News from the Skagit County Democrats
Posted on February 9th, 2025
Skagit County Democrats Action Newsletter for February 10, 2025
DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. The Skagit County Democrats Executive Board meets Thursday, Feb 13, 7:00pm (please note later start time), available via Zoom
Participants may attend via Zoom. Please register in advance. Click Here to register. After you register you will receive an email from Zoom with instructions on how to attend the meeting virtually.
2. The Fidalgo Democrats meet Tuesday, Feb 11, 7:00pm – 9:00pm, Anacortes Public Library, 1220 10th Street, Anacortes
"Anacortes City Council and Climate Advisory Team member Carolyn Moulton, along with several community stakeholders will be discussing the Comprehensive Plan climate action plans. There will be time for questions. For further information call Barbara Cooper 360 770–3506."
3. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Executive Board meets Tuesday, Feb 18, 7:00pm – 8:00pm, via Zoom
Click Here for the Zoom link.
4. NEW – The 39th Legislative District Democrats Membership Meeting is Saturday, Feb 22, 11:00am – 12:00pm, Stanwood Library, 9701 271st Street Northwest, Stanwood
Click Here to RSVP.
5. NEW – Call for Volunteers – Endorsement Committee
The Endorsement Committee will be starting up its work again soon, and we're looking for volunteers! This committee is charged with determining endorsement procedures, interviewing candidates, recommending candidates for endorsement, and making recommendations for candidate financial contributions. 2025 will be sure to be an interesting year with so many local seats up for election. No previous experience is necessary, and we'd estimate it should be about 2 hours of work per week during the busy season between March and June. Please email Chair@skagitdemocrats.org and bmasseyhelber@gmail.com soon if you are interested.
6. NEW – Legislative Committee Report
Please support our Legislative Committee by emailing our Senators & Representatives using the "Email your legislators" links and with the Suggested Text (or similar sentiments).
- SB 5400: Support Local Journalism
- Local news journalism in Washington state has decreased by two thirds since 2008. Skagit County has been no exception and we continue to see local news organizations struggle to remain open here locally. Accurate reporting of local issues is fundamental to democracy in our communities. If passed, this bill would increase an existing surcharge on large tech companies in Washington state to include funding for a Journalism Corps Program which would provide grants supporting employment of news journalists (print, online, radio, etc.) covering civic affairs in underserved communities.
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- Suggested Text: "Vote yes on SB 5400 to support local journalism here in Skagit County and across Washington. We have seen a reduction in local news outlets over time and need additional support to keep the public informed on issues and events in our local communities."
- HB 1152: Require the Safe Storage of Firearms
- Firearms continue to be the leading cause of death for children in the United States. Unsecured firearms are a major source of school shootings. We must mitigate risks associated with unsecured firearms and their impact on accidental shootings, domestic violence, and suicide by requiring firearms be safely stored at home and, crucially, in vehicles where they are stolen most often. Properly storing firearms in secure safes or lockboxes can prevent them from being stolen and ending up in dangerous hands, contributing to illegal firearm trafficking.
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- Suggested text: "Reduce firearm theft, accidental shootings and firearm trafficking by requiring that firearms be safely secured in the home and in vehicles. Vote yes on HB1152."
- HB 1448: Rank Choice Voting
- This bill permits the use of Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) in elections for offices in counties, cities, towns, school districts, fire districts, and port districts and establishes certain requirements for RCV ballot design and vote tabulation. It establishes an RCV work group to advise and aid the Secretary of State when developing implementation and support materials for local governments that enact RCV. No person’s vote is ever applied more than once.
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- Suggested Text: "Help Support HB 1448 to allow voters to rank multiple candidates in order of preference. RCV makes it more likely that each voter’s views are represented in the eventual winner and increases voter participation in local elections. Vote yes on HB1448."
7. Volunteers needed to work on the Gala Committee
A message from Chair Roger Phillip: "These are challenging times, but we must stay engaged and make a difference in our own communities. One way to help is by supporting the Skagit County Democrats’ Annual Gala on June 7, 2025, at the Swinomish Casino and Lodge. This vital fundraiser supports local candidates and initiatives, and after last year’s success, we have big shoes to fill!
We’re forming the Gala Planning Committee and need volunteers. If you have experience in event planning, fundraising, or just want to help, we’d love to have you. Email chair@skagitdemocrats.org with “Gala Committee” in the subject line to join us. Let’s work together to win in 2025!"
In addition to supporting candidates and campaigns, the funds raised from our Gala keeps our office open, supports our communications (including this newsletter, website, Facebook, etc.), equipment for meetings and office management, our outreach and presence in the community at the County Fair and parades, and many other things. We have so many talented and committed people in our ranks, please consider sharing your time and expertise in small or large part.
8. On Saturday, February 1, DNC members voted to elect a new slate of DNC Officers including positions for Chair, Vice Chair of Civic Engagement and Voter Participation, three Vice Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, and National Finance Chair
The new elected DNC Officers include:
- Chair: Ken Martin
- Vice Chair for Civic Engagement and Voter Participation (CEVP): Reyna Walters-Morgan
- Vice Chair (three positions): Artie Blanco, Malcolm Kenyatta, and David Hogg
- Secretary: Jason Rae
- Treasurer: Virginia McGregor
- National Finance Chair: Chris Korge
9. February 11 Special Election Information
Currently, the only thing on the ballot for this election is the La Conner School District Replacement Educational Programs and Operation Levy. Below is the timeline for this election.
- January 22 – Domestic ballots mailed
- February 3 – Deadline to register or update existing registration online and by mail
- February 11 – Deadline for in-person registration and voter updates – Closes 8:00 PM
- February 11 – Special Election – Closes 8:00 PM
- February 18 – Canvassing Board Meeting, Initial Review – 1:30 PM
- February 21 – Special Election Certification – 1:30 PM
10. 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.
- It's like 'dead birds flying': How bird flu is spreading in the wild
- PhD. student fact-checks disturbing claim about wind turbines
- SB 5496 would limit investors in buying WA’s single-family homes
- CBS Kamala Harris Transcript Shows They Did Everything Right
- Originalism Was Impossible
COMMUNITY EVENTS
1. NEW – Friday, Feb 14, is Valentine's Day
2. NEW – Monday, Feb 17, is President's Day
Most schools and local, county, state, and federal offices will be closed.
3. NEW – The Sedro-Woolley School District has a School Board position vacancy
This open position represents District 3 on the Board. Click Here for more information and application requirements.
4. February is Black History Month
- Click Here for a listing of Skagit Valley College events
- Click Here for the story behind Black History Month
- Click Here for the National Museum of African American History and Culture website
5. Skagit County Adopts 2025 Guemes Island Ferry Fare Schedule
Click Here for the full press release plus the new rates.
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."