News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on January 5th, 2025
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for January 6, 2025
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. UPDATED – Mark your Calendar! Our Skagit County Democrats Reorganization Meeting will be Saturday, Jan 11 2025, Skagit County PUD, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mount Vernon
"The Skagit County Democrats invite you to our Biannual Reorganization Meeting on Saturday, January 11th, at 10:00 AM at the Skagit County PUD Building. This important meeting marks a key opportunity to shape the future of our local Democratic Party and ensure our community remains engaged and active in the political process.
What is Reorganization? As outlined by the Washington State Democratic Party, the purpose of reorganization is to elect new party leadership and set the course for the upcoming two years. This is your chance to have a direct impact on the direction of the party, strengthen our grassroots efforts, and help elect Democrats at every level of government.
Why It Matters: Politics may start in Washington, but it ends in your community. Being active at the local level is crucial for creating lasting change and advancing the values we hold dear. Your voice and involvement make a difference—let’s come together and ensure Skagit County remains a strong, progressive force.
We look forward to seeing you there!"
NOTE: This is an in-person meeting and will not be digitally broadcast or recorded. Additionally, per the Skagit County Democrats by-laws, "Only Elected PCOs attending in person may vote for SCDEB (Skagit County Democrats Executive Board) officers in the reorganization meeting.
Below is a listing of the current Skagit County Democrats Officers:
- Chair – Lynn Campbell
- Co-Chair – Roger Phillip
- Vice Chair – Nathaniel Block
- Secretary – Brenda Cunningham (appointed by the Chair)
- Treasurer – Sue Curtis (appointed by the Chair)
- State Committee Member – Mayra Velazquez
- State Committee Member – Bennett Massey-Helber
- 10th LD – Velit Seyfitten
- 39th LD – Vacant
- 40th LD – Roger Phillip
- Commissioner District 1 – Sarah Pederson
- Commissioner District 2 – Andrew Vander Stoep
- Commissioner District 3 – Jeremy Harrison-Smith
- Skagit Young Democrats – Hannah Oliver
2. NEW – Skagit County Chamber Alliance Legislative Send-Off, Thursday, Jan 9, 9:00am – 10:00am, Burlington City Council Chambers, 833 South Spruce Street, Burlington or via zoom
"Each legislator will share his or her priorities and expectations for the upcoming session. The audience will then have the opportunity to ask questions of the legislators. This event will be also available via zoom, but you must pre-register to receive the link. Please register through the Burlington Chamber of Commerce website." Free admission. For more information, Jeremy Kindlund, 360-428-8547 or Jeremy@MountVernonChamber.com .
3. UPDATED – The Fidalgo Democrats next meet Tuesday, Jan 14, 2025, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
"The 2025 Anacortes and Skagit County Comprehensive Plan Updates: Emerging Issues – Issues are coming into focus as the City of Anacortes and Skagit County continue the process of updating comprehensive growth management policies. Please join us to hear Christie Stewart Stein of Indivisible Skagit discuss the County process, followed by Ryan Walters, Anacortes City Councilmember, on the City process. – – – This meeting will not be recorded or streamed."
4. NEW – "People’s March: We Are Worth Fighting For!" sponsored by Indivisible Skagit, Saturday, Jan 18, 1:00pm – 2:30pm, location provided upon registration
Click Here to register. "January 18th kicks off Inauguration Weekend—the final weekend before Trump and his fascist wrecking ball re-take the White House. This is our time to send a clear and united message: the people’s power will not be ignored. We’re coming together to defend our freedoms, demonstrate our collective strength, and show that resistance doesn’t waver or retreat—it builds, it endures, and it fights back. We will send a clear message: no matter what they try, we will continue to choose solidarity, safety, and each other."
5. The Skagit County Democrats Headquarters Office reopens Monday, Jan 6
6. NEW – In Memoriam
It is with profound regret that we must report the passing of past SCD Chair, Gail Nicolls. Gail became chair of the party following the 2004 election cycle. She was an exceptional leader and organizer and brought a lot of energy to her role. Gail remained involved with the party for many years following her stint as chair. Among other things, she established this newsletter and was its editor for several years. Gail set high standards and expectations for the newsletter that I still try to maintain. She was a willing and gracious tutor for me when I took over the duties.
Gail lived an extraordinary life, as recently described by her daughter. She penned a memorial that was quite remarkable and I hope it can be shared in the near future. Gail was preceded by her husband, Dr. Richard T. Nicolls.
Gail and Richard traveled the world and lived abroad for long periods of time before they settled on Guemes Island. They had many adventures and were witness to some truly historic moments. For myself, I can envision Gail gently but firmly suggesting to St. Peter there may be a better way to manage the induction process into heaven.
7. 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.
- Jimmy Carter: Significant milestones in his life, career
- Trump Voters Are in for a Rude Awakening
- What Jason De León learned shadowing smugglers in Mexico
- Net neutrality is struck down by federal appeals court
- Bird flu Q&A: What to know to help protect yourself and your pets
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Speaking of Women 2025 Kickoff Breakfast, Wednesday, Jan 8, 9:00am – 10:30am, COA Mexican Eatery, 1810 Riverside Drive, Mount Vernon
"Speaking of Women is a Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce program created for business women to connect with one another, empower each other and mentor upcoming business leaders . . . Free to attend. RSVP required. $15.00 Breakfast will be paid directly to our host; COA Mexican Eatery. Breakfast includes: Scrambled eggs with sautéed veggies, Frijoles a la olla, Mexican coffee."
2. NEW – Resilience Hub Workshop, Jan 11, 10:30am, Concrete Community Center, 5821 Railroad Avenue Concrete
"Join us for a workshop to help build resilience in your community to natural disasters like flooding, earthquakes, landslides, and lahar flows through resilience hubs. Meet with local groups, get resources, and let your voice be heard. Reach out for more information: jchilders@forterra.org | 206-456-3305." 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."