News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on September 1st, 2024
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for September 2, 2024
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. 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.
2. UPDATED – The Fidalgo Democrats next meets Tuesday, Sep 10, 5:30pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
"Fidalgo Democrats will host a Presidential Debate watch party on Tuesday, September 10 at the Anacortes Library. The program will start at 5:30pm with social time, announcements, and candidate information. You are invited to bring light snacks to share (chips, fruit/veggies, cheese, and crackers, etc.). Yes, there will be cookies. The door will close promptly at 6:00 so that we can watch the debate uninterrupted. For those who would like to stay for the Governor’s debate between Bob Ferguson and Dave Reichert, that will start at 8:00."
3. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Sep 12, 6:00pm, via Zoom
Please register in advance for this meeting (Click Here). After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
4. NEW – The Skagit County Democrats Membership Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, Sep 14, 10:00am, HYBRID MEETING – – – via Zoom OR In-Person, C2C Community Center, 224 Stewart Road, Suite 230, Mount Vernon
Click Here to join the Zoom Meeting – Meeting ID: 885 9237 1054, Passcode: 971054.
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. UPDATED – Campaign Information
Team Harris-Walz Phone Bank – "Join us to make calls for Kamala Harris and Democrats up and down the ballot!" Click on the "Show More" link to see all the dates/times available.
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.
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
New phone bank link & Training for Janet St. Clair: Here's a new link for making calls for Janet (Click here to get started making calls!). This list included moderate to strong democrats in rural parts of the district that we will not be able to contact in person. We've also scheduled our first general election phone banking training (Click Here to register) for Sep. 15th at 4:00pm on Zoom."
The 10th Legislative District candidates have scheduled a Joint Canvass Launch, Saturday, Sep 14, 2:00pm, Rotary Park, 898 Northeast 4th Avenue, Oak Harbor. Click Here for the flyer.
7. NEW – Whatcom County Democrats 2024 Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner—'Democracy on the Ballot', Sunday, Sep 8, 5:30pm, Silver Reef Casino Events Center, 4876 Haxton Way, Ferndale
Click Here for event and ticket information.
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. 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. 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. THIS LIST HAS BEEN UPDATED.
- Step 3: Application: complete this form for Skagit County and email chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
11. REPEAT – Once again spoofers are attempting to connect to our members by email while purporting to be from Lynn Campbell
The latest attempt was a simple email with this innocent-looking sentence: "Will you be available at home between 4 and 5:30 pm? Please confirm." The FROM line showed: "Lynn Campbell – president.post6373828@gmail.com". Obviously, this is NOT Lynn's email address. A reply would simply have allowed the spoofer to harvest the victim's email address, making them vulnerable to further exploitation.
12. NEW – Fact Check Websites
With all the misinformation and disinformation floating around out there this political season, it is important we not only ensure we are getting true facts, but that we are sharing true information to those we talk to about politics. Arm yourselves with corroboration! Here are some reliable websites for checking things out:
- https://factcheck.org
- https://verifythis.com
- https://snopes.com
- https://apnews.com/hub/ap-fact-check
- https://reuters.com/fact-check
- https://politifact.com
- https://leadstories.com
- https://opensecrets.org
Most of these sites have a search function where you can enter a few keywords to find the story you are attempting to investigate. Look for a search bar or a "magnifying glass" icon.
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.
- Voters will decide 11 abortion-related ballot measures in 10 states in November, the most on record
- Higher prices, lower turnover, more workers: The reality of California's $20 fast-food minimum wage
- WA prisoners pay millions in fees to the state. Most of the money isn’t being used
- The US Grid Is Adding Batteries at a Much Faster Rate Than Natural Gas
- The new COVID vaccine is out. Why you might not want to rush to get it
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. Labor Day is Monday, Sep 2
Most government offices and agencies will be closed for the day.
2. 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 – Tuesday, Sep 3
- Sedro-Woolley – Tuesday, Sep 3
3. NEW – Skagit County Commissioners Oppose Goldeneye BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) Project
"The Board of Skagit County Commissioners has issued the following statement regarding the Goldeneye battery energy storage system project (BESS) east of Sedro-Woolley.
'After careful consideration of the application materials provided by Goldfinch Energy Storage and comments from the community, we must oppose the Goldeneye BESS project, proposed at a location in unincorporated Skagit County just east of Sedro-Woolley. The energy storage system threatens decades of collaborative local-tribal work and many millions of public dollars spent to restore Hansen Creek, home to four species of Pacific salmon, steelhead trout, and other wildlife. The Goldeneye BESS proposal would also convert Skagit farmland for industrial development, undermining our community’s long-term protection of Skagit Valley’s farmland and farming economy. Goldfinch Energy Storage has failed to adequately explore alternative sites for this project, instead proposing a location in a sensitive natural resource area for both agriculture and salmon, including Endangered Species Act-listed chinook. We strongly encourage the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council to reject this proposal. It is contrary to Skagit County’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted County code, and our community’s intergenerational commitment to protect the Skagit’s floodplain for farming and fisheries.'
The Board of Skagit County Commissioners will continue to advocate on our community’s behalf as the Washington State Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC) and the Governor consider the Goldeneye BESS project." 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 $.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."