Action Newsletter for August 3, 2025
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DEMOCRATIC EVENTS
1. – NEW Skagit Dems Honor Janicki, Prepare for New Commissioner Appointment
The Skagit County Democrats extend their sincere gratitude to Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki for more than a decade of dedicated service to the residents of Skagit County. Her contributions, including her role as a founding member of the North Star Initiative, her efforts in addressing housing issues through projects like Martha’s Place and the First Step Center, and her commitment to protecting natural resources and greenspaces, have significantly benefited all Skagitonians.
In accordance with WA State law, and due to Commissioner Janicki’s retirement, the Skagit County Democrats will nominate three candidates to the Skagit County Commission for consideration of appointment to her seat before the end of the year. This selection process will follow state law, including a required meeting and vote by the elected and appointed Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs). The Skagit County Democrats will ensure the community is kept informed as further details emerge regarding the appointment timeline, meeting procedures, and the application process for interested individuals. We appreciate your patience as we honor Commissioner Janicki’s legacy and finalize the process for appointment consideration.
For any inquiries, please contact Chair Roger Phillip at chair@skagitdemocrats.org.
2. – 39th LD Democrats General Membership Meeting
When: Saturday, August 16th, 11 AM – 12 PM
Where: Marysville Library, 6120 Grove St., Marysville
What: Bring a dish for a potluck as you meet
Register: < here >
3. – Fidalgo Democrats – August Meeting Invitation
When: Tuesday, August 12
7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Where: Anacortes Public Library
1220 10th St, Anacortes, WA
What: Join the Fidalgo Democrats for an engaging evening focused on climate, energy, and legislative updates:
Eddy Ury, Climate and Energy Policy Manager at RE Sources, will share insights into the 2025 energy policy landscape and highlight how Fidalgo residents can participate in shaping upcoming County and City legislation.
Julie Hurd, representing Safe and Sane Skagit and No More Bombs, will provide a legislative update on peace and security issues and preview what to expect in 2026.
There will be time for Q&A, and cookies and coffee will be available for attendees.
For more information:
Please contact Barbara Cooper at 360-770-3506.
4. – 2025 General Election Important Dates
Make sure you and your neighbors are ready to vote! Here are the key dates:
Tuesday, August 5, 2025 Primary Election Results
Tuesday, September 16, 2025 National Voter Registration Day
Friday, October 17, 2025 November General Election 18-day voting period begins
Monday, October 27, 2025 Deadline to receive new registrations and voter updates online and by mail for the November General Election
Tuesday, November 04, 2025 GENERAL ELECTION
Tuesday, November 25, 2025 County Canvassing Board certifies and transmits results of November General Election
5. – Washington State 40th District Representative Debra Lekanoff Invites You to Virtual Coffees
Rep. Lekanoff invites her constituents to virtual coffees several times over the Summer through September. The schedule is available online . She has also reported back with “ The Story of the 2025 Legislative Session .”
Rep. Lekanoff’s next coffee will be Saturday, August 16th, 9-10am.
Potential Topics: Homelessness and the First Step Housing Plan
Join her by clicking here
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Upcoming Meetings Announcement:
This meeting will be held via Zoom. Please register in advance to receive your confirmation email with joining instructions.
This will be a hybrid meeting. You can also register in advance to attend via Zoom, and we’ll announce the physical location soon.
NEW – Building Partnerships and Coalitions, with Author Cristina Jimenez
When: August 18, Zoom – 4 pm/PST
Become equipped with strategies and best practices for forming, managing, and sustaining effective coalitions to amplify social, community support, and advocacy efforts. Our featured speaker, Christina, is the Co-Founder and former Executive Director of United We Dream, the largest immigrant youth-led organization in the country.
2. – Extended Deadline Skagit County Seeks Applicants for Planning Commission Vacancies in Districts 1 and 3
Skagit County has extended the application deadline for residents interested in serving on the Skagit County Planning Commission . Two seats are available—one in District 1 and one in District 3 —with current terms set to expire on August 31, 2025 . Appointees will begin new four-year terms ending August 31, 2029 .
The Skagit County Planning Commission plays a crucial role in shaping land use, zoning, and development policy in unincorporated areas. This year, the Commission will be addressing updates to agritourism policies—an issue that deeply impacts farmers, business owners, and landowners.
How to Apply
Interested residents should complete the Planning Commission Application Form or submit a letter of interest that includes:
Eligibility : Must reside in District 1 or District 3.
Name, physical address, phone number, and email address
A personal statement highlighting relevant expertise or experience
Any affiliations with interest groups or organizations
Applications must be received by Friday, August 8th, 2025 at 4:30 p.m. Submit via email to commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or by mail to:
Clerk of the Board
Skagit County Commissioners
1800 Continental Place, Suite 100
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
For questions, please contact the Commissioners’ Office at commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us or call 360-416-1300
3. – Support for Joe Burns – Signwaving and Doorknocking
“We deeply appreciate all the support our campaign has received from the community and look forward to winning the general election in November.
Making it through the primary with over 53% of the vote shows that the electorate stands behind the work we have been doing.”
Joe Burns
4. Anacortes Stands Up!
Tim Larson and other pro-democracy stalwarts continue to populate the intersection of Commercial Avenue and 32nd Street every Wednesday and Sunday at noon. And that’s despite summer travel, family visits and the many distractions Anacortes offers during the sunny season.
Despite his slumping polls and a clearly declining economy, Trump is expanding his abuse of power. This just in: The White House is extorting UCLA for $1 billion. If they don’t cough it up, Trump will cut off their federal funding for research. And he continues to use tariffs and tariff waivers to punish, reward, and control corporations.
The sight of Apple’s Tim Cook delivering praise and gifts to the Orange extortionist last week sent shivers up my spine. In a sick way, it’s a race. Will Trump get to the fascist finish line before stagflation, Epstein and protesters in the streets pull him up short. Right now, it’s a tight race.
5. NEW From the Hanna Oliver Campaign
We are looking for folks to host fundraisers and neighborhood meet-and-greets! The best way to get folks out to vote is to get them face-to-face with the candidate! If you are interested in hosting a fundraiser or meet and greet please reach out to Hannahformv@gmail.com
We also have more signs! Reach out, and we will deliver a sign right to your door!
6. NEW From the I would like to recruit some folks to help me with doorbelling next week. I would also like to extend my gratitude for the Skagit Dems endorsement, which I’m very proud of.
Thank you very much for all the time and energy you have been dedicating this election year,you are very appreciated!
6. NEW Anacortes City Council Race – Teresa DeLaRosa
I would like to recruit some folks to help me with doorbelling next week. I would also like to extend my gratitude for the Skagit Dems endorsement, which I’m very proud of.
Thank you very much for all the time and energy you have been dedicating this election year,you are very appreciated!
Teresa DeLaRosa
7. NEW CONGRATS to Stefanie LeJeuness for moving on to the General Election!
Great work, Stefanie!
8. District 305 Hospital Commissioner
Germaine for Skagit seems to be squeaking out a primary win. Too close. Word needs to get out that a doctor who doesn’t show up to meetings isn’t the right fit. A human services background is more relevant for this particular district as we lease the buildings and that is pretty much the extent of it.
Germaine has shown up to every meeting since just before filing. No excuses. She will fight to maintain every service that the district provides, attend meetings and advocate for community collaboration. She uses the services. On a trek for Treasure hike today in fact. That’s one of the 55 programs that United General runs. She will need all the help you can provide monetarily and boots on the ground.
Go to germaineforskagit.com and please reach out!
ANNOUNCEMENTS
1. – Summer Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning
Consult the Washington State Department of Health map for details about biotoxin safety.
2. – Alfredo ‘Lelo’ Juarez Zeferino
Lelo Juarez has returned safely to his hometown in Mexico after being granted voluntary departure from ICE custody on July 14.
As of July 22, 2025, he had been released from ICE detention and reunited with family in Mexico.
Community to Community Development expressed relief at his release from detention but lamented the outcome as a miscarriage of justice, affirming his ongoing commitment to justice advocacy.
Visit the C2C Blog for more information and to get involved with the causes Lelo fought for.
3. – Election Observers needed for the primary
During every election, we have observers in the room as election workers open ballots and prepare them for machine counting.
This is a critical process to observe, with many steps involved to ensure the security of our election system. Those who have done it before find the experience interesting and reassuring. Please consider taking at least one shift in the coming weeks.
You can sign up for a 1.5 hour shift at this address: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0845AAA92CA5F4CF8-50899792-election#/ .
You do not have to be a member of the party, but you will be asked to represent Skagit County Democrats. Independent voters recruit their own representatives.
4. – Skagit Democrats website update – Candidate Links
Please consider donating or supporting these candidates fighting for Democratic Values in Skagit County, espically if you live in their district
5. – How to Request Campaign Support
We are committed to supporting your campaign visibility and voter engagement. Please use the following contacts for timely promotion:
Newsletter Inclusions: news@skagitdemocrats.org
Social Media Requests: omp@skagitdemocrats.org
Event Calendar Posting: calendar@skagitdemocrats.org
Please follow up within 24 hours if you don’t receive confirmation—we want to make sure your campaign info reaches voters.
6. – Coffee & Cards, Wednesdays
When: 10:00am – 12:00pm, Skagit County
Where: Democrats Headquarters, 2021 East College Way, Suite 104, Mount Vernon
What: 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.”
