2024 Primary Politiblog

Welcome to the 2024 Primary election, the Covid edition, of Marianne’s Politiblog

Its hard to know if its because I’ve got Covid and am both sequestered and deathly tired, or because it is really the case that folks seem so focused on the presidential debacle that they seem to be overlooking all the other offices up for election this year. Those “downballot” races really do count. 

I’m re-running once again Marianne’s minimum standards for any candidate:

1) be able to write a coherent sentence. 

2) be able to articulate the job description of the post for which you are filing. 

 3) have sufficient internet know-how (or the funds to hire that know-how) to create an on-line presence.

I’m afraid a significant number of candidates do not meet these 3 criteria. On the one hand, that makes it a bit easier for me to say that someone is not a serious candidate and go on to researching the next. On the other hand, it speaks to a very low level of civic education. 

There was one candidates’ night in June for County Commissioner candidates in district 1. A big shout out to the Clinton Community Council and the Clinton Library for organizing that. The hall was absolutely jammed. The questions were meaningful. The responses revealing. 

July 9, 2024 6:00 Clinton Community Council, at the Clinton Hall

10^th Legislative district, all positions

July 18, 2024 6:00 pm Virtual Candidates’ Forum, sponsored by the League and Sno Isle Libraries. Big shout out to both. 

10^th Legislative district, all positions

Island County Commissioner, district 1 and 2

Zoom link will be provided by Wednesday, July 17, at https://www.lwvwhidbey.org/

So, on to the basics:

First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to 

https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/

If you’re not registered, you can do that online or by mail until August 6. If all else fails, you can register in person at the 

Island County Elections Office, 400 Main Street, Coupeville, up to 8:00 on August 6, election day.

Ballots are supposed to go into the mail on July 19. Look for your ballot, and if you haven’t seen one by about July  23, 

contact the elections office at https://www.islandcountywa.gov/423/Elections-Voter-Registration

For more information call Election Supervisor Michele Reagan at 360-678-8290, micheler@islandcountywa.gov

or Voter Registration Coordinator Scott Works 360-240-5590, Elections@islandcountywa.gov  

So, to make your vote count -

1. Try not to use the US Mail, since Postmaster DeJoy continues his deliberate and planned slowdown. If you really have to

 use the mail, get your ballot in the mail by the Wednesday before election day, July 31.

2. If you really can’t do it earlier, bring your ballot to the Post Office counter on Tuesday, August 6 during business hours –

 usually before 4:00 pm. No stamp is needed.

3. Best option: Drop your ballot in one of the ballot drop boxes before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 6. 

They are located at:

    Island County Elections Office

    400 N Main Street    Coupeville

    Trinity Lutheran Church

    18341 Hwy 525    Freeland

    Ken’s Corner Shopping Center

    4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road)   Clinton

    Langley Post Office, front patio

    115 2nd Street        Langley

    Island County Camano Annex

    121 N East Camano Drive    Camano Island

    Oak Harbor City Hall

    865 SE Barrington    Oak Harbor

Auditor Crider warned that she was getting reports of “unofficial ballot drop boxes.” Don’t be fooled. There are only the 6 official drop boxes listed above. Use those or the Post Office and nothing else.

If the order in which candidates and positions are listed seems a tad arbitrary, I have taken it from the sample ballot I was able to obtain. The candidates are indeed listed arbitrarily, but it was the Secretary of State who determined the order.

I won’t blame you if you get tired of reading the many candidate descriptions and scroll to the bottom of that position, where I have given a short summary and highlighted my choice in red.

 Here, once again, is Marianne’s regular disclaimer: I would never presume to tell you how to vote. That is very much your business. I’m merely telling you how I intend to vote (or how I would vote if I could in any particular race) and why. You can make your own decisions from there. But do remember to look at all the races, check out the back side of the ballot, and vote in every race. It really is important. 

US Senate Candidates 2024  primary

Mel (Melanie) Ram R www.ram4ussenate.com

https://soundcloud.com/kxronews/6-14-24-mel-ram-for-us-senate

Her website is so weird I can’t figure it out. She seems to have a serious problem with black mold and Kaiser’s failure to test for it. Maybe her mind really has been affected, given the incoherence of the website. Not a serious candidate. 

Raul Garcia R www.garciaforwa.com

Here’s what I wrote about him when he ran for governor in 2020: 

campaign slogan = Hippocratic oath, First, do no harm.

ER MD since 1982, small businessman, Cuban immigrant. Interned for Bob Dole. Miami, New York, Yakima Valley, tri-cities. “On the frontlines of COVID right now.”

He’s an osteopath, ER, has written some papers. Wife is RN. 

I note that he does not state his party in his website front page or campaign sign. I just found it, not surprising, R. He says he’s looking to unify dems and republicans, east and west

He pumped for signatures on Ref 90, the “parents for safe schools” referendum to remove sex ed from schools. 

In Flag Day speech he says he and his mother “escaped from a communist regime that took our farm and some of our family.”

respect for free speech

choose our own faith

hard work brings opportunity

His current agenda:

Fentanyl

inflation

women’s health – he does not mention how he intends to ‘empower women’

unity in the face of partisanship

He sounds like a decent human being who is out of his political depth.

David Tilton None https://davidtilton.nationbuilder.com/

platform:

* sustainable future: protect our environment, combat climate change, clean energy, sustainable development

* quality health care: work to ensure affordable health care for all

* invest in education: increase funding for schools, support educators, make higher education more affordable

* boosting economy: create jobs, support small businesses, revitalize local economies. Will introduce legislation to incentivize businesses to hire local instead of outsourcing to other countries for cheaper labor. 

* safe communities: strengthen law enforcement, promote transparency, community policing, criminal justice reform. Criminals are humans who need rehab support to contribute to society instead of festering in the prison system or skirting the law.

* fiscal responsibility: responsible effective budgeting, eliminate wasteful spending, lower taxes on working families, ensure essential services are maintained.

He sounds well intentioned if a bit ill informed.

Maria Cantwell D https://www.cantwell.com/

She believes climate change is real and needs to be dealt with. She sees a potential for clean energy creating many good jobs. She strongly supports the Paris agreement. She’s been fighting to protect our coasts from offshore oil drilling, our national lands from exploitation, and to keep our waters clean.

She is a strong supporter of net neutrality, the Affordable Care Act, and pretty much the whole progressive agenda. Oh, and she’s a big supporter of Roe v Wade, which is why she fought long and hard against seating Justice Kavanaugh.

She has fought for DACA, Dreamers, and the release of the children kidnapped at the border.

She fought the Trump tax “reform” ripoff. 

She lobbied strongly to stop oil and gas drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

She supported the Right To Unionize bill. 

As of May 1 she was still supporting Biden’s stance on Israel and Gaza, which causes me serious heartburn. To her credit, she is in favor of a negotiated solution and says “we must continue to reject and condemn violence and discrimination against any person because of their ethnicity or religious beliefs.”

She is by no means perfect, but she’s been in the Senate long enough to have some influence, and she uses it for the most part to push our issues and to oppose the right wing takeover. 

Chuck Jackson Independent http://www.scaryreality.com/

I tried reading his “scary reality.” Maybe it’s the Covid, but very little of it made any sense to me. He appears to be another perennial candidate with a particular ax to grind. In this case I believe his focus is the fact that very large corporations are able to use government to abuse the general public. Ok. I’m not seeing any plan to deal with that problem. And I can’t say much for his on line presence. Not a serious candidate.

Isaac A Holyk R https://voteholyk.org/

“Faith, Family, and Freedom”, “I am a Christ follower. I believe America was a country founded upon Christian values, like our founding father’s, and that our rights come from God, not the government.”

There’s plenty more, but this is plenty for me. I’m not into a Christian theocracy. 

Henry Clay Dennison Socialist Workers’ Party     no on line presence

Ran for King County Council 2023.

Ran for Senate in 2022. Here’s what I found out about him then:

Currently a rail worker and a member of the SMART-TD union. A union coal miner for 18 years. Worked in textile, steel, and other industries, joining coworkers to fight for better conditions.

The Black struggle and other workers' struggles taught me a profound confidence in the solidarity and fighting capacity of the working class here and internationally

Participation in actions supporting Black farmers fighting land loss, protests against police brutality, against anti-Jewish attacks, and in solidarity with immigrant workers. Defending free speech and debate, and standing against anti-working class, anti-scientific "cancel culture" and "wokeism"..

The Socialist Workers Party campaign presents a course for working people to organize, defend ourselves, and make gains amid deepening world capitalist crises. Workers need to break from the Democrats and Republicans, and use our unions to form a party of millions of working people, a labor party, to speak and fight in our interests.

Moscow’s troops out of Ukraine now! U.S. troops & nuclear weapons out of Europe! End U.S. sanctions, which hurt working people. International working-class solidarity, including between Ukrainian and Russians toilers, is key to defeating Moscow’s invasion. Workers here share common interests with fellow working people worldwide, not the rulers who exploit us. For unconditional recognition of Israel as a refuge for Jews, increasingly scapegoated for the capitalist crisis, and facing murderous violence.

Workers need access to healthcare, childcare, family planning, easier adoption, contraception, and safe and secure abortion. Solidarity with farmers, who face soaring production costs and threat of foreclosure. Nationalize the land, to guarantee use by those who live on and work it.

Defend Cuba’s socialist revolution, which shows it is possible for workers and farmers to transform ourselves in struggle, take political power, and begin to uproot capitalist exploitation. End the U.S. economic war against Cuba!

Working people face long hours and insufficient time off. The labor movement must fight for a shorter work week with no cut in pay to create jobs, prevent layoffs, and allow family life. For cost-of-living raises of wages and retirement benefits with every price rise! To defend life and limb on the job, workers must aim for control of production.

Only a revolutionary government of workers and farmers can build a society in the interests of the majority. That’s what the SWP fights for.

Well, the SWP are mostly good people, and maybe even doing good work. Still, not a serious candidate.

Scott Nazarino R https://www.scottforsenate.net/

platform:

At least 1 National Guard member in every elementary school, public & private. Go from there to middle & high schools.

Reduce & eliminate the national debt.

“For the people and not the party”

Pretty skimpy platform. Also pretty unrealistic. Not a serious candidate.

Paul Lawrence Giesick D https://plg.poliengine.com/

“Our lord Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life”

And he (not his lord) wants to return to the gold standard. 

He wants Big American Families.

He doesn’t think government should dictate what sources of energy are developed.

This guy is completely out to lunch. Not a serious candidate. 

Thor Amundson Independent no on-line presence

Another perennial candidate. You can buy a “Thor Amundson for Washington Senate 2018" patch on Amazon. VoteSmart informs us that he has failed the Political Courage test in 2016, 2018, 2022, and 2023. He ran for Governor in 2020. Not a serious candidate.

Goodspaceguy R no on-line presence

Here’s what I wrote about him when he ran for governor in 2016:

amateur astronomer, amateur economist, frequent candidate

http://colonizespace.blogspot.com/

goodspaceguy42@yahoo.com

education: MA University of Minnesota

“defend small business. Abolish the minimum wage”

“rent controls destroy the rental market.”

“property rights are the pathway to prosperity for the people.”

- another ‘also ran’

So there you have the field. Not really a difficult choice. As I said above, she’s not perfect, but she obviously shares our/my values. I will be voting for Maria Cantwell.

US House District 2 candidate profiles

Edwin Stickle   D  https://www.edwinstickleforcongress.com/about.html

He is an MD, so no surprise that he has a heavy focus on Medicare reform. 

- combine the parts of Medicare into a single policy

- reduce eligibility age to 62

- tie drug price to what is paid in other countries

- all healthcare decisions are between patient & doctor; no one else.

Student loan reform – expand forgiveness programs.

Infrastructure support – fund maintenance & updating of all infrastructure, particularly bridges & ferries.

Housing – fully fund poverty programs; encourage more building at every level. 

While his platform is incomplete, it certainly shows some serious thought and coming down on the right side of many issues. It would be nice if he were a viable candidate.

Daniel Miller R  https://www.facebook.com/people/Daniel-Miller/100000436067359/?paipv=0&eav=AfYgP2H8ei85V40PyN6I0bOWC3ukW6QekdKb3c9SONH3DQW92Gs2NGGcpsxwd41QufA&_rdr

ran for legislature in 2018

Not finding anything substantive. Not a serious candidate.

Cody Hart MAGA  www.codyhart.org

His statements:

Inflation is a tax on all Americans.  The Biden administrations irresponsible spending and economic policies are to blame for the worst inflation in American history.  I am committed to cutting government waste and fixing our economy.

  I am an absolute supporter of the right of unborn children to live and will protect their lives as I would every life.  

     I support strong control of our nation’s borders, knowing who is entering our country, and enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws and not rewarding those who violate them.

As a gun owner, I am an advocate for gun rights, support responsible gun ownership and will oppose any legislation that infringes upon the 2nd Amendment. 

Stopping unnecessary regulations and crony capitalism are critical.

As a leading state expert on election integrity, I have found corruption at every level and will never stop exposing it to the public.  Unlike many others, I am not just talk, and have actually shown I know what to do to restore election integrity.        

As a whistle blower, I have already identified hundreds of millions of dollars of waste, fraud, and abuse in Washington state.  Watch what I do when you send me to D.C.!

Our school system is failing students.  From misguided social programs that don't belong in school to dishonest sales tactics used by colleges.  I will defend parental rights and fight to stop the sexualization of children in school!

Religious beliefs must be respected and not dismissed or trampled on.  This was a founding reason our Country exists and this right must be protected and I will do just that.

As a father of three I believe the childcare crisis goes hand in hand with our  nation’s recovery from the COVID epidemic.  As an advocate for all families in my regions, I will fight for this issue.  

I am someone who actually is an infrastructure expert, understands how broken the system is, and I will not tolerate our government incompetency that is leading to its collapse.  

As a Navy Veteran who served overseas, I support a strong military and will not tolerate discrimination against my fellow Veterans and have shown I know what to look for. 

Well, he was MAGA in 2022 and he’s MAGA now. Not much more to say.

Leif Johnson R https://www.leif4congress.com/

local nut, lives in Greenbank, ran in 2022

This is from his 2022 campaign, when he was more open about his MAGA tendencies. His 2024 campaign is far more subdued, but the tendencies do show themselves. Different year, same MAGA. 

Elected Experience: America First P.A.C.T.; Chair of Small Business Development Committee, Vice Chair of Budget Committee.

Other Professional Experience: Lead Manufacturing Engineer, Machinist, Small business Owner, Tool and Die Instructor, Patented Inventor.

Education: Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology at Southern Illinois University, Ardent Self Study of political science and American History.

Community Service: Tool and Die Instructor , Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee (AJAX). Working to mentor and equip students to have success in all aspects of their lives, Leif helps them to gain a working understanding into the concepts of Liberty and Responsibility defined our US Constitution.

Statement: Endorsed by local Republican Liberty Caucus, Leif Johnson will use his experience in the Private Sector to bring a Better Future for our Children and Communities!
Going into DC with other America First P.A.C.T. members, Leif’s cooperative nature and problem solving expertise will help to remove financial and personal constraints for all Washingtonians.
Leif understands that it takes autonomy and a thriving economy in order to resurrect thriving communities. Holding onto more of our own hard-earned income will allow us to properly fund our lower level governments and community organizations.
Leif will ensure that our Federal Government keeps to their business so we can get back to conducting our own business in Washington State! We will be freed up to responsibly operate our refineries at 100%, lowering our costs of living while increasing our viable employment opportunities. Leif will implement tax incentives encouraging private sector skilled training programs; creating new jobs and opportunities for viable careers. Leif understands the value and beauty of our Washington State resources; our forestry, our farmlands, our fisheries and our manufacturing and production industries. Leif will work to responsibly open up industries while balancing the needs of our environment.
Leif will ensure that immigration laws are adhered to so that we only bring in foreigners with skills that contribute to the betterment of our state. Leif will see that our focus in our children’s education is put back on competitive STEM skills and real-world training that will help them succeed in their adult lives, leaving social inductions to their parents and individual communities. In addition, Leif will support programs ensuring the health of our Veterans.
With Leif Johnson in office, a true Representative for Washington’s District 2, we can get back to working together toward building economy and security relevant to our individual communities!

Downright scary. Not quite MAGA, but clearly a bit off the deep end.

Rick Larsen D incumbent www.ricklarsen.org

current issues:

* reproductive freedom – 100% pro choice.

* fentanyl – provide prevention & recovery services, nail dealers

* economy – reinvest in 2^nd district for good paying jobs, support local workers, raise federal minimum wage, equal pay, skill training, grow organized labor

* health care – universal affordable coverage, reduce prescription drug costs, reduced ACA premiums, strengthen Social Security & Medicare, close medigap, oppose privatization of Medicare and Social Security, sponsored “scrap the cap” to require rich to pay Social Security.

* veterans – commit to healthcare, housing, career training; travel to doctor program, get homeless vets into housing.

* voting rights – end partisan gerrymandering, require disclosure of dark money, expand opportunities to vote, restore voting rights protections.

* environment – mitigating climate change via Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act. Passed updated Migratory Bird act. Supported Water Resources Development Act. Pushing for Recovering America’s Wildlife Act.

* transportation/infrastructure – has brought home infrastructure bacon to Skagit County, Lynwood, Lynden, and Everett. 

Here are excerpts from 2 years ago, since his current website is so skimpy:

Rick Larsen has been around forever. Early on, it seemed like his focus was on giving the military whatever it wanted, ignoring the people who had to live with the results. And then we saw a change in attitude around the Growler jet training, with Rick pushing the Navy to make at least some concessions to reduce the devastating impact on Coupeville area residents.

His ratings by various organizations:

NARAL abortion rights                 100%

ACLU civil rights          92%

human rights         85%

Children’s Defense Fund children 100%

League of Cons Voters environment 100%

AFL-CIO labor 91%

AFSCME education 100%

Council for a Livable World  defense  62%

As I wrote before: What I am seeing of Rick over the years is that for a long time he went along with the ‘mainstream’ Dems, but that with the theft of the 2016 election he rethought his priorities. He has been moving steadily farther left. He is by no means a genuine progressive yet, but he’s getting there – to the extent that he is even questioning his former unqualified support for the military and fossil fuel infrastructure. The man appears to be educable after all. That is a good thing.

The one big thing that has changed is Israel’s destruction of Gaza. In years past Rick has accepted small donations from AIPAC and at present he is not speaking up against the US providing Israel with the bombs to murder a whole population. Unlike a number of his fellow Congress members, he has not stated whether he would boycott Netanyahu’s speech to Congress. He most certainly should. 

There are some who say this is the final straw and they refuse to vote for Larsen because of his refusal to denounce genocide. And then I look at all the lovely alternatives – and the political reality of how elections work. 

Devin Hermanson     D     https://www.devinhermanson.com/

“ A lifetime of service, building businesses, and getting shit done.”

He calls himself a progressive who supports Medicare for All, the Green New Deal, and will never take a dime of corporate cash. 

He touts his years of fundraising with World Vision. They’re a Christian organization, which makes me nervous. In fact, his website had a heading “pray”, which says that “As a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer.” Ok. I’m seriously put off. I’m allergic to religion, especially when combined with politics. 

His game plan:

2025

- end gerrymandering, mandate 2 week early voting, automatic voter registration, restore Voting Rights Act, statehood for DC and Puerto Rico.

- end Trump tax cuts for the rich, require corporations and wealthy to pay their fair share, restore boosted Child Tax Credit.

- codify Roe v Wade

- create commission to study court expansion and reform 

2026

- ban assault weapons & high capacity magazines, enact universal background checks, mandate safe storage of firearms

- fund drug detection tech at border checkpoints, expand capacity to ensure speedy processing of asylum seekers, pathway to citizenship for Dreamers.

- expand Supreme Court, term limits, enforceable code of ethics, define “advise and consent” in confirmations, impeach corrupt judges. 

There’s a lot to like here. I wish he didn’t wear his religion on his sleeve and in his campaign.

Jason Call Green www.callforcongress.com

perennial candidate, personally toxic. 

I very much agree with his platform. I just wish I could be in the same room with him without him demonstrating “do as I say, not as I do.” 

I just heard that he proudly passed up his son’s high school graduation to go doorbelling. Says something about his priorities.

Elected Experience: Marysville Education Association Executive Board member (2012-2014); Washington Democrats State Committee (2017-2020). Endorsed by: Washington Democrats Progressive Caucus, Washington Democrats Environment & Climate Caucus, WA-02 Progressive Democrats of America, 44th Legislative District Democrats, Young Democrats of UW

Other Professional Experience: HS Math teacher 18 years, mostly in Mukilteo and Marysville schools.

Education: BA Political Science, University of Washington (1994); BA Education, College of Santa Fe (1999); M.Ed, UW Bothell (2004).

Community Service: I have been an activist for over 30 years, deeply involved in antiwar, healthcare, and climate movements. I'm a board member of Whole Washington, a grassroots campaign seeking to achieve universal healthcare in Washington.

Statement: As a teacher, union leader, and working class dad, I know the struggles working people face firsthand. The cost of living keeps going up while wages flatline. Our climate is in crisis. Millions can’t afford healthcare or struggle to keep a roof over their head. And Congress has failed to act because they work for corporations, not us. But we can change all of that.

Money isn’t speech; corporations aren’t people. We must expand voting rights and get money out of politics with publicly funded elections. I’ll fight for strong unions and living wages, and I’m the only candidate who rejects corporate PAC money.

WA-02 is vulnerable to rising seas, forest fires, and increasingly severe heatwaves. I will confront the climate crisis with the urgency it demands. I’m the only candidate supporting a Green New Deal to rapidly rebuild sustainable infrastructure and provide good jobs with living wages.

Congress must codify Roe to protect our right to privacy and bodily autonomy. States are passing laws stripping reproductive rights and attacking the LGBTQIA+ community. I’ll fight for federal protections against those dangerous laws, to abolish the filibuster, and expand the Supreme Court.

Healthcare is a human right. Millions of Americans have no health insurance or insurance that’s too costly to use. I’m the only candidate supporting Medicare for All to eliminate out-of-pocket costs like copays and deductibles while covering everyone. It’s time to federally legalize cannabis. I’ll fight to free those incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis crimes and expunge their records. Nobody should be in jail for a plant.

In 2020 I came within 1% of getting on the November ballot. This year, we have a clear path to victory. Door after door we hear the same message from voters: Northwest Washington deserves a change in direction. That’s what we’re fighting for.

If I didn’t know him personally, I would be persuaded by his rap. No, I can’t vote for Jason.

Josh Binda D https://www.facebook.com/joshbinda/

https://myedmondsnews.com/2024/01/lynnwood-councilmember-josh-binda-says-hes-running-for-congress/

Elected to Lynwood City Council 2 years ago. If elected he would “make history as the youngest African American ever elected to Congress.”

He was fined by the PDC for spending campaign funds on personal items and for failure to submit campaign paperwork on time. He seems to have been mired in a whole bunch of small but telling abuses of his position. There was an attempt to recall him, but it failed to gain sufficient signatures. The NAACP claims he is being targeted because of his race and age.

I’m afraid that running to be the youngest member of Congress is not quite enough. That and the baggage he has accumulated as a Lynwood City Council member. 

So, with all these candidates, and with political reality being what it is, I will once again vote for Rick Larsen.

Governor Candidates - all 27 of them

Jim Daniel    R  https://www.jimforwashington.com/

fully supports the 2^nd amendment

cites the constitution:

1. establish justice, 2. ensure domestic tranquility, 3. provide for the common defense, 4. promote the general welfare, 5. secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. 

issues: 

* too much taxation – in particular the Move Ahead Washington transportation bill, which increased fees to support road infrastructure. Reduce state sales tax.

* the housing crisis – objects to promotion of apartments & not enough single family residences. Need more options/incentives to promote housing construction. His proposals crib 100% from existing proposals.

* public option re childcare – (sounds awfully democratic/socialist)

* finish the war on drugs and reduce crime – (another left sounding proposal)

* law, order, & behavioral health systems – tough on crime, otherwise again, lefty sounding

* preserving the initiative process – he seems to think the state is failing to abide by initiatives.

* climate change – move from a growth economy to a sustainable economy. The climate issue is REAL!

* review of future energy & water needs – be proud of WA low carbon footprint & decarb policies. Need advanced nukes to supplement renewables. Hydrogen is expensive & energy intensive. Need accurate water audit.

* Washington Dept of Fish & Wildlife – need accountability

* small business assistance – forgive or postpone Covid loan repayments..

This guy is a strange mix. He claims to be R, but his policies have a distinctly progressive flavor. 

Cassondra Magdalene Hanson D   https://futuregovernorcassondra2024.com/

She says she’s a D because no one should lose everything because they can’t afford insurance. 

All voices should be heard. 

Issues:

* widening I-90

* homelessness

* public safety

* mental health/addiction

* economy

* education

Unfortunately, none of the above are hot links, so I have no idea what she thinks of these issues.

Jeff Curry    Independent. https://www.jeff-curry.com/

Well, he’s started. He found a web page template. Not very well populated. 

He’s discovered that many homeless people are very nice, just addicted. 

Corruption, human trafficking, foster care. His focus appears to be dealing with social issues based on personal experience with a cult. 

Another perennial candidate with an axe to grind. Not a serious candidate.

Alex Tsimmerman   Standup  https://alexforamerica.com/

“Stop corruption and restore the republic”

“Stop Seattle fascism with idiotic face”

“We need to stop Nazi social-democratic mafia with progressive gestapo principle, which has brought Seattle to #1 fascist city in America.”

Mr Tsimerman is a perennial candidate. I’ve researched him before and found no saving grace. This year he has found someone to build him a website. Every bit as loony as his previous declarations. Not a serious candidate.

Mark Mullett D https://www.mulletforgovernor.com/

Warm & fuzzy all American pizza shop & Ben & Jerry’s owner, 6 kids, lives in Issaquah, wife teaches elementary school,

priorities: 

* expand pre-school access, 

* affordable housing, ‘use every tool.’ Make permitting timelier & more predictable. Sponsored SB 5290, offering $ to cities & counties to speed up permitting. 

* safe neighborhoods via more cops & treatment centers. 

* Voted against the long term care tax because it is regressive, not portable, with limited benefits. Was promoted by long term care interests. Promotes payroll deduction for retirement accounts. 

* Honor all climate change investments while reducing price of gas. 

* Re: higher ed. increase capital budget, provide $ to UW to support in state students.

* Re: substance abuse. use cannabis taxes ($480m/year) to build treatment facilities. Partner with tribes to expand behavioral health access. Cleverly, Tribal facilities are open to all, but financed by BIA. 

He was the 2023 Washington Farm Bureau legislator of the year. He supports the ag industry. 

He’s endorsed by: Steve Hobbs, Kevin Van De Wege, 

He includes a chart of 4 candidates & 6 issues. Claims Ferguson fails to support job creation & small businesses, is not sufficiently pro public safety, and doesn’t oppose the long term care tax. He then compares with Dave Reichert & Semi Bird, both of whom fail on repro rights, marriage equality, and climate change. 

Signed pledge not to use legislative privilege.

I am not favorably impressed by Mr Mullett who does not quite seem to understand how affordable housing works, and seems ready to exploit the tribes to provide services which the state should be supporting. 

Martin Lee Wheeler R   https://www.wheeler4governor.com/

Retired from Pierce Co fire & rescue. Ran for governor in 2020. Blames dems for Covid shutdown. He ‘borrows a phrase from Kari Lake’ about returning state government back to ‘we the people.’ If you’re tired of the corrupt system, vote for him.

- keep dangerous criminals behind bars

- not allow protesters to take control

- will find the solutions to manage homelessness, crime, and poverty

- runaway taxes must be controlled

- Make Farming Great Again!

Ok, not a serious candidate.

Jennifer Hoover R https://tvw.org/video/2024-video-voters-guide-jennifer-hoover-2024061149/

no website

* homelessness – mandatory rehab & work related training

* “public schools that expose vulnerable young minds to sexually mature material will be held accountable” 

* No public funds to support trans kids, 

* reduce the cost of gasoline by reducing sales taxes generally, 

* provide firearm safety training while honoring 2^nd amendment, 

* work with cops & legislators to reduce unnecessary spending. 

* Will prevent long waits to see doctors (really? how?) 

* Provide seniors with property tax breaks, 

* cap property taxes, 

* promote parental involvement with kids, especially dads & sons, which will reduce crime rate. 

Wants to work cooperatively with Dems & Rs. 

Not impressed. All the right wing buttons pushed. 

Andre Stackhouse   Green.  https://www.publicstackhouse.org/home

make Washington affordable

Tuition free higher ed – expand free public education beyond k-12, tuition free public universities, community colleges, and trade programs, eliminate most fees on professional licensing & certifications, after establishment of free higher ed, buy and cancel all remaining student dept.

Universal public health care – expand & de-privatize Medicare & Medicaid, create statewide universal public insurance plan, create employer mandate to provide health insurance to entire workforce, fully cover all minors

A housing guarantee – expand housing supply through new construction, enact a longterm vacancy tax, make home ownership practical for the working class.

A living wage – a cost of living based minimum wage automatically adjusted annually, incorporates cost of healthcare, housing, food, utilities, and gasoline, adjusted based on hiring location to encourage local hiring, 

minimums set based on averages at state, county, and municipal level

* Universal basic dividend paid out of windfall profits tax

* fare free public transit

* public banking

* progressive tax reform

* end austerity

* free school lunches

* home grown cannabis

* permanent time

* decriminalize sex work

* abolish the state lottery

* treat addiction as a public health emergency

* geothermal energy investments – WA must achieve carbon neutrality asap, to avert total global ecological collapse

* multi-party political system

He’s a Bernie progressive tech nerd. Has some good ideas. Perhaps they need a bit of fleshing out – and a dash of cold reality.

El’ona Kearney D https://www.elonakearney.com/

She sounds like a genuinely good person, doing good work. She does not address environmental issues.

- homelessness. need multiple approaches 

- mental health. integrate into general health care. deal with medical insurance shortcomings.

- reduce recidivism, police reform. 

1. equip law enforcement, but also hold them accountable for abuse of trust/authority.  

2. comprehensive wrap-around programs to address root causes of crime.  

3. create positive relationships between law enforcement & community.

- fiscal responsibility. address upside down tax structure. Promote equitable & sustainable future.

I’d like to see more from her, but probably not as candidate for governor.

Ricky Anthony D https://www.rickyanthony.com

platform:

* Your voice and concerns are important to me

* Insure basic human needs are protected: quality housing, healthy food, safe drinking water, year ‘round warmth & comfort

* reduce education costs, improve access to higher education, provide sustainable employment opportunities

 - several that are so amorphous I can’t figure them out.

He’s an Army lifer

more platform:

Education, Socialization, Healthcare, Housing, Employment, Environment, Food Safety, Transportation & Infrastructure, Technology, Justice, Safety Mitigation

Not going to go into every one of these, but checking Environment (of course), I find a focus on hydrogen technology, and an altogether inexcusable claim that National Parks are counter-productive to a sustainable future. 

He’s discovered rainwater, and wants to capture and store it for future use. 

Pardon my snark, but this level of ignorance on a subject near and dear to me makes me not want to spend time on his many other issues. Not a bad person, just undereducated.

Bob Ferguson D https://www.bobferguson.com/

My one hesitancy about Bob Ferguson running for governor is that he will no longer be Attorney General. He has been great in that position. He has sued the underwear off a whole long list of bad actors, winning back major social and financial gains. Among many others, he joined the lawsuit against the Navy over Growler jet noise. We received a refund recently from producers of tuna and chicken, courtesy of a Ferguson case which demanded back their illegal overcharges. I’ve met him twice, and find him open and genuine. Given that one of those times the boats quit running and he had to drive clear around the north end, we might expect him to have an understanding of the importance of ferries.

From his website:

Fighting for reproductive freedom – defended access to mifepristone, protected privacy of both those who come to WA for abortions and those who provide them. Won a case against Trump to protect contraception access. 

Standing up for workers – going after wage theft violators. Won protection for Hanford workers. Defended minimum wage and paid sick leave against a challenge. Not surprising that unions love him. 

Standing up for our civil rights – created a civil rights division in the AG’s office. Won a significant gay rights case. Protected rights of pregnant workers. Protected women ag workers from sexual harassment. Stood up for disabled vets and DREAMers.

Fighting for consumer rights – won several huge cases, which financed expansion of Consumer Protection Division.

Protecting our environment – created Environmental Protection division. Won more than 50 convictions of environmental criminals. First attorney to take on Monsanto re PCBs. Monsanto paid out nearly $100mil. Sued the feds to push Hanford cleanup. Won many cases against Trump administration to protect Obama era climate change protections. He blocked Trump’s attempt to gut the Endangered Species Act. Permanently blocked Trump’s ‘Dirty Power Plan’

Fighting for fair elections & open government

Working for veterans

A champion for seniors

Standing up for survivors of violent crime

An independent leader

Expanding access to affordable health care

Improving school safety

Combatting the opioid epidemic

Partnering with tribes

Defending the Constitution

I’m not going to go through every one of his areas of achievement. Enough said that this man will make a very good governor indeed. 

Chaytan Inman D https://chaytan2024.com/

“Life, Earth, People”

Very strong focus on giving the earth rights. That’s a stance I very much support.

He believes that carbon offsets are a scam. I agree. 

He sees capitalism as the cause of much of the degradation we see: wildfire, drought, poverty, melting glaciers, rising seas. He wants to change the system to give back and tend the earth. “Any system that requires infinite growth will break. This one is breaking now.”

There’s a lot on his website. I’m not sure he’s entirely realistic but I sure appreciate his enthusiasm for a functional environment. I disagree vehemently with his claim that we need new nukes to transition to clean energy. I hope he continues to promulgate his message far and wide, but will have to disagree with him on the nuclear issue.

But at least we can argue in a common language. That’s something. 

Michael DePaula Libertarian. https://depaulaforwagov2024.com/

This feels like a poor joke. “We should be unifying under the banner of individualism”

Being a Libertarian, he has no issues or agenda. Not a serious candidate

Dave Reichert R https://www.reichertforgovernor.com/

“ I love Donald Trump’s policies” (Douglas County R meeting 2-5-24). He owns a signed MAGA hat. Voted 92.5% with Trump when he was in congress. Denies climate change “we can’t control the weather.” Anti-choice, anti gay marriage, voted to repeal Affordable Care Act – 37 times. 

Former King Co Sheriff. 

issues:

* crime & safety - “crime is up”, WA is a haven for crime, drugs, homelessness, human trafficking, etc. Too few cops. 

* Pro death penalty. 

* cost of living – high gas price, health insurance, property tax. People are leaving WA. Will make WA affordable (but doesn’t say how). 

* jobs & economy – create jobs, grow the economy, lower taxes, reduce regulations, impose law & order. 

* parents & children – public schools have lost students. prevent lockdowns, closures, & mandates. Restore parental oversight. 

* accountability – make government open, responsive, inclusive. 

Mr Reichert is a classic MAGA ex-cop. This man is seriously scary because he has in fact “served” in high elected office before. He needs very much NOT to be given the opportunity again. 

Don L Rivers D https://www.votedonlrivers.com/

“All are included unless you exclude yourself”

- immigration – he actually has some good ideas, none of which can get off the ground with the current congress.

- women’s rights – I like that he sees the underlying issue, equal rights, rather than specific questions such as abortion. 

- police reform – he doesn’t want to de-fund but rather reform.

- gun rights – he defends the right to own guns, but wants required background checks, safety training, mental health monitoring, and more.

- LGBTQIA+ community – he embraces inclusivity and wants to foster a society of acceptance.

- tax reform – he seeks more equitable and progressive tax system, and rent caps in poor neighborhoods. 

- public safety – ties in with police reform.

- climate change – “nobody can do business with a sick planet” Need more aggressive transition to clean energy. Sustainable transportation systems; tighten fossil fuel emission standards; preserve natural habitats. 

- youth LGBTQIA+ community – ties in with LGBTQIA above.

I like what I see. I think maybe he’s aiming a little high and might want to start a little closer to home.

Jim Clark None

could find no on line presence. Not a serious candidate

Fred Grant D   https://www.fredgrantforgovernor.com/

* mental health – wants to build a robust system of services

* environment – committed to fighting climate change, protecting forests & wildlife, promoting sustainable practices. 

* healthcare & housing – should be basic rights. 

* reduce homelessness – address root causes, implement comprehensive solutions

* safety – responsible gun regulations while respecting 2^nd amendment rights

* tourism – embrace it, create jobs, generate revenue, promote growth.

* education – improve schools, pay teachers what they deserve, make it a priority

* housing – affordable housing is more than shelter, its about communities

* tech – AI is coming, ensure smooth transition by promoting ‘upskilling and reskilling’ programs

* transportation – invest in railroads & subways. Improve lane divider line visibility.

* crime – focus on police staffing, community engagement, smart crime prevention

* fair competition – prevent monopolies, encourage small business, enforce anti-trust laws

* drug activity – public education re fentanyl, access to naloxone, control meth, treatment programs

* women’s rights – continue pro-choice policy, provide respect, dignity, privacy, and the right to make one’s own decisions.

* social justice – all deserve equal treatment, build a more just and compassionate society for all.

* law enforcement – ensure public safety for all, recruit & train more cops in mental health issues, emphasize de-escalation

He’s a millennial who feels under-represented as a group. 

He wants to “build a Washington where prosperity, equity, and sustainability intersect.”

I would like to see more of this millennial. Again, maybe start a little closer to home.

Leon A Lawson   Trump R https://leonlawson.com/

MAGA, Say hello to the good guys, Freedom. The fight to save Washington.

His website shows multiple images of Jan 6. A fair amount of snark toward “pig, pig, & merica”

He may actually have a platform, but its hard to discern. I see he prefers small government.

He touts having ‘secured 3^rd place in the 2022 US Senate primary.”

“Its time to deport all illegal immigrants and end sanctuary cities.”

He quotes Q anon. 

His vision: 

1. Real Grassroots Change

2. Transparency & Information

3. Voter Confidence. address concerns about rigged elections. 

Luckily, not a serious candidate.

Edward Cale IV D no on line presence

filed in 2023, a complaint was filed against him for failure to provide required information

2017 - 3 federal lawsuits alleging threats by his USPS supervisor were dismissed.

Not a serious candidate

Frank Dare Independent frankdare4governor@gmail.com

absolutely no info. not a serious candidate

William Combs   Independent  https://williamcombs2024.com/

“This election isn’t an election, it is a revolt against the occupying power.”  “Nearly all of the divisive social problems we are facing will go away on their own if we can rid our government of the corruption we are facing now.” “It is time for a real grassroots revolt to amend the Constitution and kick the corruption out of our government.”

* “I am the only candidate for governor who has been homeless.” He objects to Semi Bird’s proposals re homelessness, refuting it point by point. 

* energy policies – he’s a tree hugger who likes the sound of a chainsaw. 

* Urban areas mis-designed to be car dependent. 

* Need not to use drinking quality water for black water uses.

* infrastructure – need to redesign the whole thing.

* taxes – too high. need to re-examine budgets. 

* illegal immigration – politicians have favored these people at the expense of Americans. Latin countries are emptying their jails to send prisoners here. They’re killing Americans. Has to stop.

* Voter ID – concerned that voting is being made more difficult.

* law enforcement – he loves cops, disagrees with Reichert. 

This guy is one seriously loose cannon. Luckily not a serious candidate.

Alan Makayev   Nonsense Busters   https://www.alanforgovernor.org/

He claims he bases his campaign on “logical reasoning, good decision-making, and emotional stability.”

His platform:

* Healthcare – ultimate goal is free health care system without additional taxation or financial burden.

He’s big on folk medicine and alternative care. He offers $500k for the best cure for cold, flu, pneumonia.

* Law & Order – not coherent enough to summarize, but he finds most problems are created by leadership.

* Eliminate All Nonsense – Eliminate all nonsensical regulations, lower gas prices, taxes, & overall costs, reduce crime, homelessness, and squatting (but he doesn’t say how, but refers to government overreach, excessive regulation, and bureaucracy.)

* Address Climate Issues and Discrimination -  “the approach will be comprehensive and inclusive” Again, no specifics. 

* Education – Standardize education across all schools, Evaluate & Replace Incompetent Leadership, balance between parents & teachers with clear rules and discipline.

“Mainstream education should cater to the majority of students, while high achievers and slow learners should have tailored programs. Specialty education should be provided in separate institutions to prevent conflicting interests and ensure focused learning. 

Reassess the necessity of 12 years of secondary schooling. Consider shortening to 10 years to allow students to enter higher education sooner.

* Business – Create a business friendly climate by reducing red tape, taxes, provide incentives.

- Bring back major corporations. Bring back Boeing headquarters, Amazon, and others, provide incentives

- Build more freeways and roads (he thinks that will reduce congestion, among other things)

- Make WA the medical innovation capital of the world. 

This guy’s idea of ‘no nonsense’ is to turn the state into the handmaiden of biggest business. No thanks.

Brian Bogen  None   https://bogenforwashington.com/

strong communities, good schools, clean environment, opportunity for economic advancement.

Has worked on salmon restoration. Very involved in scouting. 

Not a whole lot to go on.  Not a serious candidate.

A L Brown R no on-line presence

The PDC lists his email as bishopalbrown@gmail.com

Not a serious candidate.

Brad Mjelde None No on line presence.

No information. appears to be a retired Weyerhaueser exec. 

Not a serious candidate.

Bill Hirt R no on line presence

Mr Hirt is a perennial candidate. Last year he ran for US Senate.

Not a serious candidate.

Rosetta Marshall-Williams    Independence party. https://ballotpedia.org/Rosetta_Marshall-Williams#Campaign_themes

Well, the 3 things she writes about are the Constitution, baseball, and jazz. 

With nothing to go on but the Ballotpedia entries, I conclude that this is a well intentioned woman who does not have a clear understanding of the position she seeks. Not a serious candidate.

Semi Bird R https://www.birdforgovernor.com/

He describes himself as a Constitutional Christian Conservative

His platform: 

*law & order – hold criminals accountable, stop releasing them. Stop judicial & prosecutorial discretion. Recruit, train, & fund more cops. Make Schedule 1 drugs a felony again. And more law enforcement support

*ensuring quality education – parental rights, supports measure 2081(force disclosure of LGBT & trans student records to parents). Parental notice before any medical or psychological service to a student. Academics only, no social commentary. Introduce ‘accountability’. He has a pet program: “Science of Reading, using Structured Literacy”, which he would make the state-wide standard. Require Security Officers in all schools. Focus on tech ed, apprenticeships. Promote ‘School Choice.’ Supports HB 1615, Students First. Promotes Educational Savings Account to homeschool families or private schools. 

* homeless crisis – homelessness is not caused by lack of housing but by mental illness. Will activate National Guard to provide housing, physical, psychological, & dental services, & drug intervention & treatment. 

* mental health & addiction – build treatment infrastructure. See homeless crisis above.

* creating economic value and opportunity for all – provide tax relief. Reduce spending. Restructure welfare from handout to hand up. Incentivize small business. Create opportunity zones. 

* restoring the rule of law & safe communities – see above

* facilitating food & energy security – partner with farmers & ranchers to mitigate regulatory barriers. Prioritize water & land rights of farmers & ranchers – while facilitating ecological stewardship. Prevent foreign acquisition of WA land. Use clean nuclear. Maximize local hydro. 

Ameritocracy initiative

1. promote systemic freedom & opportunity

2. focus on meritocracy

3. define success

our pledge – welfare subjects people to a lifetime of poverty, so will act as temporary mechanism to help people gain training, using merit based systems

What is truly scary is that this man is actually considered a viable candidate. He’s your basic right wing Christian who just happens to be dark of skin. I’m not seeing anything like a clearly thought-out policy in the above statements. We get a pretty clear sense of what he doesn’t like, and that is what makes Washington a livable place. 

So, after wading through all 27 candidates (you didn’t cheat and just scroll down, did you?), it becomes pretty obvious that I strongly support and will be voting for Bob Ferguson for governor.

2024 WA Lieutenant Governor candidate profiles

Patrick Harman R no on line presence

https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/harman-announces-run-for-lieutenant-governor/

4-17-24 He sees the job as both administrative and low-profile. “It seems like a job I can handle” and he’s looking for something to do in his retirement. He’s 80 years old. He’s a fiscal conservative and social liberal, supporting women’s right to choose and blaming NRA for making sensible gun control impossible. To his credit, he was actually able to list the specific duties of the position.

He ran for Oak Harbor mayor in 2019. I interviewed him then. He said his focus was fiscal responsibility. 

David Griffin D www.griffin4ltgov.com

He seeks change in state government from the last 4 – 12 years.

He prioritizes access to women’s reproductive health care, beyond just abortion but at every stage. 

Government transparency, accountability, and integrity at all levels; public access to information about activities, policies, and expenditures; based on principles of openness, honesty, and fairness.

Investing in communities to create jobs, support schools; ensure access to affordable quality health care.

Well intentioned, but in desperate need of an editor. His thoughts are sufficiently jumbled that it is hard to tease them apart. 

Bob Hagglund R www.bob4wa.com

“Olympia is broken. I’m as tired of excuses as you are.”

“protect our children and parental rights” He will block any woke legislation. 

“Bob stands against any notion that diminishes the achievements or the unique identity of our mothers, sisters, and daughters in our society.” – which says absolutely nothing on its surface, but tells me that he sees women only as appendages of men, not as individuals. Thanks. 

Eliminate over-regulation, restore the free market. “Economic and personal freedom leave no room for oppressive government mandates and unnecessary intrusion.”

“Our government is too large, wasteful, and inefficient”

He complains about the “Progressive Left” and “big government” and promises to “kill legislation that grows government before it ever hits the governor’s desk.”  Unlike Mr Harmon, he does not have a clear grasp of the job description. He promises time and again to kill legislation because he feels the “irresponsible progressive left” protects criminals. 

His plan for Prosperity:

- lower taxes

- regulatory overhaul

- innovation and education – focus on voc/tech

- the rights of parents & children 

- transparency & accountability – the present administration are not public servants but elitists.

So Mr Hagglund reveals himself, between the lines, to be a classic MAGA who has not read the job description. 

Dan Matthews R https://www.electdanmatthews.com/

I am not finding any issues or agenda. On the “about Dan” page I find that he supports, among others, the Alliance Defending Freedom, Pregnancy Resource Centers, the Union Gospel Mission, the NRA (life member). All of these are right wing groups.

And he says he espouses “big citizens and small efficient government rather than small citizens and big government.”

Not a whole lot of meat here. Hard to take seriously.

Denny Heck D www.dennyheck.com

incumbent

Interestingly, his new website seems to be a re-run of his 4 year old website, so I may as well use what I wrote about him 4 years ago.

Retiring from US House of Reps

“These times urgently call out for public service. As Lieutenant Governor I will provide stability and work to ensure fairness and civility”

Why Denny?

civility, decency, experience – Lt Governor “sets the tone” for debate and decorum in the legislature.

He came from working class people and has been a union business agent for many years. He believes passionately in public schools and has rejected any and all donations from pro-charter school groups. 

He will fight for a fair budget which protects the vulnerable and strengthens public schools. 

He will fight for progressive policies.

He will fight to protect Puget Sound, and has done so in congress. 

He signed I-1631 & will work on climate change. He has a 96% rating from League of Conservation Voters. 

He will fight for tax reform leading to ‘a more progressive tax system”

He will fight to increase access to reproductive health care.

He has written 3 books, one on Washington schools, one a mystery, and one a personal memoir. He wrote and performed a 1 man play.

I get the impression of a good hearted mainstream dem with enviro leanings.

tps://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html

Denny Heck has picked up endorsements from more than 230 current and former elected officials, including former governors Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke.

Given that Mr Heck has been doing the job, and by all accounts doing it well, and given the fact that all the challengers leave a fair amount to be desired, I will be voting for Denny Heck.

Secretary of State   2024 candidate profiles

Marquez Tiggs D https://www.electmarqueztiggs.com/

- voter education

- community empowerment

- election security

He also ran in 2022, and the website dates from then. I wish I could find more information, but the 3 headers are not hot links and I can find nothing else. I think the man has some good things to say. I wish I could find them.

Dale Whitaker R https://whitakerforwa.com/

He’s been endorsed by the state R party – that would be the one that disavowed democracy and election integrity (the basic job of the sect of state) and ensures every vote is counted, without ambiguity or distrust. 

He’s a British immigrant who became a US citizen in 2015. 

His priorities:

- enhance election security via cutting-edge tech & protocols to protect against fraud & interference

- increase transparency, greater public oversight & confidence

- improve accessibility

- strengthening community ties via:

* proper chain of custody

* verify voter ID

* verify voter registrations

* abolish ballot harvesting

I’m hearing complaints, but seeing no supporting evidence. I’m also seeing catchphrases which I hear from the MAGA crowd – like verifying voter ID & registration, worries about “ballot harvesting” and “securing our elections.” This does not appear to be someone who actually wants to protect the right of all citizens to vote. Sorry, no go.

Damon Townsend     No Labels no on line presence

I’ve been able to find precisely 0.0 information on this person. I guess someone with ‘no labels’ can’t be found or categorized. Not a serious candidate.

Steve Hobbs D https://www.electhobbs.com/

incumbent

priorities: ensuring elections are secure and accessible to every eligible voter.

Kinda says it all. 

He’s been investing in cybersecurity, offering security improvement grants to counties, and fighting election misinformation. He’s working to rebuild trust in the system, based on respect, transparency, and humility – and repeated demonstrations of success. 

He’s had a focus on outreach to eligible voters who are: young, in tribal & underserved communities, have disabilities, are non-English speakers, are new residents. 

He’s developed a new outreach program to state prisoners to engage them in civic participation when they leave prison. 

He has developed text messaging to notify voters when their ballot has been received and accepted, or if there is a problem with their ballot (forgot to sign, for instance). 

Bottom line: the man has been doing the job and doing it well. I will be voting for Steve Hobbs.

State Treasurer     2024 candidate profiles

Mike Pellicciotti D https://www.electmikep.com/

incumbent

I actually received a personal hard copy letter from Mr Pellicciotti in response to an email about environmental protection and how state spending relates to that. He says he is using smart, responsible financing to advance our transition to a green economy. He says he has refinanced all state bonds to redirect $532 mil of interest payments from Wall Street profits to the state. That $ has gone into transportation and capital budgets to finance electrifying ferries and funding land conservation. 

“I have changed my office’s investment policies to include an environmental, social, and governance guided approach.”

“It is not right that those who are most negatively impacted by climate change in the long term are also those who have to pay the largest disproportional cost in the short term.” So he has sponsored “Washington Future Fund” legislation to set aside funds to be invested on behalf of children born into poverty. When they become young adults, the fund should be available for schooling, entrepreneurship, or home ownership. 

He’s asking the legislature to integrate financial education into the k-12 curriculum. 

He’s asking the legislature to provide for IRAs for people to build retirement income. 

And he won’t accept any corporate campaign donations. 

I like where his head is at. He’s been doing a good job.

Sharon Hanek R http://www.sharonhanek.com/

She ran as a write in for Treasurer in 2012. Chaired Pierce Co Charter Review committee 2016

There is a list of events, all of them GOP events

There is only 1 ‘article’ and it is about her Japanese father and his service to the US. Not clear on how that is relevant to her run for Treasurer. 

Absolutely nothing about the job or how she would do it. Hard to consider her a serious candidate.

Well, given that the incumbent is doing a good job, and the challenger doesn’t seem to have any serious platform, this is a no-brainer. I will be voting for Mike Pellicciotti.

State Auditor     2024 candidate profiles

Matt Hawkins R https://mchawkins.org/

Transparency & Accountability

I’ll give him points for describing audits and what they are supposed to do. 

His priorities:

1) Government regulations. identify how regulations increase costs.

2) The Homeless crisis. determine what process can best benefit and reduce homelessness (huh?)

3) Education. determine what has contributed to failing test scores & declining social health

4) Loss of Property Rights. 

“Audits begin with a question, then extend into a search for the Truth. Done correctly, the people can have confidence that the funds and resources of government are being used in the best possible means to benefit The People. As Auditor, Hawkins has an opportunity to restore Transparency to Government by being the “Eyes and Ears” of the People.”

“Financial Audits identify how taxes are being properly used, while Performance Audits focus on efficiency and effectiveness of government. Compliance Audits determine if agencies follow the laws and mandates, they are provided.”

Well, he sort of has the job description down. We’ll give him points for that. But then he goes off on doctrinaire diatribes about how regulations increase costs, we’re losing property rights – and more. I think his train kind of ran off the track there.

Pat McCarthy D https://www.patmccarthyauditor.com/

incumbent

“Our vision is to increase trust in government. We are the public’s window into how tax money is spent.”

Well, that’s a pretty disappointing web page. 

https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/state-auditor-pat-mccarthy

I don’t like going to the official website of an incumbent official, but Ms McCarthy’s campaign website just plain doesn’t say anything but the quote above. 

Priorities:

* Shining a brighter light on government operations for the public. 

* Increase trust in government through independent and transparent audits of state and local governments. 

* Help those governments develop strategies to become more efficient and effective. 

There follows a list of audits in the last 3 years, with links to the actual documents. This office does a lot more than I realized. My impression is that Ms McCarthy is doing the job well. I will be voting for Pat McCarthy. 

Attorney General     2024 candidate profiles

Pete Serrano R https://serranoforag.com/

Another MAGA. He refers to J-6 insurrectionists as “political prisoners”,  & is a pro-gun lobbyist.

He worked as a USDOE environmental attorney at Hanford, where he’s been working with the DOE team to ensure safe effective cleanup. Right.

Established the Silent Majority Foundation. From their website: “born out of necessity to halt and reign (sic) in government overreach.” Their focus seems to be the right to own guns and high capacity magazines, and the right to misinform people about Covid.

He hangs out with far right MAGA Loren Culp.  

He’s a Pasco city council member. He touts Pasco’s adoption of the national opioid settlement. Guess who was a prime author of that settlement? Current AG Bob Ferguson. 

Priorities:

* foster a safe environment for all residents

* sustainable solutions to the drug crisis

* uphold the rule of law

He says he wants to reshape Washington into a state where justice prevails, communities thrive, and safety is a right for all.

He believes in the harmony between environmental protection and energy advancement. He helped in developing a biofuels terminal in Stockton, CA and in permitting small modular nuclear tech. He believes these are clean energy. 

He wants to protect the nuclear family and prevent child trafficking. 

He believes crime rates are increasing and supports gun ownership. He blames Manka Dingra for bad legislation that hamstrings law enforcement.

He feels he needs to fight for government accountability and transparency. 

“I will provide a much needed check on government overreach.”

Well, not surprising. We’ve got your classic MAGA. No thanks.

Nick Brown D https://nickbrownforag.com/

priorities:

*building safe and thriving communities:

preventing gun violence

combatting substance abuse

addressing hate crimes

addressing root causes

* creating an economy that works for everyone:

protecting consumers

establishing and funding a permanent Worker Protection unit

supporting labor rights

ensuring fair competition

advocating for public education

*protecting democracy and defending civil rights:

protecting democracy

preserving and expanding voting rights

combating violent extremism

ensuring equality for our LGBTQIA+ community

* addressing climate change and protecting Washington’s environment:

expanding our nation-leading environmental protection work

implementing and enforcing laws addressing climate change

enforcing environmental safeguards

* respecting tribal nations

respecting sovereignty and the government-to-government relationship

finding missing and murdered indigenous women

protecting tribal tradition, culture, and identity

* championing abortion rights and health care access:

fighting for abortion rights

ensuring access to health care for all

* living up to our commitment to our active-duty military and veterans:

supporting our MEDAL program

implementing nation-leading protections for veterans

* fighting for a more just legal system:

reforming our criminal legal system

building bridges between police and communities

Whew. It’s a bit overwhelming. It is clear that Nick Brown has thought long and hard about the job of Attorney General and stands ready to step into the shoes being left by Bob Ferguson. It is telling that Bob assured us earlier this year that Nick would continue the many policies and programs he (Bob) had initiated. 

Manka Dingra D https://electmanka.com/

Stupid niggly complaint, but I’m having all the trouble in the world reading her website, which features white type on a yellow/orange background. 

Her vision:

* strong communities, individuals have social equity

* organizations & businesses have economic growth opportunities

* stewardship of the environment

* build an education system that engages and crafts individual plans for success

* be a leader in future tech, attracting corporations & organizations which in turn support small business & trades, insuring middle class jobs

* prioritize inclusion, invest in humans, embrace our diversity

Ms Dingra sounds like a very good person. I’m just not sure she understands the position for which she is running. She doesn’t say a word about how she would use the position to achieve the vision she lays out. 

I think it telling that Ms Dingra has been in the legislature, while Nick Brown has been a US Attorney in Washington. It becomes obvious that he understands the job and is ready to take it on. I will be voting for Nick Brown. 

Commissioner of Public Lands  2024 candidate profiles

Allen Lebovitz D www.allenlebovitz.com

serves as DNR’s Wildland Fire & Forest Resilience Liaison

“firefighter, forester, friend of the land”

On the one hand, he says that besides being a wildland firefighter and forester, he is also a restoration ecologist. Since that is my trade, I’d like to hear more. He says he’s spent over a decade working for DNR. Not so sure that’s a recommendation. 

“I will continue the exceptional progress the DNR has made under Commissioner Hilary Franz.” I have to stop right there. Yep, Hilary has done a ton for wildland firefighting. Unfortunately, she has also sold off our oldest forests as fast as she could. Fire is only one part of DNR’s job description, and it looks like just about every candidate, including Mr Lebovitz, is entirely focused on that one aspect. 

“It will be my top priority to listen and learn from the different voices that make our state strong. And I will be responsive to the needs of ALL.”

priorities:

* fire resilient landscapes and communities

* supporting rural economies

* managing state lands for values over volumes – valuing forests for all the benefits they provide, producing value from forest management over timber volume.

* providing benefits from public lands equitably

* leading us through a changing climate – including by managing the carbon storage potential of public lands, the water conservation potential of our forest, and habitat quality and diversity on those lands.

Jamie Herrera Beutler R www.jamieforlands.com

former member of Congress

“will focus on reducing catastrophic wildfire risk, preserving habitat and public recreation”

“decades of under management and neglect have turned too many of our public forests into crowded, diseased tinderboxes.” She touts that she passed legislation to “protect access to these lands from onerous regulations” – which won her an award from the Association of State Foresters. 

She says those on the left are “guided by ideology rather than science.”

I’m surprised. There’s not a lot of there there. I don’t see any issues or priorities. She doesn’t say how she intends to reduce wildfire risk or preserve habitat. The Association of State Foresters is the home of those who cut down trees. Their support tells me they expect to cut a lot more trees if she is in charge. 

I get the distinct impression that she has not done her homework and expects to skate by on her previous reputation.

Dave Upthegrove D www.upthegrove.org

former state legislator 

priorities:

* a progressive environmental approach to reflect our climate crisis, including preservation of mature legacy forests

* a commitment to good jobs, strong rural economy, and public services

* centering environmental justice in all we do

* honoring treaty rights and strengthening the co-management role of tribes

* improving wildfire prevention and response

* expanding recreational opportunities

also:

*  improve tree canopy in under-represented communities

* develop affordable housing on surplus state lands

* improve engagement & transparency

* forest practices to improve healthy rivers & salmon recovery

* preserving health of aquatic lands

Dave came to a candidate event in Langley. The hall was closed, the event sponsor was away. An alternate location was found at the last minute. Dave wore jeans and a T shirt because the suitcase with his suit had been left behind. I was favorably impressed that none of that threw him off. He was able to laugh it all off and continue.

He was an environmental activist before he was a politician.

He’s the only candidate who starts by saying he is an environmental and conservation leader. That is refreshing. 

He helped lead the Blue-Green Alliance – a pro-labor, pro-environment coalition rejecting the false choice between jobs and the environment. 

Oh, and he’s gay. 

He’s the only candidate to focus on the health of the entire ecosystem rather than just on fire, fire, fire. We spoke with him about a particular issue we have with DNR’s oversight of private lands logging. He understood and agreed that this was a problem. I think he will make an excellent Commissioner of Public Lands. 

Sue Kuehl Pederson R www.citizens4sue.com
She will “develop and implement practical policies for reducing catastrophic wildfire risks, while managing our forests and ag lands for economic productivity and environmental health.” She claims “our state is inherently rich in . . .natural resources that have been left largely unmanaged over the past 30 years.”  That makes me uncomfortable. Just what kind of management does she have in mind?

her focus: 

* create jobs in responsible forestry and agriculture – she thinks we have too many large trees too close together. 

* prevent forest fires – she thinks thinning forests (those too many large trees) will prevent forest fires.

* increase revenues for public schools and services

As most of her fellow candidates, her focus is fire and cutting down trees to generate $ for the “trust beneficiaries.” I see no focus on actual forest health. Sorry. 

Patrick DePoe D www.depoeforwashington.com

He touts his endorsement by exiting Commissioner of Public Lands Hilary Franz. To me that is a strike against him, and makes me concerned that he may follow her destructive program. He leans heavily on his membership in the Makah tribe and uses it to claim he knows better than others how to manage our public lands. 

priorities:

* build a climate coalition

* create new opportunities in communities like his, who depend on logging, trucking, and fishing.

* fighting, preventing, and preparing for wildfires. 

This has been Hilary’s main program. Yes, dealing with fires is important, but it has been crowding out many other DNR programs and duties. 

* planting more trees. He calls trees a “renewable resource”, which raises my hackles. They’re only renewable if you’re going to live at least 500 years. He implies that planting trees will provide DNR ‘vital revenue.’ Really?

* increasing diversity. I’m unclear on what he is saying here. “work with communities who are too often ignored” – to do what?

I’ve been getting a ton of email ads from his campaign. They all stress his Makah heritage and imply that’s enough to make him a good steward of the state’s lands. I am not convinced. I see nothing about actually protecting ancient forests.

Jeralee Anderson, PhD     D     www.jeraleeanderson.com

currently chair of Sustainable Transport Council

She has an impressive background in transportation engineering. I see nothing on her website about DNR, natural resources, or why she wants to become Commissioner of Public Lands. That seems rather far afield. I have to conclude she is not a serious candidate. 

Kevin Van De Wege D https://www.kevinforlandscommissioner.org/

WA state senate 2 terms, house 5 terms

priorities:

* wildfires & forest health. Given he’s a former firefighter, this is not surprising. 

* jobs in rural communities. I think this translates to logging revenue. 

* reducing acidification. He talks about working with Ecology, and needing legislation, but he doesn’t say just what he plans to do.

* avoid another Oso. Oso was a preventable landslide which killed some 47 people. His solution is to use DNR’s geo-data to prevent development on at-risk lands. What I’m not seeing is preventing logging on steep unstable slopes. 

* turn our scientists loose on these problems. 

He has a Wildfire Prevention Plan:

* designate wildfires as the #1 threat to human health and climate efforts.

* improve forest health – prescribed fires, selective harvesting, remove ground fuels, work with local jurisdictions

* strengthen DNRs firefighting work force: upgrade pay, increase employment opportunities, train prisoners (my note: does he know that even highly trained prisoners are not allowed to work in firefighting after they finish their sentences? They are barred from obtaining certification)

He is seen by conservationists as friendly to timber interests. Again, the focus is on fire and cutting down trees. I am not favorably impressed. 

Of all these candidates, the only one who actually articulates a program to protect our ancient and mature forests is Dave Upthegrove. I will be voting for Dave Upthegrove.

Superintendent of Public Instruction     2024    candidate profiles (non-partisan)

Reid Saaris www.reid4waschools.com

endorsed by Seattle Times (for what that’s worth)

He writes books about schools and teaching. 

Chris Reykdal https://www.chrisreykdal.org/

incumbent

He complains of right wing attacks which he says are intended to drive public funds to private religious and for-profit schools. 

priorities:

* fully funding basic education

* mental health supports

* keeping our public schools public – children are harmed when we segregate our schools based on income, race, disability, and religion. 

* high school completion – I am a strong believer in high expectations of each of our students, and they deserve multiple ways to demonstrate their proficiency, their ability, and their passion. 

* opportunity gaps – vs achievement gaps. 

* protecting LGBTQ+ students – this includes honoring a student’s chosen name and pronouns in the classroom. 

* keeping our students safe from gun violence 

* teacher excellence – including appropriate teacher pay

* expanding dual credit options 

* expanding career and technical education 

* high standards with local control – he objects to federal attempts to dictate state school policy

* early learning – strong support for pre-k, integrated with k-12

* capital budgets – he objects to need for local bond votes which require 60% super majority. He wants to focus state capital budgets on school retrofits for air and water quality.

* protecting our environment and our students’ futures – focus on teaching environmental and climate science, does not want to rely on DNR timber harvests for school funding.

* school meals – make them free, both to prevent student hunger and to level the playing field

* dual language expansion – good for everybody

John Patterson Blair https://ballotpedia.org/John_Patterson_Blair

Mr Blair appears to be missing in action on the social media front.

His ballotpedia bio reports that he taught high school science from 1969-1977 – which would make him seriously old. Aside from his age, given the lack of information, not a serious candidate.

David Olson www.electdavidolson.com

“Putting kids & parents first”

Passed policy limiting cell phones & social media in classrooms

Retired naval officer, commitment to non-partisan pragmatic solutions that prioritize student achievement and parent voice.

He advocates for: parents on curriculum assessment committees, parent advisory committees, & more.

He claims that current Superintendent Reykdal has caused student success to collapse. 

He claims he will re-allocate funding toward poor & rural schools. 

He says he will return local control to school boards

He says he will eliminate ‘divisive social programs.’ 

There should be NO SECRETS from parents concerning their students.  To me this is code for being anti-gay and anti-trans.  

“. . . will explore converting struggling public schools to charter schools . . .”

He appears to have it together in the financial planning area.

He blames absenteeism on the current Superintendent. 

Something about this man does not sit right with me.

founder, Equal Opportunity Schools

priorities:

* ensure every student has access to great learning opportunities

* fully face and address the mental health crisis There are proven solutions

* prepare each student for the future of their choosing 

* invest our limited resources in the highest impact initiatives

It takes a certain amount of reading between the lines, but I think we have a genuine MAGA wanting to take over public education. No thanks.

For a deep dive, check out: https://www.clarkcountytoday.com/news/candidates-vying-to-head-ospi-spar-over-how-state-funds-was-public-schools/

I think Chris Reykdal is doing a good job in the face of a fair amount of right wing opposition. I like knowing he’s there and covering that base. I will be voting for 

Chris Reykdal.

Insurance Commissioner     2024 candidate profiles

So strange to have a whole slew of candidates for Insurance Commissioner. Certainly not one of your more high profile positions. 

Patty Kuderer D www.pattykuderer.com

In state senate she advocated for gun safety, voting rights, and women’s health. Will work to protect consumers and hold insurance companies accountable. 

She is endorsed by every state executive elected official  - except the current  Insurance Commissioner. 

priorities:

* universal health care. She’s got a long discussion of how the Insurance Commissioner is involved in furthering universal health care. 

* protecting access to reproductive health care. Again, a long discussion, all of it supportive of women’s rights. 

* gun insurance. She authored a bill in the legislature to require gun owners to carry liability insurance. As Insurance Commissioner she would/will submit an agency request to pass such legislation. The insurance would compensate victims of unintentional shooting. 

* homeowners & business climate change insurance. She will work with insurers on risk mitigations, potential risk sharing with public insurance programs. 

* lowering the cost of auto insurance. Another long discussion about the causes and cures for high premiums.  

* simplifying appeals of medical claim denials. WA has the WA Insurance Fair Conduct Act, a very strong consumer protection law, but it does not currently cover health insurance or denial of most medical claims. She promises to work to simplify the appeal process and to offer help as necessary.

* firefighter cancer screening. She wants early screening, and unquestioned coverage for that. 

Chris D Chung D no on line presence

not a serious candidate

Jonathan Hendrix     None https://www.jonathanhendrix.com/

“Help Washington Make Ends Meet”

priorities:

* I will modernize our insurance system in 3 areas: affordability, access, and customer experience

* make the insurance environment in WA healthy, effective, & affordable for all (even pets!)

* affordability: address the root causes that drive up costs.

* choices: strengthen access to coverage and alternatives.

* customer experience: create a more reliable and user friendly system

- single payer government run approach to health care is not the answer.

He may have some interesting ideas, but his opposition to single payer makes me not interested.

Bill Boyd D www.boyd4ins.com

policy positions:

* Workers Comp - privatize workman’s comp

* Health Insurance. ACA has created limits to innovation. wants to work with private insurers to create new health insurance products.

* Home Insurance. Create separate “deductible savings program” to allow for high deductibles & thus lower premiums. Limit carriers’ exposure. Add wildfire defense programs. Work to increase access to earthquake, flood, & landslide coverage.

* Auto Insurance. need more insurers in WA to drive down rates. Deductible savings program. Sponsored a bill to require proof of financial responsibility to register a car. Provide immediate on line access to state agencies (for cops) to verify coverage. Increase minimum coverage. 

* LTGBQ (sic) – proved they were no greater risk so got marriage discount.

He lost me at the proposal to privatize Workman’s Comp. In fact, if one looks closely, it seems he wants to privatize a lot of kinds of insurance. No thanks. 

John Pestinger D https://ballotpedia.org/John_Pestinger

Ballotpedia responses:

* the job of the Insurance Commissioner is to regulate a healthy insurance market. Assure insurers are able to keep their promises. Fair competition. 

* areas of interest: insurance, health care, transportation, infrastructure, environment, risk management, safety, veterans

“I am a strong proponent of fairness and equity. This means choice in health care for all; affordable insurance for all; you have to look at impacts to all.”

Has worked in office of insurance commissioner for 5 years.

Sounds like a decent human being with reasonable background in the role. Wish he’d created a website.

Tim Verzal None no on line presence.

His email address is:  muzzlloadr@rainierconnect.com

That is enough to put me off. Not a serious candidate

Phil Fortunato R www.votefortunato.org

he’s been in the state house and senate for many terms.

In April he announced he was running for Secretary of State. In 2020 he ran for governor. Back then he demanded “fairness for Tim Eyman.”

There is no platform or statement of issues. 

He is running specifically “to defeat an activist attorney” The office has considerable rule making and rate setting authority. “My goal is to remove burdensome regulations while providing the broadest choice and best coverage at the lowest cost.”

Given Mr Fortunato’s previous positions and pronouncements, there is no reason to believe he could or would do a good job here. 

Justin Murta R www.facebook.com/electjustinmurta

There’s not a whole lot in his facebook page, other than that he works for an insurance company.

https://ballotpedia.org/Justin_Murta

Not a whole lot here either, just his submittal from when he ran in 2016. 

Not a serious candidate.

Given this rather motley collection of candidates, and given Ms Kuderer’s enthusiastic endorsement by a whole lot of people whose opinions I respect, I will be voting for Patty Kuderer. 

State senate, LD 10     2024 candidate profiles

Denny Sandberg D https://dennysandberg.com/

He seems to do most of his communicating via (Twitter)X. Not my medium

The website appears to be a template he has not filled in. 

One X entry: 50 yrs ago, (I was 15), I wrote a paper "Technology, Man's means to his own Demise." Premise being things like dishwashers, microwaves were eliminating the need for people. The argument against was manufacturing created new jobs. Then we automated, reducing the number of those jobs. Then robotics, reducing again. Now AI. Can Robo pup replace the unconditional love of a dog. Is it possible that technology has become man's means to his own demise?

He seems a decent enough guy, but I’m not ready to wade through his many ruminations to discern an actual platform. Not a serious candidate.

Janet St Clair D https://www.janetforsenate.org/

priorities:

* lowering costs for working families – by lowering cost of basic needs, targeting corporate price gouging, extending internet connectivity, supporting sustainable development of affordable housing.

* proudly pro-choice –  will work to assure health care rights are protected, 100%

* access to health care and prescription drugs – by fighting for affordability, access, and reduced drug costs.

* protecting our air and water – focus on clean air, clean water, protection of salmon & orca, and restoration of tribal rights. Will address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

* supporting law enforcement – provide them with necessary resources, support first responders. Would have voted to allow police pursuit.

* serving those who have served – will continue to work to support veterans

Interestingly, her website is available in Spanish as well as English. 

I met Janet when she first whispered her intent to run for County Commissioner. I encouraged her. She talked a great line. Once she became commissioner, that great line faded. She has been a disappointment in office. Its not that her principles have changed all that much, its just that she is more talk than action on issues important to me and my friends. I have tried all these years to educate her about the problems around logging and how those could be resolved. She continues to wring her hands and claim Island County is powerless. Well, now she’ll have the power in the Senate to do what she claimed before that she couldn’t. We’ll be making that the test.

Ron Muzzall R https://www.ronmuzzall.com/

incumbent

Not a whole lot to see on his website. Certainly no issues. 

He’s the incumbent, which means we are able to examine his voting record. I just did. See below.

“Local, Principled, Homegrown”

I just tried listening to his video titled “I have never denied climate change.” Unfortunately, the wind makes it impossible to hear what he’s saying. 

We’ve all received a few anti-Muzzall mail pieces. One of those claims:

- he voted against affirming Washington’s abortion access.

- against expanded mental health coverage in insurance policies

- against expansion of free & low-cost health care

- against greater financial transparency from hospitals

- against expanding free & low cost health care

- against protecting abortion access

Checking his voting record below, all of the above are true. 

He believes the state should reimburse private property owners to protect critical areas. So we get to pay landowners for not logging wetlands, stream buffers, and steep unstable slopes. “Qualifying timber on those lands would see an increase from $50k to $150k.”  That’s while he’s wringing his hands over the excessive state budget. 

His voting record, per https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/187523/ron-muzzall

On labor: 3 votes against labor rights

NO – establish collective bargaining rights for state legislative staff

NO – prohibit employers from requiring workers to attend captive audience meetings

NO – limit non-disclosure agreements & non disparagement provisions in employment & independent contractor agreements

On environmental issues: 9 votes against environmental protection 

NO – align state carbon markets with California – Quebec carbon market

NO – appropriate $80 mil from Climate Commitment Act to buy electric school buses

NO – new regulations for greenhouse gas emissions

NO – amend tax rules re clean energies, increase revenue to local gov’ts, schools, & communities

NO – authorize protections for orca whales

NO – expand policies re climate change

NO – establish state goal of stopping gas powered vehicle production by 2030

NO – amend clean energy goals

NO – requires the state to reach 0 carbon emission by 2050

on gay rights: 2 votes against gay rights

NO – amend state learning standards to include info re LGBTQ+

NO – prohibit public disclosure of inmate gender status

on tech: 3 votes against addressing tech issues

NO – establish an Artificial Intelligence task force

NO – establish regulations for facial recognition tech

NO – require development & admin of a tech grant program

on guns: 8 votes against protecting people from guns

NO – require gun owners to notify law enforcement within 24 hours of firearm theft

NO – require gun dealers to have surveillance cameras

NO – amend firearm background check program

NO – prohibit carrying firearms in certain locations

NO – prohibit sale of ghost guns

NO – prohibit sale of high capacity firearm magazines

NO – prohibit open carry near state capitol or public demonstrations

NO – establish a background check system for firearms transfers

on law enforcement: 3 votes in support of law enforcement 

YES – increase state funding for law enforcement training

YES – expand police chase protections for law enforcement

NO – establish new regulations re private prisons

on civil rights: 12 votes against civil rights & benefits

NO – appropriate funding for student needs

N0 – expand young driver training & education

NO – expand reporting rules re grassroots lobbying

NO – extend voting rights to citizens on parole

NO – establish environmental justice council

NO – require law enforcement to provide attorney access to juveniles

NO – establish the state office of equity

NO – increase access to TANF (Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)

NO – require schools to incorporate curriculum on local Indian tribes

NO – prohibit discrimination based on citizenship or immigration status

NO – require housing goals in GMA to include affordable housing

NO – establish a state student loan program

on women’s rights: 7 votes against women’s equality & bodily rights

NO – prohibit state from cooperating with out of state abortion & gender affirming care lawsuits

YES – prohibit sale of over the counter sexual assault kits

NO – prohibit medical licensing boards from retaliating against clinicians for providing reproductive health care services

NO – repeal gender based pricing

NO – prohibit cost sharing for patients seeking abortion care

NO – expand & codify abortion protections into state law

NO – prohibit hospital policies that restrict necessary miscarriage treatment

on health care rights: 2 votes against improved health care

NO – authorize the health care authority to purchase generic prescription drugs

NO – establish prescription drug affordability board

I’ve known Ron Muzzall since 1990, when we worked on an initiative campaign together. His attitude toward women then was that they were good for making coffee but otherwise should shut up and sit down. I had a lot of trouble working with him. Over the years he has taken advantage of state benefit programs, like getting paid for the conservation easement on his farm. And now it appears he wants all of us to pay property owners not to destroy their critical areas.  Bottom line: he loves guns, disdains women, and has precious little respect for the environment. Just not my kind of guy. 

So, while my support for Janet is lukewarm, my distaste for Ron Muzzall is intense. I will hold my nose and vote for Janet St Clair.

State Legislature     2024 candidate profiles

State representative, LD 10, position 1

Carrie R Kennedy R https://carriekennedy4wa.net/

ran for US congress in 2020 & 2022. Now she’s challenging Clyde Shavers over his military record. 

Aside from a lot of red and flag waving, there is no substance to her website. There is a single statement with the usual “honor, integrity, sacred vote” etc, but that’s all. Not a single priority or position. 

In 2020 she described herself as: American patriot; Constitutionalist; Republican; US Navy Seabee wife, mother naval officer daughter, sister, friend.

Her issues then were: government over-reach, mental health reform, America first/America strong, All lives matter. She praised Trump. She thought Covid was finished (in 2020). 

I complained then about her spelling being so bad it was hard to figure out what she was saying – about education. And she wanted to impeach Governor Inslee. 

I think the term “loose cannon” might be appropriate. 

Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam R https://www.electyvonnegallardo.com/

her platform:

* quality education our kids deserve – advocate for policies that prioritize quality education that fully fund our kids’ educational needs

* public safety – advocate to prioritize first responders’ needs and advocate for policies that enhance their safety and effectiveness

* support small businesses – advocate for policies that benefit small businesses, simplify regulation and enhance workforce training and education

* mental health support – advocate to prioritize mental health needs for our veterans, first responders and most vulnerable population

* affordable housing – advocate to ensure all residents have access to safe and stable housing so everyone has a place to call home.

She sounds like a perfectly nice person. I’m just not seeing any substance behind the generalities of her platform.  

Clyde Shavers D https://clydeshavers.com/

incumbent

issues:

* public safety - I will always support our law enforcement. I respect and appreciate our brave and honorable public servants as they defend and protect our families, communities, and country. We must give our law enforcement family the resources and tools to do their job right and to rebuild the bonds of trust with those they serve. I do not support defunding the police – and instead pledge to work together in reducing crime with policies that work better for all of us.

* protecting every woman’s freedom to choose - I am 100 percent pro-choice. I believe that women – not politicians – should make their own health care decisions. The overturning of Roe v. Wade is un-American by taking away rights from women. I will fight to protect every woman’s freedom to choose by ensuring access to abortions and preventative and prenatal care.

* partisanship - I am a public servant, not a politician. Too many politicians put party before all – and that’s wrong. As a naval officer, I didn’t ask my fellow service members if they were a Democrat or a Republican – I asked how we could all better serve our country. And that’s how I approach government – how can we all serve and make our communities better. No matter if you’re a Republican, a Democrat or somewhere in between, I will stand up for you and our shared values as Americans.

* veterans -  After nearly a decade of protecting our nation, I serve on the board of the Whidbey Veterans Resource Center (WVRC) to ensure that we give veterans and their families the services they deserve – affordable housing, access to quality healthcare, and good employment.

* taxes - I do not support raising taxes – and instead, we need to get money back into the hands of working people. We’re seeing prices increase everywhere from groceries and gas to the cost of housing. This means that we need to re-envision how we ensure economic growth and job creation while also paying for vital services that benefit everyone. I will fight to give tax relief to low- and middle-income families and fix our regressive tax structure.

* affordable housing - This issue is personal to me – as a board member and volunteer at Skagit Friendship House, I see the struggles of our homeless and working poor every week. Unaffordable housing affects everyone, young and old. The state legislature needs to break down barriers and remove obstacles so that non-profits and other developers are incentivized to build affordable housing. This includes providing tax waivers/exemptions and incentives for qualifying projects. We also need to support our farmers by protecting farmlands from uncontrolled, unaffordable developments like Fully Contained Communities (FCC).

* protecting our environment - Our environment drives our economy – from our farming and fishing industry to small businesses and tourism. We need to protect our lands and waterways for sustainable fishing and farming, and ensure a healthier future. Having studied environmental law with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), I know that Washington can lead the way in developing a strong clean energy economy that provides high-wage jobs without leaving our current workforce behind. By encouraging initiatives that make sense and are cost effective, we can improve the quality of life for everyone.

* health care - Everyone should have access to quality, affordable healthcare. I will fight to lower the cost of healthcare and prescription drugs, improve mental health and substance recovery services, and help rural healthcare providers and nursing homes. I support a women’s freedom to choose and believe that the state has no business getting involved in private healthcare decisions.

I’ve had my go-arounds with Clyde Shavers. We’ll see if he is finally ready to address deficiencies in state law around logging. I disagree vehemently with his love of nuclear power. All that said, he’s got a good attitude and is working hard to do the right thing. I will be voting for  Clyde Shavers.

State representative, LD 10, position 2

Dave Paul D https://votedavepaul.com/

incumbent

The Issues:

* health care

* education

*family wage jobs

* environment

* supporting veterans

* public safety

* affordability & tax relief

I’m not going to post all of his long and detailed discussions of each of the above issues. Suffice to say that they are indeed long and detailed and lay out a logical path on each issue. 

The man is an educator, so its not at all surprising that he has a strong focus on what he loves. 

I am by no means on board with Dave’s approach to affordable housing, which I think allows for rampant development in rural areas. Nevertheless, I believe his mind is open enough to consider alternatives. 

Gary Wray R no on line presence

Gary Wray has been running for something or other season after season. Last time he dropped out and endorsed another candidate. This time he seems to have tossed his hat in the ring and then done nothing to follow up. Hard to consider him a serious candidate.

Given that there’s only one serious candidate, I will be voting for Dave Paul. 

Island County Commissioner, district 1     candidate profiles

Marie Shimada  D   https://marieshimada.com/

- wants to improve staff retention and morale, improve community services, and deal with housing and resource protection

- in 2016 Clintonites did not want NMUGA. Will respect local wishes.

- need to balance new construction with retaining open space.

- yes, we need more affordable housing. Public/private partnerships will help.

- Island County has weakest ag regulations. Am seeking a grant to provide recommendations for the comp plan.

- agrees with short-term rental tax, but not on full time locals renting out spaces. (huh?)

- supports fireworks limitations

- re federal infrastructure $, would work with partners to improve infrastructure

- re: saltwater intrusion, she would listen to the experts.

- re: sea level rise, she would listen to MRC recommendations.

I could go into great and loving detail about my conversations with Ms Shimada and her responses to my questions. But I’m suffering from Covid and have little patience right now. I’ve been lobbied, arm-twisted, and besieged by Ms Shimada’s many supporters. I don’t like getting my arm twisted. 

What stood out for me from a strictly policy level was that Ms Shimada did not seem to have the necessary environmental background to be able to speak cogently about significant issues. Something she mentioned in conversation was her irritation with the National Park Service, whose rules did not allow her to sell off 400 acres of prairie. I asked why she would want to sell it and she said it was expensive to manage. As far as I’m concerned, one does not divest land from public ownership, but rather acquires more as it becomes available. I’m wondering just how great that cost of management could be. 

I was willing to shine a lot of that on – until all the drama around Ebey’s Landing exploded. An absolute rock-bottom rule is that one does not dis other members of one’s organization in public. One does not interfere in the governance of the organization. One absolutely does not splatter the entire matter across issue after issue of the local press. This is not how one runs a campaign for County Commissioner - or any other position. And it certainly does not speak well for how she might serve as commissioner. 

Melanie Bacon   D  https://www.electmelbacon.com/

incumbent

One of the big benefits of being the incumbent is knowing what is going on in the position. While challengers respond to questions with “That’s very interesting. I’ll have to look into it,” the incumbent responds with “that was on our agenda last week. We drafted some language and have sent it back to the department for review.” That’s really hard to beat.

Issues:

- wants a healthy environment, clean water, housing, and transparent accessible government. Improve emergency management, permit processing, and emergency prep. She’s working on code improvement

- its not enough to declare a UGA, there has to be the urban infrastructure. She’s looking into how that can be done in Freeland. 

- before declaring locations for new development, need to finish the comp plan process and identify open space to be preserved. Need genuine code enforcement. 

- she had specific figures for what kinds of housing are needed: permanent supportive housing, workforce housing. There is a small tax dedicated to affordable housing.

- yes, Ag is important, and we have programs to support that, including PBRS to reduce taxes. There’s a new permit process for farm stands, but we do have to assure food safety.

- will be discussing short-term rental tax.

- she wrote the fireworks ban which passed

- re federal infrastructure $. There are so many projects: Robinson beach boat ramp; Ken’s Corner to Clinton trail; Bush Point/525 roundabout; Crawford Road; failing water systems; and more

- re: saltwater intrusion. yes, shoreline wells have been intruded. We know it’s a problem. We’re planning a meeting on this issue.

- re: sea level rise. this is really hard. it’s a world-wide issue. we can’t fight nature, so will have to resort to managed retreat

- she is committed to Island County having more trees in 2030 than in 2020.

I’ve had dealings with Melanie Bacon since she first declared her candidacy 4+ years ago. I found then, and still find, a fundamentally decent human being who truly seeks the best for all Island County residents. 

She has the necessary grasp of environmental issues and how those interact with so many others. I talked with her recently about the issue of sea level rise and how we as a community deal with that. She was obviously in pain because she could see no way out of this global scale reality. She’s been getting hammered by shoreline property owners who absolutely demand that she amend the county’s code to allow them to build bulkheads. Melanie, being well read, understands that bulkheads are mere band-aids and do more harm than good. While the big waves might not come washing into the beach house, they will in fact move underneath the bulkhead to intrude on the septic drainfield and render it useless. Yes, the painful last resort is ‘managed retreat.’ But what does that look like in code? And who owes what to whom in such a situation? Worse, new applications are coming in regularly for new beach houses. How does the county say no?

The Shoreline Master Program review and update were supposed to be adopted months ago, but this bulkhead issue is preventing its completion. Given what the other 3 candidates have had to say on this subject, I am glad indeed that Melanie is the one in charge at the moment.

There are those who criticize Melanie for her gentle manner, who claim that if she were more forceful the other commissioners might fall in line. Maybe. I agree that we have a less than fully functional board of County Commissioners, and maybe a more aggressive approach might be in order. Maybe.

 

Steve Myres R https://myresforcommissioner.com/

Here is a summary of his responses to questions at the Clinton Community Council candidate night.

- wants landowners to be allowed to repair property/infrastructure without regulations or permit requirements.

- if Clinton wants to be a UGA, that would provide more housing and infrastructure.

- affordable housing requires a public/private partnership to build out necessary infrastructure. Focus on where to put diversity so you don’t waste builders’ time. We need to loosen regulations. 

- ag is very important. County should not require permits.

- disagrees with any short-term rental tax.

- its not the fireworks that cause the risk but rather unsafe behavior. A ban is misguided.

- likes federal infrastructure $, to improve emergency services, more shoreline access, & sewers.

- re: saltwater intrusion. use those infrastructure $ to build de-salinization plants; conserve fresh water; our aquifers seem just fine; enhance treatment of wells.

- re: sea level rise. Allow community scale bulkheads. Help to build them. 

And here are a few notable points from his response to my questions.

“Environmental Conservation. Protecting historic uses and shoreline preservation with sensible policy.”

In response to my question re sea level rise and drought/lack of potable water: My Answer: I recognize these are important concerns for our future.  We have always adapted and made provisions to live and thrive in global environmental changes. Understanding specifically how these areas of concern will affect us will be challenging. By working together for a common future I am confident we will continue to develop plans for the common good including but not limited to: 

• • Infrastructure Resilience
• • Zoning and Land Use
• • Water Conservation Programs
• • Alternative Water sources

My general assessment of Mr Myres is that he has zero environmental understanding, with a large dose of Pollyanna “everything will work out.” His solution to just about everything is to weaken regulations. 

I am most curious as to just what “alternative water sources” he has in mind, given that we are in fact a designated ‘sole source aquifer.’ 

As noted above, Mr Myres thinks the solution to saltwater intrusion is de-sal plants. There are just a few problems with that solution: 1) de-sal plants are ferociously expensive. 2) de-sal plants are ferociously energy intensive and 3) de-sal plants are ferociously toxic. Not a viable solution.

I am extremely put off by Mr Myres decision earlier this year to join the Deer Lagoon Grange. While that was for many decades a staid old agricultural organization, in the last few years it has become the home of the militant right wing 3% crowd. I have seen photos of MAGA adorned trucks in the parking lot, complete with Myers signs. While he insists that he’s no MAGA, he certainly keeps some unsavory company. 

Wanda Grone R https://www.wandagrone.com/

- wants to upgrade financial accounting & coordinate with junior taxing districts

- doesn’t know what a RAID or an NMUGA are, so did not understand the implications of  Clinton changing from one to the other. But she supports increased development in Clinton, if the sewer issue can be resolved.

- could use tax increment funding and public/private partnerships to develop new housing, and use tax revenue to pay for infrastructure.

- the key to affordable housing is to build on public lands. Habitat for Humanity is one good model.

- yes, Ag is important, but it needs to be balanced against urban expansion. There is the Conservation Futures program.

- short term rentals are a benefit to the economy & the county & should not be taxed.

- supports restricting fireworks

- agrees with Melanie on federal infrastructure $. Her focus is on sewers to promote housing and the Bush Point/525 roundabout, which is a safety issue.

- re: saltwater intrusion. She proposes drilling a second well and using that for 6 years until the first cures itself. Or you could pipe in water, but that’s expensive.

- re: sea level rise. She hopes to amend code to allow bulkheads.

Wanda Grone is well intentioned, if very narrowly focused. She has been a bookkeeper and treasurer for these many years and by all accounts she does her job well. But the job of county commissioner is far broader than just tracking the funds. Ms Grone demonstrated her lack of understanding of broader issues at the Clinton candidates’ forum. Her responses to the last 2 questions nailed that coffin. The idea that one can simply drill a second well (rather pricey) into the same aquifer and somehow not have it draw the same salty water is a bit puzzling. Her notion that the solution to sea level rise is more bulkheads has long been debunked by state level agencies. 

I believe that Ms Grone does well as a treasurer and should continue in that role.

Given the slate of candidates and their various platforms, I will be voting for Melanie Bacon for Island County Commissioner, District 1.

Island County Commissioner,  district 2     primary candidate profiles

Jill Johnson R https://electjilljohnson.wordpress.com/

I’ve had many years of negative experiences with Jill Johnson. My all-time favorite has to be the day of a small birthday celebration for her in the courthouse hearing room, when she approached me to say that the best present we could give her would be to retire and leave Island County. 

She has been petty and vindictive. She is not particularly well educated, so makes decisions based on gut feelings rather than solid information. If you want all the gory details, go back to the 2020 blog or earlier, to 2016.

And now – it appears that Jill has undergone some serious changes. I’m hearing her acknowledge the reality of sea level rise and the all but impossible issues that result. She actually phoned to apologize for having said a whole lot of nasty things about my partner, Steve, in open public hearing. She agrees with me that Oak Harbor is woefully short on parks, both in number and in size. She’s still not quite ready to endorse tax relief programs for people who retain their land in forest, but she’s open to a demonstration of the economic impacts of such programs. I do get tired of being called an elitist because I don’t live in an apartment in the city. She’s still a bit shaky on the concept that those of us who own/steward land are actually performing the public service of keeping our land forested. 

Jill claims that this will be her last term, and that the one thing she wants to accomplish in the next 4 years is to “build her jail.” I remember when they built the current jail. I didn’t know jails had such a short life span. 

And maybe its because I’m on the south end and don’t see what’s going on in Oak Harbor, but it has long been Jill’s MO not to campaign directly. We don’t see a serious website. We don’t see position papers, we don’t see public engagements. The implication of all of this is that Jill seems to think the position is hers by right. On the one hand, arrogant. On the other hand, given the competition, maybe a bit realistic. 

Christina Elliott D https://electelliott.org/

She’s an intellectual property attorney.

Issues:

* enhance the quality of life for every resident of Island County

* housing that working families can afford

* safety corridors along SR 20 and other major thoroughfares – she proposes Jersey barriers 

* permitting process improvements

* cooperative solutions and negotiations

* meeting the needs of our sailors and veterans without unduly burdening Island County

* creating stability in county budgets to minimize and eliminate turnover and unexpected staff cuts to our county’s schools

* addressing the issue of Whidbey’s childcare desert that burdens families

* supporting accessible healthcare for all in light of our geographical challenges

I see the list of issues, which are a bit all over the map. What I don’t see is any explanation or description around those issues. Some feel relevant and some are just puzzling. I found a statement about the highway safety issue, which struck me as not terribly realistic.

What I’m not seeing is any understanding of just what a county commissioner does. Nor do I see any addressing of those pressing environmental issues.

I would love to support a new candidate, but this one, based on what I’ve been able to find, is not it.

Phil Collier R http://vote4phil.info/about

He’s a bit of a perennial candidate. He owns and operates Hilltop Texaco in Oak Harbor. 

As much as we can glean from his skimpy website is: “Phil believes in environmental stewardship, fiscal responsibility, individual property rights and government accountability. Phil is looking forward to bringing his strong work ethic, management experience and business acumen to the Board of Island County Commissioners to help address the issues our community is facing regarding rising costs, affordable housing, public safety and workforce shortage.”

Its hard to take him seriously as a candidate. He did not respond to the Politiblog questionnaire – or anybody else’s, far as I can tell.

Well, given the options above, if I voted in Oak Harbor I would most likely vote reluctantly for Jill Johnson.

State Supreme Court, position 2    2024 primary    profiles non-partisan

The problem with assessing candidates for judge is that they are not allowed to say anything substantive about anything, because they might be called on as a judge to rule on such a matter. So we get very generalized statements of support from people we may or may not know, and whose opinions may or may not be meaningful. 

Todd A Bloom https://bloomforjustice.com/

His entire on line presence is a single page which appears to be part of his business website. It gives his resume, but says nothing about the Supreme Court or his run for it. Hard to take this candidate seriously.

Sal Mungia https://www.salforjustice.com/

He’s endorsed by a whole slew of public officials. One of them speaks to his focus on social justice and equity. His website states that he is endorsed by 8 current members of the Supreme Court. Its been hard to find any actual positions, but I like that he is/was an ACLU cooperating attorney, also past chair of several Equal Justice boards. He’s also been recognized for his extensive pro-bono work.  

David R Shelvey https://davidshelvey.com/

Mr Shelvey’s website is a very interesting, if poorly written, personal memoir. Given the thought process it displays, I’m afraid he has disqualified himself. He proudly tells us he is endorsed by Sasquatch. The header on the section explaining his lack of endorsements reads “What, Dave Shelvey Dose No Have Any Public Endorsements?” I’m sorry, but as an inveterate editor, that sort of thing rankles me. He claims that he is allowed to seek endorsements, but that those imply agreement with the endorsing party’s opinions. He does seek to right previous wrongs committed by the Supreme Court and agrees to abide by the law of the land on matters such as abortion and marijuana. 

Dave Larson https://larsonforwa.org/

Judge Larson has sat on the municipal bench for 14 years. He asserts that the Supreme Court “desperately needs leadership” He “believes in upholding the Constitution” and says “one of the problems he is the most passionate about fixing is rising crime rates.”

Hard to read between the lines, but I think we have a “law’n’order” kind of guy here. 

This one feels almost too obvious. Given the qualifications and endorsements of the 4 candidates, I will be voting for Sal Mungia for State Supreme Court justice. 

2024 Primary ballot measures

Whidbey Island Public Hospital District 

Proposition No 1, Emergency Medical Services Levy

Proposition Authorizing Emergency Medical Services Levy

    The Board of Commissioners of Whidbey Island Public Hospital District adopted Resolution No 467 proposing an emergency medical care and services levy.

    If approved, this proposition authorizes the District to continue a property tax levy at the rate of up to 50 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, beginning with taxes payable in 2025 and continuing in each year for six consecutive years, to provide funds for emergency medical care or emergency medical services in the district, including related personnel and training costs, equipment, supplies, vehicles, and structures.

 Should this proposition be approved?

Yes

No

Given my recent less than satisfactory interactions with Whidbey Health, I find myself in a bit of a quandary on this levy. On the one hand, I hate to reward poor performance. On the other hand, Whidbey Health complains that the poor performance is the result of lack of funding. I’ve watched this chicken/egg situation for the last 50 years or so. Will throwing more $ at it improve the situation? I doubt it, but maybe it will remove one of the excuses for lack of performance. I will be voting a disgruntled Yes.

South Whidbey Fire/EMS District, 

Proposition No 1, Regular Property Tax Levy Lid Lift for Fire/EMS

https://www.swfe.org/fire-levy

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2391542537903084&ref=sharing

Regular Property Tax Levy Lid Lift for Fire and Emergency Medical Services

   The Board of Commissioners of the South Whidbey Fire/EMS District adopted Resolution No 2024-07 proposing an increase to the District’s regular property tax levy.

    This proposition would authorize the District to increase its 2024 regular property tax levy from $0.81 to $1.20 per $1000 of assessed valuation and authorize annual increases by the greater of 1% of the annual CPI-W for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue for each of the five succeeding years, for the purpose of funding operations, facilities, and staffing. The maximum allowable levy in 2029 shall be the base for calculating subsequent levy limitations as permitted by Chapter 84.55 RCW

  Should this proposition by approved?

Yes

No

I’ve been trying to find out more about this levy lid lift, in particular the part about “authorize annual increases by the greater of 1% of the annual CPI-W for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue for each of the five succeeding years.” Unfortunately, I’m not getting much of anywhere and I find that frustrating. I sent an email (as recommended) to the chief, but have not as yet had a direct response. I did find a news release announcing two public information events:

●  Saturday, July 20, at 9 a.m., at Station 32 (6435 Central Avenue, Clinton) 

●  Tuesday, July 23, at 7 p.m. at Station 36 (5579 Bayview Road, Langley) 

If I had more time and energy I would look more deeply into this request. Lacking that time and energy, I will vote a reluctant Yes.