic, Sunday, Aug 25, 12:00pm – 3:00pm, Riverfront Park, 901 River Road, Sedro-Woolley
"Sedro-Woolley Pride March will gather at Sedro high school at 11:30am. March starts at noon. Exact route is posted in the Facebook event. March will conclude back at the high school at 12:45. Pride Fest will be held at Riverfront Park in Sedro-Woolley . . . The event runs from 1pm to 3pm. Clean up till 4pm."
3. NEW – 20th Annual Fidalgo Bay Day, Saturday, Aug 24, 11:00am, Fidalgo Bay Resort, 4701 Fidalgo Bay Road, Anacortes
"Come join the Skagit Marine Resources Committee and friends for a FREE, fun, family outing at our 20th annual Fidalgo Bay Day event . . . In addition to all the fun activities, you can satisfy your appetite with a fabulous no-host traditional Coast Salish salmon BBQ lunch! You’ll also get to taste complimentary samples of oysters and mussels from Taylor Shellfish grilled to perfection by our volunteers and delicious chowder samples from Bob’s Chowder Bar and Adrift Restaurant . . ."
4. Applications Open for 3 Habitat Homes in La Conner
"Skagit Habitat for Humanity [has] just made applications available to the public on our website for 3 affordable homes in La Conner. We will select 3 Skagit County families who apply for our Homebuyer Program to partner with us to build and buy a home with a monthly mortgage payment that is less than or equal to 33% of their monthly household income. To qualify, applicants must have established Skagit County residency for at least a year and be able to demonstrate:
- Need – Applicants are paying 50% or more of family income toward rent or living in inadequate or substandard housing.
- Willingness to Partner – As part of the program the applicant must be willing to contribute 150 hours per applicant to “Sweat Equity” labor at construction sites, the Habitat Store, and other volunteer opportunities, and must attend required meetings and classes.
- Ability to Repay the Loan – Applicants require income history documentation, a household income within the 60%-80% local median household income range (based on household size), and ability to qualify for a mortgage.
The application period ends Monday, August 19, at 4pm."
5. Skagit Transit Draft Transit Development Plan Available for Comment
"Skagit Transit has completed the agency's annual draft Transit Development Plan (TDP) and is open for public comment through August 21, 2024." Click Here for more information.
6. NEW – Long-time Democrat and activist, Gary Kanter, has a new CD (What Have You Done?.?.?.??) now available
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 $.56. 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."