News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on August 25th, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for August 26, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. NEW – Meet Washington State Treasurer, Mike Pellicciotti, Wednesday, Aug 28, 12:00pm – 12:30pm, George Held meeting room, North County Fire Station 99, 8117 267th Street Northwest, Stanwood
"Come learn what a state treasurer does and bring your questions. Snacks served. Hosted by the Stanwood-Camano Rotary Club."
2. NEW – 10th Legislative District Representative Dave Paul Fundraising Event, Monday, Sep 9, 5:30pm – 7:00pm, in King County
Hosted by Rep. Liz Berry and Insight Strategic Partners. RSVP to Dave@votedavepaul.com to receive the address. Click Here for the flyer.
3. NEW – The Fidalgo Democrats next regularly scheduled meeting is Tuesday, Sep 10
However, this may conflict with the Presidential Debate, also scheduled for that evening at 6:00pm local time. Alternatives are being explored.
4. 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. UPDATED – Mark your calendars! – Skagit County Democrats Annual Picnic, Sunday, Sep 15, 1:00pm, The Lodge at Hillcrest Park, 1717 South 13th Street, Mount Vernon
"This is your chance to hear from our inspiring speakers, meet your local candidates, and celebrate our vibrant community in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. We’re especially excited to honor our First Responders, who have gone above and beyond for our community. Let’s come together to express our gratitude for their dedication and service. This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone! We’ll be grilling up delicious hot dogs, hamburgers, and fresh salmon. Bring your family, friends, and a hearty appetite!" Please plan to bring your own plates and utensils….to help keep us green. Please RSVP (Click Here) because we need to know how many guests are coming so there is enough food for everyone.
6. NEW – Election observers needed for recount next week
We need people to sign up for observing elections at the county office (2nd floor of the administration building) on Tuesday, Sep 3. Shifts are just 1 ½ hours long. If everyone who can takes one shift it will be covered. Click Here to see the guidelines for observing. If you have not done it before, you will be asked to sign the last page as an affidavit when you check in at the elections office for your shift. They will have copies for you, no need to print it out.
This recount is a big deal – it is for a statewide race – Public Lands Commissioner. This position is highly contested as the commissioner will set the tone for how our public forest lands are used to combat climate change. The commissioner also oversees the public waters of Washington state and how they are managed for everyone. It is a huge job. In the primary there were a lot of Democrats running and the vote was split. As a result, the favored Democrat, Dave Upthegrove, is just 51 votes ahead of a Republican for second place. First place for the primary is Jaime Herrera Beutler, a Republican. Because of the importance of this race for our state there will be a lot of eyes on this recount. We want to be sure that Skagit County Democrats are well represented and there to witness the recount. A recount has never changed the final outcome of a race, but this one is very close. Please sign up here for a shift if you can. Email Brenda Cunningham (Brenda.Cunningham1@outlook.com) if you have any questions or trouble with the SignUp program.
7. NEW – Presidential Campaign Information
For those wanting to donate to the Harris campaign via snail mail (USPS), please use the following address:
Harris Victory Fund
P.O. Box 96663
Washington, D.C. 20077-7085
Some people may have been given an incorrect PO Box number last week. Our apologies.
Harris/Walz signs and pins are now available at the Skagit County Democrats Headquarters Office, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104. A suggested donation of $20 is requested for the signs.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. Missing Potted Plant
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.
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.
- Armed and Underground: Inside the Turbulent, Secret World of an American Militia
- Economists Are Wrong About Price Gouging
- Industry acts to head off regulation on PFAS pollution from semiconductors
- 6 states with the best minimum wage to cost of living ratio
- Humans age dramatically at two key points in their life, study finds
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Labor Day is Monday, Sep 3
Most government offices and agencies will be closed for the day.
2. NEW – First Day of School Schedules
It is that time of year again! Be on the lookout for the wee ones, especially around the area schools. They will often be preoccupied and may not pay good attention. Drive Carefully!
- Anacortes – Wednesday, Sep 4
- Burlington-Edison – Wednesday, Sep 4
- Concrete – Wednesday, Sep 4
- Conway – Tuesday, Aug 27
- La Conner – Wednesday, Sep 4
- Mount Vernon – Wednesday, Aug 28
- Sedro-Woolley – Tuesday, Sep 3
3. NEW – Skagit County Releases First Drafts of Housing, Land Use, and Economic Development Policy Revisions
Documents are now available for public review on the project page. Click Here for more information.
4. NEW – Skagit County Breaks Ground on Crisis Stabilization Center Expansion
On Monday, August 12th, Skagit County celebrated the groundbreaking for the Crisis Stabilization Campus expansion on State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley. Click Here for more information. Click Here for the Skagit Valley Herald article.
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."