tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35040862462113298482024-03-09T12:05:28.637-08:00Marianne's PolitiblogMariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.comBlogger152125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-89258527925725425082024-03-09T12:04:00.000-08:002024-03-09T12:04:48.299-08:002024 Presidential Primary - with precious few options<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Hey everybody. We’re actually in a Presidential Primary, and those </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>ballots are due this coming Tuesday, March 12</u>. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So please dig out those ballots, fill them in, and return them. I have not gone through the whole “how and where to vote” introduction because I know you can just look at previous posts. The only things that have changed are the due date, TUESDAY, MARCH 12, and the fact that you have to fill in one of the 2 boxes on the outside of the return envelope, declaring that you are voting in either the Republican or Democratic primary.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mea culpa for not having done the blog for the primary until now. Somewhere between depression and ‘what does it matter anyway?’ </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The only possible vote in the Republican primary would be a write-in for None of the Above. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On the Dem side there are options. One advantage to this being “just” the primary is that it gives us some latitude to express our actual opinions. I like what Marianne Williamson has to say - and I recognize that she has a snowball’s chance. Dean Phillips sounds like your typical middle-of-the road liberal - and now he has suspended his campaign.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am beyond furious with Biden over his continued support of Israel’s genocide in Gaza. It is unforgivable. And we are paying for it. Williamson calls for peace. Phillips, who is Jewish and sits on the House foreign relations committee, puts forward a plan for peace, including elections to remove Netanyahu. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And now we’ve heard the State of the Union address, at which Biden offers us air drops and a ship port, but no withholding of further funds and bombs for Netanyahu. A master spinner once told me “you can’t pull from both ends at the same time.” Biden really needs to hear that message. I heard a snarky comment asking whether the IDF would bomb the proposed aid unloading dock. If the US continues to provide military aid, it would not be at all surprising.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Out of all of this, I have chosen to emulate the good people of Michigan and other states with thoughtful people who do not wish to be parties to genocide. I have voted “uncommitted.” Biden needs to hear that we are not happy with what he is not doing about Gaza. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In the fall it will be another story. We will not have any choice. Between an unacceptable proponent of democracy and an aspiring fascist dictator, well?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So here you have it, a slightly bitter, far from dispassionate Politiblog. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Marianne</span></p><div><br /></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-45509114223942267202023-10-14T15:31:00.007-07:002023-11-02T12:43:36.857-07:00<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Here’s the 2023 off-year edition of Marianne’s Politiblog</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">What if they gave an election and no one paid a whole lot of attention? The off-year ballot is short (for individual districts) but there are important races and issues to be decided. Have to say though, that one has the distinct impression not a whole lot of people are excited at the prospect of public service at the local level. I would like to remind you all that democracy is a participatory sport. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">You’ve no doubt heard all about Moms for Liberty (recently referred to as the Minivan Taliban), the latest version of MAGA, and their attacks on schools. Well, its for real. This year they’re trying to take over the Oak Harbor and Stanwood-Camano School Boards. If you care about your schools, you’ll vote. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">I’m re-running once again Marianne’s minimum standards for any candidate:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">1) be able to write a coherent sentence. Maybe even two in a row.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">2) be able to articulate the job description of the post for which you are filing. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">3) have sufficient internet know-how (or the funds to hire that know-how) to create an on-line presence. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">Once again, this election is so low key most folks don’t even know its happening. The League of Women Voters are helping by holding virtual candidate forums as follows:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">Oak Harbor – October 18</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">mayor, </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">council 2, council 4 </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">school board positions 2, 3, 4, 5</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">North Whidbey Fire & Rescue position 1</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">Coupeville – October 20</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">mayor</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">school board positions 1, 4</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">Port of Coupeville commissioners 1, 3</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">Langley & Island Health – October 24</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">mayor </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">council positions 3, 4</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">hospital commissioners 1, 5</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;">Sure would like to be able to give you the times and the zoom links, but the League people are being coy, “we will be posting the Zoom log-in information closer to the forum’s scheduled dates.” I’ll try to get that information and post it. Since ballots are expected to drop on October 17, we should all have them in hand just about in time of those League forums. Sigh. That said, we all owe the League for putting on these events. They are necessary and appreciated. Keep checking <a href="https://www.lwvwhidbey.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.lwvwhidbey.org/</span></a></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, on to the basics:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to </p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/%22%20%5Cl%20%22/">https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If you’re not registered, you can do that online or by mail until October 30. If all else fails, you can register in person at the Island County Elections Office, 400 Main Street, Coupeville, up to 8:00 on November 7, election day.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ballots are supposed to go into the mail on October 17. Look for your ballot, and if you haven’t seen one by about October 23, contact the elections office at <a href="https://www.islandcountywa.gov/423/Elections-Voter-Registration"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.islandcountywa.gov/423/Elections-Voter-Registration</span></a></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">For more information call Election Supervisor Michele Reagan at 360-678-8290, <a href="mailto:micheler@islandcountywa.gov"><span style="color: #0563c1;">micheler@islandcountywa.gov</span></a></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">or Voter Registration Coordinator Scott Works 360-240-5590, <a href="mailto:Elections@islandcountywa.gov"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Elections@islandcountywa.gov</span></a> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, to make your vote count -</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">SPECIAL BULLETIN FROM AUDITOR SHEILAH CRIDER.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Crider asked me to emphasize to voters that you must <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>SIGN THE BALLOT ENVELOPE</b></span> for your vote to be counted. Please do that. We don’t want your votes wasted.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">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, November 1.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. If you really can’t do it earlier, bring your ballot to the Post Office counter on Tuesday, November 7 during business hours – usually before 4:00 pm. No stamp is needed.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Best option: Drop your ballot in one of the ballot drop boxes before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 7. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">They are located at:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Island County Elections Office</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 400 N Main Street Coupeville</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Trinity Lutheran Church</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 18341 Hwy 525 Freeland</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Ken’s Corner Shopping Center</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road) Clinton</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Langley Post Office, front patio</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 115 2nd Street Langley</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Island County Camano Annex</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 121 N East Camano Drive Camano Island</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Oak Harbor City Hall</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">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.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 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.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Be aware that I have mostly not researched people who are running unopposed.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Issues and offices are in the order I found them in the Sample Ballot.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><p style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span><span style="color: black;"><b> <a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=883&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/measure/5933">SO WHIDBEY SCH 206 - South Whidbey School District No. 206, Proposition No. 1, General Obligation Bonds - $79,800,000.00</a></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Board of Directors of the South Whidbey School District approved Resolution #674 concerning this proposition for bonds. This proposition would authorize the District to install security upgrades, renovate and modernize building exteriors and interiors, improve ADA accessibility, HVAC, building systems, and parking lot circulation and safety, construct new playgrounds and outdoor covered educational structures, and update stadium and fields at District school facilities by issuing $79,800,000.00 of general obligation bonds maturing within 22 years, and levying excess property taxes annually to repay the bonds, as described in Resolution #674.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This bond was run in the spring and it failed, largely because so few people voted at all. So the school district is trying again. They have to. Washington has a very backward tax structure. Since it has no income tax, most of the state’s expenses come out of property taxes. Yeah, that’s a big hit, since the state has ever and always underfunded schools. So if we want our kids to be educated, we’re going to have to pay for it. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Guess what? Schools, just like your house, your car, and you, deteriorate with age. You hire people to work on your house. You take your car to the mechanic. You take yourself to the doctor. Well, its time to take our school system to the repair shop. And just like that new roof you should have had done last year, the list has grown longer and the cost has increased. I’ve seen the complaints about expense, but what is the alternative? Do we really want to waste the investment we have all made in our schools by refusing to fund the necessary maintenance and upkeep? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There’s only one item on the long list that gives me pause, and that is the proposal to use artificial turf on the football field at the high school. I don’t like plastic. I particularly do not like plastic smothering a wetland. Yeah, that was a stupid place to put the football field, on top of the wetland, but there it is. I also do not like the very high accident rate for people playing on Astroturf. I have spoken with one school board member who tells me that this particular item on the long list can be reviewed. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I trust this school board. I don’t think they’re asking for any more than they really need. And I believe they will review that Astroturf line item.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Long and complicated story about why there is no "pro" statement in the Voter's Pamphlet. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Here is what should have been in the Voters’ Pamphlet:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The students and teachers of South Whidbey deserve modern, safe and healthy schools. A yes vote on this bond demonstrates our commitment to our youth and to our community. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We need funds now because our last bond was passed over 30 years ago. <i>Capital levies allow our school district to address ongoing maintenance. A bond is different</i>. The bond lets us take on necessary projects that are not a part of routine maintenance like replacing the high school roof. The roof is one of several urgent projects. Passing this bond provides funds for much needed upgrades to both the interior and the exterior spaces of our schools and will provide additional security for our students and staff. Improvements to mechanical and electrical systems will lessen environmental impact. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Bond proposals include modernizing classrooms to meet the needs of our 21st century learners. Today’s schools must incorporate welcoming and flexible learning spaces. It is in these spaces that dynamic learning happens. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This bond has the power to positively affect many aspects of the district’s schools. Our community must support Proposition No. 1. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Val Brown and Betsy Hofius</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Co Presidents South Whidbey Education Association</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Here is what an ardent school supporter has to say:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">South Whidbey School District is trying a bond initiative again in November. The first one in April got 58% of the vote, but a state law requires a 60% supermajority, so it failed by about 150 votes. This initiative is approximately the same as the first, though slightly smaller in size, and targeted at the projects deemed most critical for the buildings' longevity and our students' health: building repairs and upgrades; accessible bathrooms and playgrounds; and compliance with the new energy- efficiency standards.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">School bonds are commonly misunderstood, so here's a bit of background: our state funds public education based on enrollment in each district. However, those funds are directed entirely towards teachers, nurses, supplies, etc. The government does not provide funds for major infrastructure projects, and instead directs school districts to finance them via bonds or levies. Levies place the entire financial burden on the community in the first few years, and the major projects would require multiple levies to complete, which is why the district is using a bond.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">One example project is the roof on the middle/high school building. The roof is failing because it's past its 30-year lifespan. It lasted this long due to regular maintenance, but now it's leaking into classrooms and needs to be replaced before it gets worse (i.e. more expensive and dangerous).</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So the question in front of the community is HOW to pay for repairs, not IF. We can do the cheaper thing (in the long run) and pay for them now with a bond. Or we can signal to the district that they have to take a more expensive route for the community (e.g. emergency debt).</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Now for some specifics: the bond is $79.8 million, payable over 20 years. It will increase property taxes by about $0.72 for every $1,000 of assessed value. A $500k home would have an additional $30 in taxes per month. South Whidbey's property tax rates for education are among the lowest in the area (we haven't approved a bond since 1992), and even if this bond passes they'll still be among the lowest. As property values increase over the life of the bond, the tax rate will go down since the bond amount is fixed.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In addition to the roof, the bond will also cover mandatory energy-efficiency improvements. New laws in our state require energy-efficient retrofits of large buildings, otherwise the district faces penalties. In other words, we have the choice between spending to address these mandated improvements to make our buildings more efficient. Or spending on penalties that go into the state's coffers.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A YES vote is a vote to prioritize healthy air and safer structures as well as job opportunities and safe places to work, learn, and play. Reducing our district's carbon footprint will lead to cleaner air, less waste, and operational cost savings. All of this will help the district focus its limited resources more equitably and contribute to better health outcomes and a safer future for our children.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Please vote YES on the South Whidbey School District Bond.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;">I’ll be voting <span style="color: red;"><b>YES</b></span> to fund school maintenance and repair. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span><span style="color: black;"><b> <a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=883&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/measure/5934">FIRE DISTRICT NO 1 - Island County Fire Protection District No. 1, Proposition No. 1, Authorizing Regular Property Tax Levy</a></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The Board of Fire Commissioners of Island County Fire Protection District No. 1 doing business as Camano Island Fire and Rescue (the "District"), adopted Resolution No. 2023-04 concerning a proposition to authorize the District’s regular property tax levy. This measure would authorize a regular property tax levy of $1.25 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation in 2023 (for collection in 2024), and the resulting levy dollar amount would thereafter be used for the purpose of computing the limitations for subsequent levies under RCW 84.55.050.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Should this proposal be approved?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Fire District #1 is on Camano. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Kind of a no-brainer. When you call 911, it's nice to know that there is someone at the other end who can and will respond. Consider it a form of insurance. The price seems kind of low for the service. I notice that no one even bothered to submit a “con” statement for the Voters’ Pamphlet. Sounds like a bargain to me. If I voted on Camano I would vote <span style="color: red;"><b>YES</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=883&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/measure/5935">CENTRAL WHIDBEY FIRE - Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue District, Proposition No. 1, Regular Property Tax Levy Lid Lift for Emergency Services</a></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The Board of Fire Commissioners for Central Whidbey Island Fire & Rescue adopted Resolution No. 23-05 proposing an increase in the fire district’s regular property tax levy. In order to fund four additional full-time firefighters/EMTs, this proposal authorizes a maximum levy rate of $1.18 per $1000.00 of assessed valuation for 2023 and authorizes annual increases up to the annual CPI-W for Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue as reported in June of the levy year for each of the five succeeding years. The levy amount in 2028 will be used to compute limitations for subsequent levies.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Should this proposal be approved?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Well, I guess we have some options. Approve the levy lid lift and have a fair certainty that when you call 911 there will be someone there to respond and deal with your emergency – or save those few bucks and take your chances in a serious pinch. Personally, I like knowing that if something really bad happens, I can make that call and expect prompt, professional backup. And I notice that no one has submitted a “con” statement for the Voters’ Pamphlet. Subtle hint there. Because I am not a gambler, if I voted in the Central Whidbey district, I would vote <span style="color: red;"><b>YES</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="color: black; font-family: Symbol; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span><span style="color: black;"> <a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=883&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/measure/5936">SO WHIDBEY PK AND REC - South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District, Proposition No. 1, Aquatic Recreation Center Bonds - $27,000,000</a></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The Board of Commissioners of the South Whidbey Parks and Recreation District adopted Resolution No. 2023-3 concerning a proposition for funding aquatic and recreational facilities. This proposition authorizes the District to design, develop, and construct an aquatic recreation center, including pools, multipurpose rooms, and recreation and staff space; to issue up to $27,000,000 of general obligation bonds maturing within 29 years from issuance to finance such center; and to levy annual excess property taxes to repay such bonds, as provided in Resolution No. 2023-3.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Shall this proposition be approved?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">You can find out a whole lot more about what is being proposed at the website. Or you can attend one or both of these meetings: </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">10-5-23<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5:00 – 7:00 @ Parks District Office - discussion of bond & levy</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">10-19-23<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>6:00<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> @ Trinity Lutheran – discussion of design & details of the proposed center</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I will spare you a reiteration of the website info, but I find all of it good.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I have to say I am heavily biased. I’ve been missing swimming for so many years. Our lakes are yucky, with people getting swimmer’s itch at Deer Lake and Lone Lake full of algae. The simple fact is that South Whidbey desperately needs a place to swim. As I have mentioned before, there is painful irony in people living on an island and not knowing how to swim. Will it cost? Yeah, but not nearly as much as the ill health suffered by so many of us who have no access to the one form of exercise which will keep us functional. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I will be voting an enthusiastic <span style="color: red;"><b>YES</b></span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Coupeville Mayor</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">neither candidate responded to the Politiblog questions</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Molly Hughes</b>, incumbent</p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:molly@reelectmayormolly.com">molly@reelectmayormolly.com</a></span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.reelectmayromolly.com">www.reelectmayromolly.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s been mayor of Coupeville since 2016. I’m not all that thrilled with her performance – some good and some very not good. A News Times story reports her priorities: improving parks in town, continuing to collect data on climate change impacts on the shoreline and mitigating those impacts, boosting tourism, continuing maintenance and upgrading of infrastructure. What is glaringly not on her agenda is dealing with PFAS contamination of Coupeville’s water by OLF. I think people have a right to clean water. Other than that, it feels like Molly is doing a reasonably good job. She is good people and she tries to do the right thing. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Meg Olson</b></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.megforcoupeville.com/">https://www.megforcoupeville.com/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Owner, Kingfisher Books</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Olson either failed to submit or missed the deadline for inclusion in the Voters’ Pamphlet. That’s kind of strange. There was a story in the News Times about a glitch in the Voters’ Pamphlet, but that claimed that there was a second copy of Molly Hughes’ statement in place of a Langley Council candidate’s. Are you confused yet? I certainly was. Bottom line: Ms Olson missed her chance. That is not a good look for a serious candidate. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All of that aside, Ms Olson’s website focuses on her proposal to hire a town manager to deal with what she describes as the growing challenges of sea level rise, aging infrastructure, and affordable housing, among other things. She proposes to reduce the mayor’s salary to provide funding to hire that manager. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s actually bringing up a very interesting issue. We all got the basic civics lesson about the 3 legs of government: executive, legislative, and judicial. In small places like Coupeville, those functions are often jumbled together, so that the mayor finds him/herself acting in both an executive and legislative capacity. But there is a town council to cover the legislative function, so if the mayor is limited to the executive function, what is the town manager doing? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I wish there were more, but I’m not finding anything. I have to conclude that Meg Olson is not terribly serious about becoming mayor.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Given what we are able to deduce about the two candidates, if I voted in Coupeville I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Molly Hughes</b></span> to continue as Coupeville’s mayor.</p><div><br /></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Langley Mayor</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Thomas Gill</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:thomas4mayor@langleywa.org">thomas4mayor@langleywa.org</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">https://www.facebook.com/thomasestongill/</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please tell us why you have chosen to run. Please include your GOALS, VALUES or pertinent information that will help inform voters. </i>I am running for Mayor of Langley as an advocate for Langley and good governance. I’m knowledgeable about the municipal work of a city and the duties of the elected officials, having served 2 terms as a City Council Member, and 4 years as a Planning Advisory Board member and Board Chair. I have lived in Langley for 34 years. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">As Mayor, I will professionally lead with a vision that balances responsible growth with the preservation of our unique character. I believe in fostering a vibrant and inclusive community that welcomes diversity, where everyone has equal access to opportunities and services. I am dedicated to creating an environment where our businesses thrive and create solid jobs and economic stability. Preserving our natural resources and enhancing sustainability are major priorities close to my heart. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Transparency and community engagement are core values that guide my approach. I will actively listen to concerns and ideas, ensuring your voices are heard in decision-making processes. I will insist that this city offer in-depth training for new city staff, as well as strong training for citizen committees, especially regarding the WA Open Public Meetings Act, created in 1971. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">By electing me as Mayor, you are choosing a dedicated advocate for each of you, and for the city as a whole. I am driven by a genuine desire to serve well, and create positive change. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Together, let's build a future that we can all be proud of. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Have you previously run for office or served on another person’s campaign? If so, please elaborate.</i><b><br />
</b>I currently serve as an elected Langley City Council Member, I have served two 4- year terms, and am currently in my second term. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job? </i> The hardest part of the job of mayor is to be certain that the full community of voices are heard in a way that balances the diverse perspectives and interests in our City. It is my honor to listen to you. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why? </i>Tim Callison, former Langley Mayor. He didn’t do a perfect job, and he would be the first to admit that. But he learned and grew as Mayor, and was quite effective at managing the city and steering Langley through all of the issues during COVID. I’ve learned a lot from him during my first term of council office when he was Mayor, and into my second term. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">(He agreed with all of the following statements) 1. Elected officials are employees of the people. 2. Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse <span style="vertical-align: -1px;"> </span>points of view on current and historical issues. 3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens. 4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. 5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. 6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. 7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Please note any specific comments on the above statements. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">We do have issues with our education system in our state. We need to allow more flexibility in how students are taught to best suit their needs, but as we provide for that flexibility, we must not negatively impact the learning results. We must focus on helping our youth not only learn, but also enjoy their school years, as they grow into their future roles within a well informed and open society. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Many of the questions in the Statement grid 1 - 7 are often used as 2023 political hot-buttons, but that doesn’t make them bad questions. I’m prone to logical decisions, and I believe logic insists that we treat everyone respectfully, and equally. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Kennedy Horstman</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:kennedyforlangley@gmail.com">kennedyforlangley@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She responded to the Politiblog questions</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 18px 0px 4px 9px;"><i>1. Why are you running for mayor of Langley?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">I’m running because I care about our community, I care about democracy, and I have the skills and experience to make a positive difference for Langley and the broader community</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">I want our City to be financially healthy, to have a plan to achieve continuity of services and to build for the future. I want Langleyites to feel confident that staff have what they need to work toward the plan. I want people who engage with the City to find it responsive, transparent, and accountable to deliver on shared goals. This is how the City needs to operate to meet what I believe are our most pressing challenges -- and opportunities -- of affordability, sustainability and inclusion.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">With over 25 years of professional leadership experience, I have a proven track-record building service delivery organizations – which is the essence of a government administration -- and leading them through change to better serve their constituents. I am deeply motivated to put this experience to work for our community.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i>2. What do you know about the powers and duties of the mayor? What is the relationship between the Mayor, the City Administrator, and the City Council?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Langley continues to operate under a mayor-council form of government, which means that both the Mayor and the City Council are directly elected by voters. The City Council is the legislative body defining policy and ordinances (local laws). The Mayor holds executive/administrative authority and ensures that the policies and ordinances, as defined by the City Council, are carried out. The Mayor also acts as the ceremonial head of government and can function as a liaison with “external” entities like county and state governments. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Like the federal system of checks and balances, there are some overlaps: -<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Council has no direct authority over City operations but they do retain authority for approving the budget -<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Mayor attends and presides over City Council meetings, builds and proposes the budget for approval, and may cast a vote to decide a tie or to veto (but the veto may be overridden by a majority vote of Council plus one vote).</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">The Mayor is ultimately responsible for all aspects of City operation, supervises the City Clerk/Administrator and has the authority to hire/fire the City Clerk/Administrator. The City Clerk/Administrator is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the City, directly supervises department heads, acts as the H.R. manager for the City and administers the City’s legal obligations including records, notices, and contracts. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i>3. What do you hope to accomplish as Mayor? How will you use the powers of the Mayor’s office to accomplish your goals?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;">My goal is that the Langley government <i>works well</i> for Langley and for the broader Whidbey community. We have historically spent too much time on aspirational policies and not enough time focusing on outcomes -- where the rubber meets the road. Improving operational capacity requires both internal focus - ensuring that City Hall has the advocacy and support required - and an external focus - partnering with City Council and the broader community. To start, my internal focus areas include:<br />
</p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ensuring that the City has a clear grasp of its current and long-term financial position by leading staff and Council in disciplined budgeting and financial management and replacing the finance system. (It is important to modernize other City processes and technology but financial management must come first.)</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Establishing the City Clerk/Administrator role, so that the City can count on professional management, ongoing operational improvement, and continuity across administrations.</li>
</ul>
</ul><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Initial external focus areas include engagement with county and state government agencies, particularly regarding partnership and funding opportunities to address housing affordability and utility systems stability and resiliency. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">4. </span></span><span style="color: #666666;">What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</span></i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Langley has arguably always needed effective service delivery and solid operational capability, but it’s even more critical now as we face an affordable housing and a climate crisis. Unfortunately, City Hall - staff, processes, and systems - have for too long existed in a state of “benign” but increasingly dangerous neglect. That neglect has resulted in staff attrition, poor process, and outdated, inefficient systems which in turn negatively impact City services and the ability to meet new challenges. I am running for Mayor because I believe that addressing this neglect is critical to the City’s ability to thrive moving forward. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i>5.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What relevant experience do you have?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;">As a tech sector professional with 25+ years of management experience, I have a proven track-record leading service delivery organizations through change to better serve their constituents.</p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Langley provides utility and public safety services on a 24 x 7 basis. I have built 24 x 7 teams delivering service to companies like the Wall Street Journal and United Airlines.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Langley desperately needs better IT and records management. My team implemented a document management system for Perkins Coie, the largest law firm in the PNW.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have held asset management and information security policy responsibility at Boeing - both areas of concern for Langley.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>More recently I've worked with companies that build websites for cities, counties, water utilities and public libraries.</li></ul></ul><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;">In all of this work I focus on what matters over the long term:</p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Designing solutions that work in the real world for real people,</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maintaining systems for functionality and security <i>over time</i>, and</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Building healthy and resilient organizations that can weather and respond to tough situations.</li></ul></ul><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have also served on Langley’s Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission since its inception in 2020. I currently serve as Chair. Through this service, I have:</p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Worked with diverse constituencies about complex issues that impact people personally,</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Led public meetings and dealt with public notice requirements, and </li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Advanced policy proposals for Council consideration, in appropriate and effective ways<b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b></li></ul></ul><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(102, 102, 102); color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman";"><i>6. What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i></span></div><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;">Trust is the most critical component of any healthy human system. I work first to establish trust. I then work to maintain and expand trust over time by empowering everyone – not just those at the top of an organization or inside of it – to hold each other accountable to the values of transparency, accountability, and service.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;">I work to break long term aspirational priorities into short term, actionable, and measurable chunks that are incorporated into quarterly work plans. This approach delivers immediate incremental progress, the opportunity to learn and course correct quickly, and measurable progress over time. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;">This “go slow to go fast” approach can be frustrating initially for those who desire immediate outcomes, but immediate outcomes are rarely effective over time, while building an increasingly robust foundation delivers lasting results. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><i><span style="color: #0563c1;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(5, 99, 193);">7. </span></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="color: #666666; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #666666;">What message would you like to convey to voters?</span></i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Pay attention and do your research. Democracy works best with an engaged and informed electorate. This is why I’m grateful for the opportunity to respond to these questions and I’m grateful for everyone who takes the time to read and consider my responses.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Please be both persistent and patient. Democratic change takes time. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i> 8.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How will you address the homeless issue?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Let’s start with some facts about homelessness:</p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The cause of homelessness is insufficient housing.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Market forces have contributed to the lack of housing and without intervention will continue to worsen the crisis.</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Being unhoused is not a crime and people who are unhoused should not be treated as criminals. </li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>People who are unhoused, whether “living rough” or doubled-up in others’ households, are particularly vulnerable to crime and exploitation, and deserve extra diligence regarding equitable due process.</li>
</ul>
</ul><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Langley is a very small “city” and can do relatively little to solve this international crisis, but we’re trying. Langley has passed an amazing array of policies to incentivize affordable housing. We’ve really been on the vanguard, but as anyone can see, the macroeconomic forces are strong in the other direction. We can, however, have an immediate positive influence on homelessness by:</p><ul>
<ul style="list-style-type: disc;">
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Doing a better job of providing reliable and impactful funding to local organizations like the Whidbey Homeless Coalition who are working directly to address homelessness and provide related social services,</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Improving the policies already adopted to increase their effectiveness in creating actual units that are affordable for the long term, and</li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Building a more robust partnership with the County, where most of these services are coordinated including: </li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Working with the County to ensure that an appropriate portion of the 1/10<sup>th</sup> of 1% sales tax, that Langley gave up to the County, is deployed in Langley. </li>
<li style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">-<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lobbying the state for continued resources passed down through the County, for supportive services as well as “housing first” financing for rural communities; </li>
</ul>
</ul><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Finally, through my work with the Dismantling Systemic Racism Commission, I’ve become aware of racial discrimination in our local private rental market, which prevents people of color from obtaining housing here. We need to work to address this through various means, including education, creating avenues for reporting, and other ways of ensuring compliance with the Federal Fair Housing Act and Washington’s laws against discrimination. <br />
<span style="color: #0563c1;"><a href="%5Cl%20%22_heading=h.gjdgxs%22%20%5Ch">(Link to top)</a></span></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;"><i>9.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How will you address the stalled infrastructure improvement project?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 9px;">The current LIP “stall” is associated with delayed input required from the Army Corps of Engineers regarding ecological assessment and potential mitigation investigation. Public works projects require these extra layers of time consuming but necessary due diligence.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 9px;">In order to mitigate the challenges associated with a lengthy and necessarily bureaucratic process most municipalities ensure that dedicated project management resources are funded as part of the project so that delays can be “bird dogged” and moved along as quickly as possible and do not adversely impact full-time municipal staff who have other pressing responsibilities.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 9px;">Project management is not an “extra” or an “extravagance,” but a necessary component of managing projects of this size, complexity, and cost. It is unclear why dedicated project management was not initially included or whether there are sufficient resources at this point to fund project management, but I bring extensive, hands-on project management experience and as Mayor, I will work to ensure that project obstacles are identified and addressed as expeditiously as possible. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px 12px 9px;"><i>10.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How will you address the possibility of Langley growing by 25 – 33% in one project? Where will the funds come from to support such growth?</i></p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">While the Mayor has no direct authority regarding the approval of the pending Coles Valley planned unit development (PUD) application or the related development agreement, she would nonetheless be responsible for accommodating it should the Council accept it. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">The size of the proposed development - a total potential of 165 dwelling units and over 24,000 s.f. in commercial space - presents significant impacts associated with traffic, utilities, and public safety. It will add miles of water mains, new roadways and sidewalks that require maintenance over the long term. Although they will have public amenities and commercial services within the development, residents of this development will be a part of our town and drive downtown to access groceries, the library, the post office, the beach, etc..</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Because Langley does not have impact fees, there is no method to make the development pay for those impacts, beyond the added property tax base, and the increased sales tax during construction phase. As of this writing, there has been no analysis on fiscal impact to the City, the School or Fire Districts, outside of the sewer utility, though the former is a requirement of the PUD code per LMC 18.26.090 (D)3.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">It’s fairly obvious that a sewer plant expansion would be required. The expansion would theoretically be funded by the developer, but how this would happen is unclear.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">Langley's sewer rates seem high because the plant was expanded based on an assumption of units hooking up that have not, in fact, hooked up. As a result, the ongoing costs for the expanded facility are shared by a smaller group of ratepayers. The Coles Valley PUD would instantly trigger the process for expansion, but it could be decades before those other ratepayers come on line. (And there is no guarantee that the full PUD would ever be developed, any more than the Development Agreement of 20 years ago has been.)</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">The PUD presents both risk and opportunity. The opportunity for the City is the potential for market rate <i>and affordable </i>housing units. Unfortunately, the development application features a very weak section regarding affordable housing and disregards the related requirements mandated by the City in 2022. </p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">Further, whatever the final Development Agreement commits must be enforced and the City has proven historically ineffective in enforcing original requirements when developers request leniency. Unfortunately, at that point the City must choose between giving up its prerogatives or the units don’t get built at all.</p><p style="color: #666666; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px 9px;">It is incumbent upon the City’s negotiating team and Council to ensure that if the City accepts a proposal, the developer assumes the appropriate financial responsibilities and that the benefits <i>of actual affordable units built</i> are commensurate with the risks and costs of the development overall. <i>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have known Thomas Gill for quite a few years, beginning when he was the tech volunteer around city hall. His services were invaluable. I have seen him as a Planning Advisory Board member and as a Council member. In the past he has been very vocal about his Libertarian philosophy. I have been pleasantly surprised by some of his decisions, which were decidedly not Libertarian. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been hearing that he is very much opposed to the city having an administrator. I have watched Langley long enough to have seen it operate both with and without such a person. I can say pretty unequivocally that things run better when there is someone on board to handle the administration. The last two mayors have done without, and it has been way less than optimal. But, an administrator must be paid. It is proposed that the mayor take a major cut in pay to cover that cost. Makes sense to me. It does not make sense to Thomas, who is reportedly very much opposed to having an administrator or a mayoral pay cut. Fact is, the administrator has already been hired. I met him a few weeks ago. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been hearing about Kennedy and her amazing abilities for a while now. I met her recently and we have had several rather long talks. I very much like what I see. Here is a no-nonsense person who knows how to run an agency, a department, a work group, and get things done. She has a keen understanding of project management and of budgets. Both those skills are painfully lacking in Langley right now, and it shows. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Among other things, the Public Works director has solicited, and received approval, for another loan, this one for $3.5 million. The city administrator points out that this is more like a line of credit than a loan. My heartburn is with the fact that this was not the subject of any sort of public discussion or debate. I would very much like to hear from both Thomas and Kennedy what they think of the process that was followed and of the increased municipal debt this will incur. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thomas is good people. Kennedy is super, with a skill set the city desperately needs. If I voted in Langley I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Kennedy Horstman</b></span>.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Langley City Council</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 3</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Kathleen Kenneweg</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:kikenneweg@gmail.com">kikenneweg@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">no on-line presence</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">360-774-0935</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She responded to the Politiblog questions:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. <i>Why are you running for Langley Council?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was told to run for city council by Langley town people and I love Langley. I will be an asset to Langley city council because I am ethical and honest. I respect others. I have knowledge about Langley city and businesses. I listen to the town residents and businesses and want to move forward together. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>2. What do you know about the powers and duties of the council? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>What is the relationship between the Mayor, the City Administrator, and the City Council?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City Administrator is under the authority and direction of the Mayor. The city administrator/clerk manages and coordinates the activities and functions of the various city officers, departments, commissions, and boards in implementing the requirements of city ordinances and the policies of city council. Attends all city council meetings and others if requested by the Mayor and members of the council. Produces meeting minutes. Reports to the Mayor and Council concerning status of assignments, duties, projects, and functions of the various departments. Prepares and administers the City budget and works with the Finance Director. Supervises expenditures. Administers a variety of city forms, processes and functions. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">City Council. Five members are elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The Council enacts ordinances and resolutions, holds public hearings, approves development plans, receives citizens’ suggestions and complaints, authorizes payment of city funds, approves contracts, creates committees and boards to assist in the operation of city government and much more. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Mayor’s position is chief administrator and presides over City Council, drafts agendas for Council, hires/fires all upper-level staff, serves as primary press contact, interviews all applicants for positions on volunteer commissions, reviews all contracts and agreements. Serves on numerous regional agency boards, as the chief HR manager reviews and approves all city expenditures, presents a preliminary budget to Council and other duties. This may change as a new mayor will be elected along with several other city council</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">members. Would be great to have more people sitting and observing the city council members and taking part in citizen comments. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3.Wh<i>at do you hope to accomplish on the council? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Get things done.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>How will you use the powers of the council to accomplish your goals?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Convince the city council to vote positively on what I submit as my constituents request.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.<i>What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The council members voting against or moving it to next year or make another ad hoc committee. Not enough money in the budget to finish project. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 5.<i>What relevant experience do you have?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Working with people for a common good. Former candidate for city council. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6.<i>What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Let others be heard. Treat fellow members with respect. Focus on what needs to be accomplished and finished. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.<i>What message would you like to convey to voters?</i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Go to the City Council meetings and see what is going on in person or Zoom. If you have concerns please contact your Mayor or City Council member. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. <i>How will you address the homeless issue?</i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Continue to tell people where to go for assistance: Housing Support Center 105 NW 1<sup>st</sup> St. Coupeville 1-360-678-8284 Good Cheer Food Bank 2812 Grimm Rd 360-221-4868 has a Housing Support person there on Thursdays. Island County Web page contains subsidized apartment listings. Drewslist has housing wanted listed and house-sitting positions. As a council person I would vote for affordable work force housing.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">9.<i> How will you address the stalled infrastructure improvement project?</i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Vote to pass the loan that is requested and considering can we pay it back? Unless a grant is available. A question I have is does everyone want to give up septic and go to the city sewer? Have city engineers finished what is required to do the project? Have all permits been approved for the project?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">10. <i>What is your long-range vision for Langley?</i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To maintain Langley unique small-town character and conserve its green spaces, trees, gardens and maintain fragile bluffs and shorelines. Assist long term residents in being able to live here by being affordable. Continue with community music and art events and family events. Maintain safe sidewalks and streets. Invite other communities to celebrate with us. Have an emergency preparedness plan in place.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please tell us why you have chosen to run. Please include your GOALS, VALUES or pertinent information that will help inform voters. </i>I chose to run because I want to be part of city government and make decisions for the future of Langley. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">My goals are to maintain Langley City by the Sea's unique atmosphere while addressing subjects such as climate change, affordability of housing for workers and town people, transparency of city government, and keeping city government fiscally solvent. Keeping the city accessible for all is important. Multi-cultural sensitivity awareness, mental health, and suicide awareness that will enhance the health and safety of its citizens is also important. Maintaining the beautiful parks, gardens and trees in town is also important for our townspeople and tourists to enjoy. <i> </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job?</i><b> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </b>Keeping the City Council meetings focused on the agenda.<b> </b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why? </i>Joe and Jill Biden. I felt I could be safe and breathe again and respect his guiding the United States towards a future. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">She agreed with all of the following statements. 1.Elected officials are employees of the people. 2.Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse <span style="vertical-align: -1px;"> </span>points of view on current and historical issues. 3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens. 4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. 5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. 6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. 7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Chris Carlson</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:chris@chrisforlangley.com">chris@chrisforlangley.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">https://chrisforlangley.com/</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please tell us why you have chosen to run. </i>I am running for City Council because I care about Langley and want to help it thrive. I believe that everyone has a role to play in a healthy democracy, which is why I have volunteered for the City of Langley and South Whidbey nonprofits. This experience has given me insight into what is working at City Hall, what is not, and the community's values. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Langley faces generational challenges such as unaffordable housing, staffing shortages, and the growing impacts of climate change. To address these challenges, we need expertise, professionalism, and focus. I believe that my public-sector education and experience are what the Langley City Council needs. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">My values guide my priorities and every decision I make. They reflect what Langley residents can expect from me as their councilmember: </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Equity: Everyone deserves a fair opportunity to live a thriving life, however they define it. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Collaboration: We must act inclusively and communicate respectfully so that everyone feels safe to speak up and be heard. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Pragmatism: Incremental progress represents sustainable movement toward progressive priorities. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Optimism: I have steadfast hope that we will do what's necessary to ensure a better future for our children. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Environmental Conservation: I respect our natural environment and believe it's our responsibility to protect our surrounding ecosystems. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 36px;">My legislative goals reflect what I see as the most important challenges and opportunities currently facing Langley: </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Affordable Workforce and Family Housing </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Develop a Sustainable Year-Round Economy </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Earn the Public's Trust Through Competent Governance </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px 5px 18px;">Modernize our Infrastructure </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job?</i><b> </b>The most difficult aspect of joining the city council that I can anticipate will be to keep other council members and city staff focused on the community's priorities. I've seen how easily the current council and staff can with good intentions be sidetracked by the "topic of the day" and lose focus on the things that matter most to the community. I intend to be extremely disciplined in evaluating each agenda item, resolution, ordinance, and expense in the context of our long-term and annual priorities. I will only support the investment of scarce time and resources if it contributes to our agreed-upon community priorities.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why? </i>The elected official I admire and respect the most is former President Obama. Public leaders should unite us, inspire us to act on common priorities, and be diligent workers on our behalf. I believe President Obama best demonstrated these key qualities in my lifetime. His work to pass the Affordable Care Act is a prime example of this. He made the compelling moral argument that healthcare should be a right. This moral argument was used to define the stakes of action versus inaction and brought millions of people into the movement. Through pragmatic negotiation, he was able to secure passage of the ACA, which improved the lives of millions and made an important incremental step towards achieving what had previously been considered impossible in America - universal healthcare. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">He agreed with the following statements, with some comments. 1. Elected officials are employees of the people. 2. Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse <span style="vertical-align: -1px;"> </span>points of view on current and historical issues. 3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens. 4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. 5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. 6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. 7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I somewhat agree with the statement that elected officials are employees of the people. While they are elected by the people and serve the people, they are also more than just employees. They are representatives of the people and their actions have a profound impact on the lives of citizens and non-citizens alike. The level of responsibility and accountability that should accompany this sacred trust should go beyond a simple employee-employer relationship. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">.<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> .<span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Chris’s website informs us that he currently chairs Langley’s Finance & Personnel Legislative Commission and Civil Service Commission. He served previously on the Ethics Advisory Board. He is Tech Program Manager at UW. I have trouble imagining what that involves. I’m not going to repeat everything on his website, but I find all of it very positive. We’ve had several conversations, some of them quite long. I was pleasantly surprised to discover that Chris knew the planning jargon some of us use, had read the city’s comp plan, knew how to use MRSC, had read GMA – all those things I complain people in government don’t know, he knows. That’s a huge head start. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I’ve known Kay Kenneweg for a few years now. She is very much a mother hen to lost souls around town. She knows how and where to find them help. That is a major piece of work she is doing. She works to protect the trees and open spaces in and around town. I really appreciate that. And she attends council meetings, which speaks to more patience than I can muster. Like me, she is not particularly tech-savvy. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> I would direct you to Chris’s Voters’ Pamphlet statement, but once again the Elections office oopsed. All the other information is correct, but the statement is actually that of Coupeville mayor Molly Hughes. I am seriously unimpressed with the Elections office’s work this year. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">What Chris has is the education and the training to take over from day one. He’s been involved enough with city government to know how it is currently working (or not). The man understands a financial statement, an ability I envy. He understands the workings of large bureaucracies – and smaller ones. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I would like to see Kay in a position with the city that focuses on her people skills. I would like to see Chris as a council member working to pull Langley into shape and deal with some of its enormous problems. If I voted in Langley I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Chris Carlson</b></span>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 4</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Craig Cyr</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:electcraigcyr@gmail.com">electcraigcyr@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">1. <i>Why are you running for Langley Council</i>? I seek reelection because I am hopeful and passionate about Langley’s future. It is an anti-racist future where people of all colors, identities, and abilities feel safe and included. I have led and will continue to lead on issues of inclusivity, sustainability, the environment, workforce housing, and municipal financial integrity.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">I serve as Council liaison to the Dismantling Systemic Racism (DSR) and Public Works commission, I am a member of the Financial Personnel Legislative Commission, and I am currently Vice Chair of Island Transit. Each of these influential positions provides a platform for my voice in shaping important public policy and I want to continue in those roles.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">Also, I’ve used the voice that Langley voters gave me in 2019 to engage on regional and statewide public policy issues. For example, I wrote the Council Resolution opposing Military Special Forces training in WA State Parks. This resolution influenced other public entities to pass their own resolutions. I will continue to engage on issues such as this when they affect Langley residents.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">2<i>. What do you know about the powers and duties of the council? What is the relationship between the Mayor, the City Administrator, and the City Council? </i>The City Council is the legislative body of the City. The Council establishes the official public policy of the City and is responsible for the municipal code. It is also responsible for passing an annual budget as well as receiving reports from the City Commissions among a host of other duties.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">The City Administrator is the “Chief of Staff” and: • supervises and holds the Directors accountable to ensure that the policies and resolutions of the City Council are implemented • “makes the trains run on time” • ensures that all statutorily required actions are completed </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• mainly internally facing </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• is accountable to the elected Mayor</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">The Mayor is the head of the Executive branch of the City. In my vision, the Mayor is the “CEO” and “Secretary of State” in Langley. Essentially, the face of the City.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">3.<i>What do you hope to accomplish on the council? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><i>How will you use the powers of the council to accomplish your goals?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• I will be supportive as Council liaison to the DSR as it continues to do the work required for Langley to become an anti-racist city. And there is much to do.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"> • I will continue to be a strong advocate for energy resilience for the City of Langley as well as Island Transit. I will support actions that reduce energy consumption while simultaneously identifying future opportunities for solar & battery storage.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• I will continue to support the emerging tribal relationships that are a direct result of Langley removing its fake “totem poles”.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• I still have hope that Langley will establish a dog park. I have much more informed ideas and a strategy on how that can be accomplished.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• I hope to continue to use my voice to assist in banning fireworks in Island County, but at least on South Whidbey.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">4.<i>What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• The internal functioning of Langley City government has had great difficulty due to a lack of effective leadership and communication in the Mayor’s office. I will support the new Administrator as the role becomes operational and as a new Mayor will take office in three short months. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Workforce housing – Langley needs more workforce housing and I have been and will be supportive of efforts to provide more. See below answers.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Island Transit has had difficulty hiring more drivers. I am pushing for changes that will make driving for Island Transit more attractive and lucrative for beginning drivers so that Island Transit can continue to expand its service.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">5.<i>What relevant experience do you have</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Langley Councilmember: 2020 – 2023</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Langley Public Works Commission Council Liaison</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Langley Finance Personnel Legislative Commission Member</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Langley Dismantling Systemic Racism Council Liaison</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Island Transit Board Member (Vice Chair): 2020 – 2023</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Island Transit Finance Committee Member</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• King County Fire District 5 Commissioner</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">• Lake Forest Park Library Commissioner</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">Also, professionally, I am a project manager and a data analyst. I am organized and bring a data driven approach to public policy. And I listen closely.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;">6.<i>What will be your operating philosophy in office</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">If this question is asking about the essence of how I want to work and shape the work of Langley’s staff and volunteers, I will bring a focused, organized, and prepared approach, that <span style="text-decoration: underline;">listens</span> to the subject matter experts whether they be staff or commission volunteers. I will honor the work of the Commission volunteers and their work product. And I will collaborate with them to craft a solution to the policy question in hand. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">7. <i>What message would you like to convey to voters</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">A vote to re-elect Craig Cyr is a vote to continue the journey towards an anti-racist future. It is a vote to continue to support solar power in Langley, and at Island Transit facilities so as to have a more resilient energy infrastructure on South Whidbey. It is a vote in favor of continued tribal engagement. It is a vote to defend the State Parks from invasion by the military. It is a vote for a thriving community where all are welcome. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">8. <i>How will you address the homeless issue</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">Langley can make an impact by working to provide workforce housing. Because due to high rental rates much of Langley’s workforce is “housing insecure”. Indeed, this is why Langley businesses close early for lack of workers. A near term opportunity for workforce housing is Goosefoot’s project on 2<sup>nd</sup> St & De Bruyn. Goosefoot is navigating its way through the new infill code and as the first applicant to do so, likely will discover code that could make it difficult to implement features of the housing development.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">Habitat for Humanity is also a near term opportunity for more housing. If policy adjustments are necessary, I will be as responsive as I can be.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">9. <i>How will you address the stalled infrastructure improvement project</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">The LIP is stalled because of two reasons: 1) Primarily, the continued delay in Army Corp of Engineers approval and 2) shortfall of funds due to significant cost increases. If Langley is approved for a very low interest public works loan recently applied for, I will vote in favor. That vote is the most consequential action I can take to fully accomplish the original vision of the LIP.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">10. <i>What is your long-range vision for Langley</i>?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;">My vision of Langley’s future is an anti-racist future where people of all colors, identities, and abilities feel safe and included. While on this future journey, Langley will come together in community to accomplish great things. Such as developing an energy resilient community. And planning for the needed adjustments to our physical infrastructure to react to the threat of climate change. 20 years from now, I hope the future residents of Langley will look back at this time when the Community came alive to all of the challenges in front of it and bravely addressed them head on.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Scott Chaplin</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:voteforscottchaplin@gmail.com">voteforscottchaplin@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“I’ll have a platform and website up tomorrow night. No worries if you endorse Craig.” </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Its hard to know why Scott chose to run for Council. He has worked hard as Mayor but his term has not been smooth. He submitted no Voters’ Pamphlet statement. He has not submitted anything for the Politiblog. He has not campaigned. I don’t believe he is serious about this race. He recently referred to Langley as a sinking ship. In spite of some differences in policy and priorities, if I voted in Langley I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Craig Cyr</b></span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oak Harbor mayor</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Shane Hoffmire</b></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:shanehoffmire@gmail.com">shanehoffmire@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://shanehoffmire.com">https://shanehoffmire.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Elected to City Council 2021, elected Pool, Park, & Rec director 2015-20</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">No college, but various certifications.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">His Voter Pamphlet statement:</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Following his election to City Council, Hoffmire was appointed to the American Rescue Plan subcommittee lobbying for critical infrastructure repairs and increased public safety. His efforts allowed for successfully delivering on his campaign promises to lower utility rates. His resolve is stronger than ever with the goal of an affordable Oak Harbor (OH).</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Hoffmire continues advocating for intentional economic development focused on making OH safer and more livable for its citizenry. Communication between local government and OH citizens has been at an all-time high, however there is still work to be done. It's through community partnerships that we can build a stronger foundation in which OH residents can have access to more diverse job market opportunities, activities, entertainment, and mental health programs.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">As Mayor, Hoffmire will bring his outstanding track record and continue his work encouraging civic engagement. He will continue to expand on the growth he has helped afford OH and will protect his successful changes thus far. Oak Harbor citizens are largely concerned about the affordability of their beloved city. A vote for Shane Hoffmire is a vote for continued progress towards an affordable, livable, and more transparent Oak Harbor.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">In response to questions by the Democratic party, he talked about his focus on affordability, accountability, and livability, and on restoring the voices of the people in city government. He talks about fiercely advocating for the community. He sees rebuilding trust in government as the hardest part of the job and sees his openness and transparency as tools to further that rebuilding. He says the one elected official he respects most is Dave Paul, because Dave works to represent the entire community.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ronnie Wright</b></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:ronnie@ronniewrightformayor.com">ronnie@ronniewrightformayor.com</a></span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.pacificgracetax.com">www.pacificgracetax.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Wright did not respond to the Politiblog questions</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He is Managing Partner, Pacific Grace Tax & Accounting, and ex Navy.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">MBA in accounting</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">His Voter Pamphlet statement:</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">As the only qualified candidate for the Mayor of Oak Harbor, my vision for Oak Harbor includes fiscal responsibility, continued partnership with the Navy, building bi-partisan relationships with county, state and federal elected officials to reduce taxpayer burden for Oak Harbor while delivering capital projects on-time and within budgeted goals. I will bring real solutions with real numbers that deliver the result you have been waiting for.<br />
<br />
The Marina is the gem of our city and will remain a priority of mine. The Marina is key to our downtown Main Street Merchants, recreational fisherman and our local economy.<br />
We need to continue to work with the County and State Legislators to allow us to be more proactive in our policing as it relates to public safety, as well as support our local law enforcement in keeping our community safe.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">As Mayor, like in <i>all </i>of my previous leadership endeavors, I will maintain an open-door policy. I welcome your input and feedback and will see to it that we continue to have a consistent and professional message coming from <i>our </i>City.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The Wright Direction for <i>our </i>City is a vote for Ronnie Wright!</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">There were letters to the editor about Mr Wright. The one endorsing him came from an employee. Hmm. The one opposing him challenged him to define ‘integrity’, saying that he misuses the term. The letter implies that his exit from employment with IRS was less than honorable. He endorsed Jill Johnson for County Commissioner. Neighbors report that he is “just plain mean.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">And now we find out about that “just plain mean” part. Mr Wright has accused Shane Hoffmire of violating the campaign finance reporting regulations – all over the Whidbey News-Times, with precious little time for Mr Hoffmire to respond. The story is full of suspicions and innuendo, but rather short on facts. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">What I have seen of Mr Hoffmire is someone with very different political views from my own, but with integrity and intent to serve the public behind his actions. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Something about Mr Wright does not sit well with me. I don’t like “just plain mean” people. I don’t like unsupported allegations made such that there is little opportunity to respond. By contrast, Shane Hoffmire has been quite open and willing to discuss his plans. I wish I’d had more time to check out his website. You might want to go there and have a look.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">If I lived in Oak Harbor I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Shane Hoffmire</b></span>.</p></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oak Harbor<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>City Council<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 2</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chris Wiegenstein</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">chris@electchris.org</p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electchris.org/">https://www.electchris.org/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">licensed mental health therapist. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3<sup>rd</sup> generation Oak Harborite</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And now he has responded to the Politiblog questions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Not surprising that in his “statement to Oak Harbor voters” he stresses mental health, along with affordability and support for small business. To quote: “His vision encompasses creating opportunities for economic expansion while ensuring the well-being of the community and providing support for those in need.” He lists his priorities as: bringing people together, promoting mental health, promoting workforce housing. He is endorsed by people in public service positions. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Chris replaced Dan Evans (who was an authoritarian at heart). That means that Chris has some job experience. Not a newby. I see that as a good thing. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<div class="x_x_elementToProof" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>1. Why are you running for Oak Harbor City Council?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">I am running for Oak Harbor City Council because I have a deep-rooted commitment to the community that I have called home since 1975. I believe that through effective and dedicated public service, I can contribute to the betterment of Oak Harbor. I'm motivated to address important issues, promote unity, and work toward a brighter future for all residents.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; margin: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></span></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>2. What do you know about the powers and duties of council members? What is the relationship between the Mayor, the City Administrator, and the City Council?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">Council members have the power and duty to enact local legislation, set policies, and make decisions that affect the city and its residents. They represent the community's interests and concerns. The Mayor, in many municipalities, including Oak Harbor, often serves as the ceremonial head of the city and presides over council meetings but has limited executive authority. The City Administrator typically manages the day-to-day operations of the city, executing policies set by the City Council.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>3.What do you hope to accomplish as a council member?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>How do you use the powers of the council to accomplish your goals?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">As a council member, my primary goal is to foster unity within Oak Harbor by creating a year-round accessible community and sports complex. I also aim to address mental health issues and workforce housing challenges. To accomplish these goals, I'll work collaboratively with other council members, city staff, and the community, leveraging the council's legislative power to initiate and support policies and initiatives that align with these priorities.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">I see several problems in Oak Harbor that I aim to address, including the pressing issue of mental health, the need for infrastructure improvements, and the challenge of providing affordable workforce housing. These issues are critical to the well-being and growth of our community, and I believe they require immediate attention and effective solutions.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; margin: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></span></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>5.What relevant experience do you have?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">Relevant elected experience includes serving as an elected Commissioner for North Whidbey Pool, Park, and Recreation District. In that role, I successfully expanded recreation programs and revitalized community spaces. I am also currently serving as an appointed councilor. My experience managing funds and driving program growth has prepared me to contribute positively to the Oak Harbor City Council. Professionally, I am a mental health counselor.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">My operating philosophy in office will be rooted in transparency, collaboration, and responsiveness. I will actively engage with residents, seek input from diverse perspectives, and make well-informed decisions that prioritize the best interests of the community. I believe in the power of open communication and cooperation to achieve our shared goals.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; margin: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></span></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">To voters, I want to convey my unwavering dedication to Oak Harbor and my commitment to serving with integrity, passion, and diligence. I am ready to work alongside you to address the city's challenges and build a prosperous and unified community. Your support is essential to making our vision for Oak Harbor a reality.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; margin: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></span></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>8. How will you address the homeless issue?</i></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><div class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;">Addressing homelessness requires a comprehensive approach that combines compassion, support, and collaboration. I will work with local organizations, agencies, and community stakeholders to develop programs that provide housing, mental health services, and job opportunities to those experiencing homelessness. It's vital to prioritize both short-term solutions, like emergency shelter options, and long-term strategies that address the root causes of homelessness, such as affordable housing and mental health support. Homelessness is a complex issue that demands a collective effort to make a meaningful impact, and I am committed to being part of that effort.</span><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></p><p class="x_x_ContentPasted0 x_ContentPasted0" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>9. How will you address the<span class="x_ContentPasted0"> </span><span class="x_markg22ll9s5f x_ContentPasted0" data-markjs="true" data-ogab="" data-ogac="" data-ogsb="" data-ogsc="" style="margin: 0px;">PFAS</span><span class="x_ContentPasted0"> </span>issue?</i></p><br class="x_ContentPasted0" /></div><div id="x_x_appendonsend" style="background-color: white; color: #242424; font-family: Calibri, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px;"></div><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_x_elementToProof" style="background-color: white; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_x_ContentPasted1" style="background-color: #f7f7f8; color: #374151; display: inline; margin: 0px;"><span class="x_ContentPasted0" style="display: inline; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: times;">To address the<span class="x_ContentPasted0"> </span><span class="x_markg22ll9s5f x_ContentPasted0" data-markjs="true" data-ogab="" data-ogac="" data-ogsb="" data-ogsc="" style="margin: 0px;">PFAS</span><span class="x_ContentPasted0"> </span>issue in Oak Harbor, I will prioritize collaboration with the US Navy, who have taken a leading role in addressing this concern. They have been actively involved in data review, advocating for regulations and treatment, promoting transparency in public awareness, and supporting funding, monitoring, and research efforts. This collaboration with the Navy is vital for effectively addressing<span class="x_ContentPasted0"> </span><span class="x_markg22ll9s5f x_ContentPasted0" data-markjs="true" data-ogab="" data-ogac="" data-ogsb="" data-ogsc="" style="margin: 0px;">PFAS</span><span class="x_ContentPasted0"> </span>contamination and ensuring the well-being of our community and environment.</span></span></span></span></p><p style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Andy Plumlee</b></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:andy@andyforcouncil.com">andy@andyforcouncil.com</a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.andyforcouncil.com/index.html">https://www.andyforcouncil.com/index.html</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Plumlee did respond to my questions. See below.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He owns a candy store. This is his 5<sup>th</sup> run for the position. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>1. Why are you running for Oak Harbor City Council</i><span style="font-style: normal;">?<br />
-I am running because I believe I possess a viable vision for the future of our community and the leadership and managerial skills necessary to achieve a more positive and productive future for the city of Oak Harbor.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /><i>
2. What do you know about the powers and duties of council members? What is the relationship between the Mayor, the City Administrator, and the City Council?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- Oak Harbor is currently a "Strong Mayor" city. This means the Mayor is a separate and distinct office from the city council and has full authority and leadership responsibility for the city's public staff. As an elected position he is chosen by the people and not the council. The city administrator works at the direction and behest of the Mayor.<br />
</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>3.What do you hope to accomplish as a council member?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- I hope to stop the outflow of financial resources at a rate greater than that flowing in. I hope to slow or stop the financial squeeze that is forcing long standing members of the community to move off the island they call home.<br /><i>
How do you use the powers of the council to accomplish your goals?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- By networking and collaborating with other public leadership to ensure Oak Harbor's interests are represented at all levels of government.<br />
</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- I don't expect to correct or alleviate any specific problem. What I hope to do is leverage my extensive experience to create viable and creative solutions that move us closer to solving the large intractable problems our community faces such as homelessness, job losses, and limited professional services.<br />
</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>5.What relevant experience do you have?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- I have been in leadership and management positions for over 20 years.<br />
<br /><i>
6. What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- What decision best meets the needs/wants of the community while preserving the most amount of public resources possible.<br />
</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- Our problems are not that big if we just get to work solving them<br />
</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>8. How will you address the homeless issue?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- I would like to work with other local leaders to consolidate services on island to an agreed upon location away from our residences and businesses.<br />
</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>9. How will you address the PFAS issue?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">- This is a large nation issue and the best thing we can do in Oak Harbor is support Anacortes leadership since we obtain our water from them.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I listened to an interview with Mr Plumlee by something called Political Lens, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5woW8Ux2mWo"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5woW8Ux2mWo</span></a> In that interview he said that too much money was being spent on homeless people. He said there were the deserving homeless and the undeserving, and that funds should be limited to the deserving only. He also said that non-profits serving the needs of homeless people tended to lose sight of their goal and focus on the money instead.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’m old enough to remember Ronald Reagan telling us about the deserving and undeserving poor, and how there were “welfare Cadillac queens” out there. Mr Plumlee’s remarks trigger the same reaction I had then – disgust. I think he has some interesting ideas, but his attitude toward people is sufficiently lacking that I would not vote for him.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is reported that at a forum this past summer he described himself as “a self-proclaimed Libertarian.” I have a problem with Libertarians. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>By contrast, Mr Wiegenstein has a focus on the health and wellbeing of people – without judgement as to their financial status. And he’s been doing the job. I have to admit a prejudice: his web page shows an absolutely beautiful husky. I am very partial to huskies.<br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I lived in Oak Harbor I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Chris Wiegenstein</b></span>. </p></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Oak Harbor City Council </b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 4</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Barbara Armes</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:armesbarbara60@gmail.com">armesbarbara60@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://barbaraarmes4citycouncil.com/">https://barbaraarmes4citycouncil.com/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Unfortunately, the website provides no information. </p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Armes/100009065976934/?paipv=0&eav=AfbbxRXE_gLrOFiR_QNuKn-MuAWtWqdkupZKw27S_FcpD_Jtk9viAlF9789AF6_lXkk&_rdr">https://www.facebook.com/people/Barbara-Armes/100009065976934/?paipv=0&eav=AfbbxRXE_gLrOFiR_QNuKn-MuAWtWqdkupZKw27S_FcpD_Jtk9viAlF9789AF6_lXkk&_rdr</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Unfortunately, the Facebook page is no better.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She is a retired Licensed Practical Nurse. Her Voters’ Pamphlet statement is completely bland. She says she has been attending council meetings and that her issues are replacing the aging sewer system and promoting tourism. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She did not respond to the Politiblog questions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>John Chaszar</b></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:chaszarj@gmail.com">chaszarj@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He claims to have a Facebook account but I was not able to find it.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He did not respond to the Politiblog questions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve just spent too much time reading and listening to interviews with both of these candidates, and feel somewhat frustrated. I’m feeling sorry for the citizens of Oak Harbor. Ms Armes appears, from stories not available on line, to be a full blown election denier who spends time with fascists, while Mr Chaszar wants to suspend property tax for affordable developments. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Armes comes across in an interview as someone with not a whole lot of information who is trying to fly under the radar until she’s in a position to reveal her currently hidden agenda. She repeats constantly the mantra that she has no specific personal goals but just wants to do what the people want. And who decides what the people want?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Chaszar comes across as someone who is educated (since he is currently employed as a substitute teacher, we hope that is the case). He states his various cases clearly and appears able to think from problem statement to potential approaches to solutions. I’m not sure he understands the economic impact of some of his proposed solutions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Both of them recognize that Oak Harbor’s sewer system is dying and in most desperate need of repair or replacement. Both of them realize that this will cost more arms and legs than all the people in Oak Harbor can provide. They propose somewhat parallel solutions: “Help, big government. Come bail us out.” I’m not sure they quite understand that “big government”, whether the state or the federal government, gets those big bucks by taxing all of us. Ultimately, whether we pay it in local property tax or through federal income tax, we pay for all those public services. As fiscal conservatives they should be ashamed to go begging from the big "socialist" government. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Between the two of them, I think Mr Chaszar is probably more able to see fiscal and political realities when they are laid out before him. It will be for people in and around Oak Harbor to lay out some of those realities, most particularly the relationship between property taxes and provision of public services to new residents. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I hate the “lesser evil” vote, but in this instance, if I voted in Oak Harbor, I would hold my nose and vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>John Chaszar</b></span>. </p></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Oak Harbor School Board</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The League of Women Voters (big shout out to them) will hold a candidate’s night for Oak Harbor positions, including school board positions, October 18, 2023. They’re being way too coy about what time and what zoom link. If I knew, I’d tell you. Keep checking <a href="https://www.lwvwhidbey.org/"><span style="color: #0563c1;">https://www.lwvwhidbey.org/</span></a></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Board, position 2</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Jessica Aws</b>, incumbent</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:aws4ohsd@gmail.com">aws4ohsd@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://aws4ohsd.com/">https://aws4ohsd.com/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She got back to me about the Politiblog </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s been on the school board for 6 years now. In that time I’ve heard nothing but good about her. I like her priorities. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>1. Why are you running for this particular position? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It has been an honor and privilege to serve on the Oak Harbor School Board for the past 6 years. In that time, I have demonstrated my commitment to maintaining and expanding strong partnerships between the district, students, families, the military, and the community. I want to continue this. I believe it is essential to foster an environment where students and families feel safe, welcome and heard. We must continue to elevate student voice, set high standards for academic excellence, and support the mental and emotional well-being of our students.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In addition to serving on the Oak Harbor School Board, I have been the coordinator of the Oak Harbor Youth Coalition, which supports Oak Harbor with community substance use prevention. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br />
I am proud of the ever-expanding opportunities OHSD provides students to prepare them for success after high school, especially our robust CTE programs, phenomenal JROTC program, and rigorous college readiness options. We still have a great deal of work ahead of us, including navigating the long term challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, overseeing the construction of two new elementary schools made possible through an 80% grant through the DoD and efforts of our 10th district legislators to secure matching state funds, and supporting staff and students through necessary budget reductions. I appreciate the trust placed in me by the community over the past six years, and look forward to continuing to serve<br />
for another term.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>2. What do you hope to accomplish in this position? If an incumbent, what have you accomplished?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I hope to continue to oversee our district on the path of success by being actively engaged in policy making, budget oversight and accountability, and representing community interests. I am thrilled to support the district’s efforts towards sustainability and career and technical education, in particular. We are building two new schools through grant funding from the Department of Defense and the state. We have also focused on elevating student voices in a place where it wasn't before, as well as making sure parents, families and staff voices are heard. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><i>3. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? </i>I will continue to work with the rest of the board to hold the administrative team accountable, and ensure that tax dollars are being used appropriately, with student-centered learning the priority in everything we do. We are currently navigating through post-COVID budget reductions, while also<i> </i>embarking on a large strategic planning process, as well as building two new schools through grant funding from the Department of Defense and the state. Each one of those things would be challenging in it’s own right, and balancing all of them while keeping a laser focus on the needs of our students and families will be a heavy lift, but one I am prepared for.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>4. What relevant experience do you have?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As the incumbent in this position, I’ve spent the last six years learning every aspect of this position. With continued support of other board members, I feel that I am in an excellent place to continue this work for the next four years. Additionally, I am a former youth librarian at the Oak Harbor Library and the coordinator of the Oak Harbor Youth Coalition. As part of my job with the youth coalition, once a trimester, I go into the high school and have discussions with students about refusal skills, substance use prevention, peer pressure, and healthy coping skills. I am dedicated to our community’s youth in both my personal and professional life, and spend much of my time interacting with and supporting our students both in school and out of it. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><i>5. What will be your operating philosophy in office? </i>Ensuring that the work of the Board of Directors helps to create and maintain an environment of student success through respect, servant leadership, empathy, support, advocacy, and accountability. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b> </b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 8px;"><i>6. What message would you like to convey to voters? </i>I've been on the school board for six years and feel the parents, students, and staff I've met with and talked to have enriched our community and school district. Every graduation I've attended, every student I've said goodbye to has been sad and yet I feel optimistic about their future and what they gained from Oak Harbor Schools. I still believe, as I did four years ago, that this generation of students can change the world and have a lot to offer our community, state, and country. It is an honor and privilege to help shape the environment that will inspire, support, and educate them from the time they first set foot in kindergarten until they cross the stage at graduation. I would love to continue this work for the next four years, and hope that I have earned your vote and made this community proud. I hope to see you all at future school board meetings. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In response to someone else’s questionnaire, she states the following: I have demonstrated my commitment to maintaining and expanding strong partnerships between the district, students, families, the military, and the community. I believe it is essential to foster an environment where students and families feel safe, welcome and heard. We must continue to elevate student voice, set high standards for academic excellence, and support the mental and emotional well-being of our students. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s been endorsed by State Representative Dave Paul.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Karen Lesetmoe</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:vote4karenl@gmail.com">vote4karenl@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There appears to be no current website or Facebook page</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She did not respond to my Politiblog questions</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What we know about Ms Lesetmoe comes from her run for State Rep against Dave Paul last year. What I found then was a very close connection with screaming MAGA types. I discovered that she had (imp)lied about being an immigrant. She was in fact born in Hawaii to a US Navy dad who later was deployed to the Philippines. Her whole narrative about the poor little immigrant girl who made it big in the wonderful US was a George Santos type story. I find that seriously offensive and believe people who resort to such tactics have no place in public life.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In a League of Women Voters event last year, she responded to a question about student mental health issues by saying that without parental oversight schools might make matters worse. This is code language for the viewpoint of Moms for Liberty – recently dubbed “the Minivan Taliban.” </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While its not a school issue, last year she was anti-abortion but didn’t want to talk about it. She was heavily funded by PACs which were traced back to the fossil fuel industry. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At an AAUW event last year she said Covid was a blessing because it revealed the shortcomings of the public education system, which is failing kids. She did not elaborate and to my knowledge has not done so in this campaign. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In her closing statement at that event she made a rather telling mis-statement. She referred to “one hundred thousand dollars” before correcting herself to say “one hundred thousand people” she would represent. Kinda says it all for me.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, we have a choice between a competent, sympathetic incumbent and a front for the Minivan Taliban. Is that really a choice? If I voted in Oak Harbor I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Jessica Aws</b></span>, and urge all my neighbors to do the same. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Board position 3</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Fred Wilmot</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:frederickwilmot@comcast.net">frederickwilmot@comcast.net</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He ran for school board in 2019. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px;">1. <i>Why are you running for Oak Harbor School Board?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px;">I am concerned that our nation's education system is continuing a downward slide in the world's overall ranking which has been caused primarily by insufficient time devoted to reading (and to a lesser extent, STEM) proficiency. I also want to ensure parental rights and encourage greater parental participation. I have a unique background to reverse this trend, in that I witnessed this while teaching Naval Science in high school classrooms for 18 years, along with coaching varsity football and baseball as a second career. My first career was as a Naval Aviator, having served as a Test Pilot, an Instructor Pilot, Commanding Officer of a Prowler squadron (VAQ-135) and a Program Manager back in Washington, DC, managing a multi-million dollar budget and personnel in the Navy. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> 2. <i>What do you know about the powers and duties of School Board members? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">School Board members hire/supervise the Superintendent, implement the curriculum and manage the school district budget. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>What is the relationship between the School Board and the city?</i><span style="color: red;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The School Board liaises with the city regarding street accesses et al, but represents the District, which encompasses an area larger than the city limits of Oak Harbor. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>What is the relationship between the School Board and NAS Whidbey?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">There is no official relationship between the Board and NAS Whidbey, but the Board should take such action as is necessary to ensure that Navy families' children are welcomed in and out of the Oak Harbor School District seamlessly. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3.<i>What do you hope to accomplish as a School Board member</i>? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I hope to raise the students' proficiency-in-grade percentages (which are currently between 49% and 79% proficient in grade level) to where ALL students are proficient in their grade level. Overall, I hope to enable the education system in Oak Harbor to prepare every student to continue their education in college or to becoming productive members of our society upon graduation. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>How do you use the powers of the School Board to accomplish your goals?</i> <span style="color: red;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Work with the Board and Superintendent to establish policies and manage the school budget to reflect those goals. </p>
<p style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.<i>What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The primary problem is many students not achieving proficiency at their grade level but being socially promoted. More teaching time should be devoted to the "3 R's", especially reading, and if a student needs more time to acquire that proficiency, consideration of holding him/her back to achieve that (rather than lower the standards). </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.<i>What relevant experience do you have? </i><span style="color: red;"><i> </i></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As noted above, the 18 years I devoted to teaching and coaching students in high schools in Las Vegas and in the Department of Defense Dependent Schools overseas. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6.<i>What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Above all else, transparency and addressing problematic areas of concern in a timely manner. I will work with my fellow board members to ensure our students get the best possible education. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.<i>What message would you like to convey to voters?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> I have the experience, practical leadership and desire to bring about necessary modifications to the Oak Harbor School District's curriculum and operating procedures to improve our education system and graduate young men and women ready to make positive contributions to our society </p>
<p style="color: red; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. <i>How will you address the homeless issue as it relates to schools?</i> <span style="color: red;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I will ensure that students coming from homeless families are monitored for health problems, as well as psychological concerns. A recent study indicated that nearly three-fourths of all students (and I would expect that would be especially prevalent in the homeless) expressed depression concerns, which need to be addressed. An adequate number of psychologist counselors need to be added to the school staffs to address this. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">9. <i>How will you address student health and safety?</i><span style="color: red;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I will ensure each school has the appropriate staff (school nurse/counselors) and students are aware that they may seek help from them. I will also ensure each school has an action plan (which would include keeping all access doors except the one opening into the main office locked once the school day starts) to address emergency situations such as an active shooter, et al. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">10. <i>How will you address book bans and free speech in schools?</i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I'm not for "book bans" per se, but schools should make books available on an age-appropriate level. I will ensure that free speech is maintained in schools. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It would appear that Mr Wilmot is now 85 years old. Aside from his age, I have noted in interviews that he wants schools to teach more Christianity and less about other belief systems.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Josh MacLean</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:Joshuaohsb@gmail.com">Joshuaohsb@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He has responded to the Politiblog questions</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The man certainly keeps a low profile. I’m finding nothing on line beyond his Linked In listing and a News Times story on applicants for a vacant school board position this January. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Linked In says he is a materials management analyst at Skagit Valley Hospital</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whidbey News Times reports that he applied for the vacant position in January. He has 5 young children, a set of triplets and a pair of twins, in Oak Harbor schools. “He said communicating about the motives behind decisions is important. He was please to see the bond issue reworked to make it more palatable. He said managing construction of 2 new schools would be a lot of work.”</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">But now we have his responses:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>1. Why are you running for Oak Harbor School Board?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I believe the School Board has a responsibility to represent our students and parents. Good work is being done here, and I believe I can further support our students with the eye of a parent. I am an active participant in teaching my young children, the focus of the school district will be the needs of our individual students when I am elected. The current board has very few members with school age children. I don’t expect that to change much in this election, but I have 5 children in elementary school and would love to have a voice on the board.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>2. What do you know about the powers and duties of School Board members? What is the relationship between the School Board and the city? What is the relationship between the School Board and NAS Whidbey?</i> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> I read a great summary of the school board and how it should be viewed: "The school board does not run the school district, rather, it ensures that the district is well run." This is not to say that the board does not have an active role. They oversee the big picture items in how the district is run, but the day to day is obviously handled by the superintendent. The Superintendent reports to the school board. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The school board and their connection to the City and the military is an interesting question. The school board obviously has a connection to the city administration, but it is loose; Most funding comes from state and federal funding, with a minor remaining from local taxes (11%). If you mean the city as a population, that is a more interesting connection. The population gives their approval to the school district, and funds extra programs and capital projects (buildings) through Levies and Bonds. The Military is a more direct connection, which is counterintuitive, since they provide more direct funding to the district.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>3. What do you hope to accomplish as a School Board member? How do you use the powers of the School Board to accomplish your goals?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Clearly a large part of our time should be focused on ensuring our students can get back to proficiency in the core subjects in the short term. I am also interested in looking at the budget for the district and how money is allocated for the various projects. Those projects are the long term success of our school district and the children we are helping.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate</i>? My family had difficulty with how special needs education was started for our children, I believe this stems from the program not being very well run. I would like to dig into that (I don't have a bone to pick, I think everyone was doing their best). We have a very large population of special needs children in the district (reported as >20% in the most recent board meeting).</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Bullying and depression are problems within our district that I have heard from multiple sources. I don't think we have had a great impact on this so far. I would like to hear more about how this issue is being dealt with. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i> </i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>5.What relevant experience do you have? </i>I am very good at analyzing data and subjectively assessing situations. I have a degree in mathematics and spend my day analyzing data at Skagit Valley Hospital looking at ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i> </i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>6.What will be your operating philosophy in office? </i>The guide for the School District's operation should be on the student, any issue that is not focused on educating students belongs somewhere else. This is a non-partisan office, and I will adhere to that.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>7.What message would you like to convey to voters? </i>We need to work with parents and kids to continue the growth we have seen in reading and math scores, the other subjects are downstream of these fundamentals. I am encouraged that we are ahead of the state average on these scores, but proficiency is still far below what I would wish. I would like to expand programs that have demonstrated their success. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>8. How will you address the homeless issue as it relates to schools</i>? There was a recent report to the school board about how they support homeless students. I was very impressed by the outreach they perform and the administrator in charge of the program was very dedicated to the well being of these distressed students. I would be proud to be a part of this program.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>9. How will you address student health and safety? </i>Depression and bullying are serious problems within the district. It is a difficult issue, but it is vital to the well being and continuing improvement of the children and teenagers in the district. I know the district has a focus on these problems, but I would like to look at these efforts to see what can be done to further help.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><br /></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>10. How will you address book bans and free speech in schools? </i>I am not a fan of book bans. It is obvious that there are books that are not appropriate for certain aged children though. In high school I was reading books that would probably be considered for banning and I believe mature children (ie: teenagers) need access and exposure to more challenging and thought provoking material. It's a big world and their eyes are already open with access to the internet. We should train them to interact with difficult material rather than try to shield them from it.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">By free speech in schools maybe you are referring to the Laramie Project that was rejected as a play at the high school? I was impressed by the students that came to speak to the school board about how they were disappointed in the rejection of the play. The decision to not allow the play should be rooted in similar decisions about other plays the students have wanted to perform. The students’ free speech and their desire to be heard should be respected. I do not know enough to say, or assume, that their rights were not respected. I am speaking more to the general idea of encouraging highly active students as much as possible.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">.<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am very favorably impressed by Mr MacLean’s responses. I can see that he does indeed have analytic skills. That is always useful. He attends school board meetings. A good sign. And he seems to have a good deal of respect for the teachers who are the heart of the schools. I particularly appreciate his nuanced response to the question about book bans and free speech. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This is a pretty straightforward choice. if I voted in Oak Harbor I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Josh MacLean</b></span>. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 4</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Nicole Tesch</b>, incumbent</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:votenicoletesch@outlook.com">votenicoletesch@outlook.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Tesch did not respond to Politiblog questions. </p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-tesch-553143110/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-tesch-553143110/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her Linked In page has some very good things to say:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. Skilled in Research, Public Speaking, Public Relations, Customer Service, and Microsoft Office. Strong community and social services professional with an Associate's degree focused in General Studies from Skagit Valley College.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s been on the school board for about 1.5 years. All reports are that she is doing good work there and people are quite happy with her. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She is co-chair of Citizens for Better Schools, which works to pass those obnoxious but necessary levies. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She has worked for some years as the Executive Assistant to the Oak Harbor City Manager. Having done that kind of work myself, I am very aware that the Executive Assistant is the engine that keeps it all working. I respect people who can do that job well. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">From the School District website: An Oak Harbor native, Tesch is currently employed by Amazon Web Services. Her previous work experience includes many government agencies, such as Anacortes, Oak Harbor, and Island County. These experiences led her to understand how to read and follow Washington Administrative Code (WAC) and <a href="https://apps.leg.wa.gov/rcw/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">Revised Code of Washington (RCW)</span></a>.<br />
Tesch has five children, four of which are in Oak Harbor Schools, three attending Broad View Elementary, and one at Oak Harbor Intermediate. A staple in the community, Tesch has been highly involved in several groups, like the PTA, managed the Whidbey Island Marathon, and assisted in the effort to fund the pavilion and west kitchen at Windjammer Park. She was also the co-chair of the Citizens for Better Schools Campaign, which led the successful effort to pass the district’s levy in 2021. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">"I have a strong track record of placing students first and will work tirelessly on behalf of our community to ensure the quality education in Oak Harbor Public Schools continues.” </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her Voters’ Pamphlet statement says that she wrote the grant applications which resulted in nearly $30 million to rebuild two schools. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s been endorsed by State Representative Dave Paul.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Everything I’ve seen and heard about Ms Tesch is positive. That’s pretty impressive.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Jessica Thompson</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:jessicabork79@gmail.com">jessicabork79@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kristin-thompson-48ab07221/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-kristin-thompson-48ab07221/</a></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Of course she did not respond to the Politiblog questions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She describes herself as “Operations Manager at Blockchain Mining Pool.” Since I had no clue what that was, I looked it up. Remember Bitcoin? Well, it involves extremely expensive ($30k - $70k) computers and very large electric bills. If you’re lucky, it generates a bitcoin, which I’m told is running around $28k these days. If you’re not so lucky, you’re out a lot of bucks. So people pool their time, electricity, and computers. Evidently Ms Thompson manages one of these pools. If you’ve been tracking the Sam Bankman-Fried trial, this is the down-home version. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Thompson is a local leader of the “Minivan Taliban”. She has led demonstrations and shouting matches at Oak Harbor School Board meetings. She has presented to the Board about her opposition to any green technologies and instead focusing on “the basics.” She worries about “perversion, CRT, and indoctrination.” (that translates to gay, black, and history). The purport of the letter she read to the Board was to ask that Washington Schools withdraw from the national association because it was imposing “wokeness” on local boards. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She wrote an op-ed for the Whidbey News-Times objecting to the bond issue early this year because she said it didn’t give people the option to approve only one school instead of both. The incumbent against whom she is running could have explained it to her. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She ran for School Board in 2021, having disrupted two School Board meetings by refusing to mask. </p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068398654707&eav=AfYWrlsskGtOiDEPeL-oR69nYaGpEZi_L0deDlXU7MrZp19YhxdCYNhaZ6Z4okeom6U&paipv=0&_rdr">https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068398654707&eav=AfYWrlsskGtOiDEPeL-oR69nYaGpEZi_L0deDlXU7MrZp19YhxdCYNhaZ6Z4okeom6U&paipv=0&_rdr</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Here is what I wrote back in 2021:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Speaking as an English teacher, it is not a good look when you’re running for School Board and you mis-spell the word Director on your front page. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her agenda:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. I will advocate to remove Covid restrictions placed on our children.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. I will stop the vaccine clinics from coming to our schools.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. I will say NO to Comprehensive Sexual Education Curriculum.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4. I will push back against the teaching of Critical Race Theory.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She believes schools should teach “the fundamentals” (reading, writing, ‘rithmetic), vocational skills, phys ed, and less politics. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She home-schools her children. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She told the school board (about the mask mandate) “your motives are obvious, disgusting, and worthy of all public rebuke.”</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She co-authored a right-wing alarmist letter about "teaching socialism & black lives matter, anti-covid measures, etc." Her website is the classic mix of anti-vax, anti-sex ed, anti just about everything. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A post on her Facebook page claims the schools are enforcing mask mandates because they have received $10 million to do so. It got more toxic from there so I quit reading.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">.<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Bottom line: Incumbent Nicole Tesch has been doing great work for the School District and for the community. Jessica Thompson has been endangering the health of the community, disrupting the work of the School Board, misunderstanding school finances, and making education all that much more difficult. Not a hard choice, eh? If I voted in Oak Harbor I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Nicole Tesch</b></span>. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 5</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Will Smith</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:wsmith4ohsb@gmail.com">wsmith4ohsb@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Director of technology, Coupeville School District</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Voter Interests interview (sorry, the link was too long)</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He did not respond to Politiblog questions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please tell us why you have chosen to run. Please include your GOALS, VALUES or pertinent information that will help inform voters. </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I have chosen to run for the Oak Harbor School Board because I am deeply committed to the education and well-being of our students. My primary goal will be to ensure that every student receives a high-quality education in a safe and inclusive environment. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">One of my core values is the belief that every student deserves an equal opportunity to succeed. It is essential that we foster a supportive atmosphere where all students feel valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Transparency and accountability are crucial to building trust within our community. I will advocate for open communication channels between the school board, parents, teachers, and students. I believe in being responsive to the concerns and feedback of all stakeholders and ensuring that decision-making processes are transparent and accessible to the public. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Honesty and integrity will guide my actions as a board member. I will prioritize making well- informed decisions based on evidence, research, and the best interests of our students. I will seek input from experts, educators, and community members to make informed choices that support our district's mission and vision. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to a school district that prepares students for success in a rapidly changing world. I will support initiatives that foster innovation, critical thinking, and the development of essential skills. By working collaboratively and embracing the diversity of our community, we can provide our students with a strong foundation for lifelong learning. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><i></i><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job?</i><b> </b> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> If elected, I anticipate that the hardest part of the job will be ensuring that every decision we make benefits all students. It is a complex task to consider the diverse needs, backgrounds, and aspirations of every student in our district. Balancing competing priorities, addressing achievement gaps, and promoting equity require careful analysis and thoughtful decision- making. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">To overcome this challenge, I will actively seek input from students, parents, teachers, and community members. I will engage in open dialogue, listen attentively, and consider various perspectives to make informed choices. Collaboration with stakeholders and experts will be essential in finding innovative solutions that prioritize the well-being and success of all students. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I am committed to upholding the principle of educational equity, ensuring that every student has equal access to resources, opportunities, and support. By keeping an unwavering focus on our students' best interests, I am confident we can navigate the complexities and challenges ahead and make decisions that positively impact every learner in our district. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Glenda Merwine, a former director of the Coupeville School Board, is an individual whom I particularly respect and admire. Over the course of five years, I had the privilege of knowing Glenda both professionally and personally, and I can attest to her unwavering dedication to putting students first. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Glenda's genuine care and compassion for the well-being of students were evident in every decision she made. She consistently prioritized the needs of students, advocating passionately on their behalf and working tirelessly to ensure they had access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their success. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">What truly sets Glenda apart is her ability to connect with students on a profound level. She not only listened to their concerns and challenges, but she also actively sought solutions and implemented strategies to address them. Glenda's tireless efforts in creating a safe and inclusive learning environment fostered a sense of belonging and empowerment among students, inspiring them to thrive academically and personally. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Beyond her professional accomplishments, Glenda is a dear friend and role model to me. Her integrity, humility, and unwavering commitment to education have left an indelible impression. She embodies the qualities of a true leader, someone who leads by example and uplifts those around her. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Glenda Merwine's impact on the Coupeville School Board and the lives of countless students cannot be overstated. Her selflessness, caring nature, and dedication to educational excellence make her a remarkable individual and a source of inspiration for all. It is an honor to know her and witness firsthand the positive influence she has had on her schools and community. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I am committed to representing all students, schools, staff, parents, and community members in a nonpartisan manner if elected. I firmly believe that education is a bipartisan issue that transcends political affiliations. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">As a nonpartisan representative, my primary focus will be on the well-being and success of every student, irrespective of their political beliefs or backgrounds. I am dedicated to promoting educational equity, fostering an inclusive and safe learning environment, and ensuring that all students have access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I believe in engaging in open dialogue and collaboration with individuals from diverse perspectives to make informed decisions that benefit our community as a whole. By transcending political divisions and focusing on the shared goal of providing an exceptional education for all, we can work together to create positive change. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I am committed to upholding the principles of fairness, integrity, and transparency in my role as an elected official, and I will prioritize the needs and concerns of the entire community. My aim is to foster unity and create an educational system that serves the best interests of every student and prepares them for a successful future. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Thank you for considering me as a candidate, and I look forward to the opportunity to represent and serve all constituents, regardless of political affiliation, if elected. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">In response to the following questions:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>1. Elected officials are employees of the people.</i> I wholeheartedly support the belief that elected officials are employees of the people, particularly in the context of school board candidates. When individuals are elected to serve on a school board, they assume a crucial role as representatives and advocates for the community they serve. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">School board members are entrusted with the responsibility of making decisions that impact the education and well-being of students. They are accountable to the community, and their primary duty is to act in the best interests of the students, parents, teachers, and other stakeholders. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">By considering elected officials as employees of the people, we emphasize the importance of their role in serving the needs and priorities of the community. Like any employee, they are expected to be responsive, transparent, and accountable in their actions and decision-making processes. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Recognizing elected officials as employees of the people reinforces the principle of public service. It reminds us that those who hold these positions are not above the community they represent but rather are servants of the public interest. This perspective encourages open communication, collaboration, and active engagement between elected officials and the constituents they serve. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">School board candidates who embrace this belief demonstrate their commitment to being accessible, listening to the concerns and feedback of the community, and making decisions that align with the best interests of the students and the overall educational goals. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Ultimately, viewing elected officials as employees of the people fosters a sense of shared responsibility and empowers the community to actively participate in shaping the educational landscape. It is through this collaborative approach that we can work together to create schools that provide the best possible opportunities for every student's success<i> </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>2. Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse points of view on current and historical issues. </i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">As a proud veteran and firm believer in the principles enshrined in the First Amendment, I stand against limiting books and censorship. I strongly believe that individuals should have the freedom to access a diverse range of ideas, perspectives, and narratives, regardless of their popularity or controversy. The First Amendment guarantees our right to free speech and expression, and it is through open dialogue and exposure to different viewpoints that we can foster critical thinking and a better understanding of the world. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">However, I also recognize the vital role of parents in guiding and shaping the education of their children. Parents should have the right to determine what is age-appropriate for their own students. It is essential to respect the values and beliefs of families when it comes to selecting reading material for their children. Collaboration between educators, parents, and students is crucial to ensure a balanced approach that respects individual rights and parental involvement in the educational process. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">By promoting open-mindedness, respect for diverse opinions, and responsible decision-making, we can create an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment for our students. Instead of limiting books, let us focus on fostering a culture of critical thinking, providing students with the tools to analyze and evaluate different ideas, and engaging in constructive dialogue when conflicts arise. This way, we can honor our veterans' sacrifices, uphold the principles of the First Amendment, and empower parents to make informed choices while preparing our students for the challenges of a diverse and ever-changing world. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><i></i><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens. </i> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">A free, universal public education system serves as the backbone of our democracy, nurturing the values and skills necessary for a vibrant society. It is designed to develop lifelong learners who possess critical thinking abilities, innovative problem-solving skills, and a deep sense of civic engagement. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">By providing education to all, regardless of socio-economic background, a universal public education system ensures equal opportunities for every child to unlock their full potential. It empowers individuals to think critically, analyze information, and make informed decisions, fostering an active and informed society. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Therefore, we must champion and invest in a free, universal public education system as it not only shapes individuals but also strengthens the very foundation of our society. By prioritizing critical thinking, innovation, and civic engagement, we ensure that future generations are prepared to navigate the complexities of our world and contribute positively to its progress. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i> 6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><i></i><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Re:Statements 4-7<i>: </i>As a nonpartisan candidate for the Oak Harbor School Board Director position, I believe in focusing on the core responsibilities and priorities that directly impact our students, staff, families, and community. Therefore, I choose not to answer statements 4-7 as they do not pertain to the specific role of a school board director. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">My commitment is to represent and serve all constituents, regardless of their political affiliation. I firmly believe that education should be a unifying force that transcends partisan divisions. Our students' success and well-being should be our top priority, and I am dedicated to ensuring they receive the best possible education and opportunities for growth. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I will approach decision-making with fairness, integrity, and transparency, valuing the input and concerns of all stakeholders. It is crucial to foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are heard and respected. By actively engaging with the community, I will work to understand and address the needs and aspirations of our students, staff, families, and community members. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">My focus is on supporting educational excellence, promoting equity, and advocating for the best interests of every student. I am committed to building bridges and fostering unity in pursuit of our shared goal: providing a high-quality education that prepares our students for a bright and successful future. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Sharon Jensen,</b> incumbent</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:sjensen1195@gmail.com">sjensen1195@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She did not respond to the Politiblog questions</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I could find no on line presence. I did find that she teaches in a church group and is a Republican functionary. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From the School District website: Jensen is a finance and human resources manager for CONE Architecture. She has a bachelor’s degree in business from the University of Washington and nearly 20 years of experience in accounting, budgeting, and hiring. <br />
<br />
Jensen has always considered herself a strong proponent of public education. She is the parent of four adult daughters who attended Oak Harbor schools. As a stay-at-home parent for 15 years, she actively participated in PTA and volunteered in leadership roles with after-school activities, clubs, and fundraisers. She also has extensive experience with mentoring and coaching youth of all ages.<br />
<br />
“I am committed to working together with my colleagues on the board, and the administration, to serve students, parents, teachers, and the public to the fullest extent. I promise to be open-minded and well-informed on all sides of issues prior to casting a vote and, with a listening ear, will always welcome comments from the public.”</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From a post to Voter Interests Project: </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The core principles of a school board, as documented by the WA State School District Association (WSSDA) is below. Please see page one (pdf pg 3 of 20) of this <a href="https://wssda.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/WashingtonSchoolBoardStandards.pdf%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">link</span></a>. Additionally these correlate directly with the OHPS School Board policy 1005 – “Key Functions of the Board” (which can be found <a href="https://www.ohsd.net/6050_3%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0563c1;">here</span></a> on the OHSD website). My priority would be to fulfill the role of a school board director to the best of my ability.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Five core principles</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The School Board Standards comprise five core principles:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Responsible school district governance</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. Communication of and commitment to high expectations for student learning</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Creating conditions district-wide for student and staff success</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4. Holding the district accountable for student learning</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5. Engagement of the community in education</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I originally applied for the vacancy created by Director Mann’s move out of the district because I was concerned about the divisive rhetoric within education (as seen on TV) and our family had an overall favorable experience within both the OH and Shoreline school districts. I still believe in the importance of a strong public educational system and thought I could bring an open mind to the position and willingness to collaborate with the board as to policy updates and evaluation of the administration. Additionally, my business and accounting background allows me to more fully understand the budget, which the board approves annually.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">All this said, much has changed since my girls graduated (most recently from HS in 2016) and within the culture. There is much to learn and be sensitive to. I am wanting to keep learning and strive toward protecting parents’ rights while at the same time, honoring and respecting the students. First and foremost, I would like to see our academics continue to improve and the behavior issues decrease.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">We have a wonderful opportunity to continue to promote strong academics and seek to find solutions that are most favorable to the highest majority. The schools are an extremely important part of a child’s education, but family and other institutions and avenues play an integral part as well. My hope is that the School Board experience that I’ve gained since January will position me to continue to be an inquisitive voice of reason, and a team player as we strive to work as #oneOakHarbor on behalf of students and families.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">.<span> <span> .<span> <span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .<span> <span> .</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is a tough one. I could find out very little about either of these people. One is an incumbent and appears to be doing a reasonable job. The other does tech work for another school district. I am put off by Ms Jensen’s teaching church classes and wondering how closely that is related to her statements about parents being the prime educators – which nowadays translates to all manner of irrationalities. I am by no means accusing Ms Jensen of any such thing, but it does make me nervous. And then there is Mr Smith, who has not yet learned that “brevity is the soul of wit.” I am put off by his unwillingness to answer questions not immediately related to running a school district but still indicative of general world view. Makes me wonder if he’s got something to hide or if he’s just being very principled. I did listen to a half hour interview and find that his writing and speech are quite similar: wordy but well intentioned.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Based on a lack of information and gut feeling, if I voted in Oak Harbor I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Will Smith</b></span>.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Coupeville School District</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Only one of the candidates responded to the Politiblog questions. I feel slighted. Sniff.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All of the candidates say all of the very general right things in the Voters’ Pamphlet. Doesn’t give any insight into who they are or how they operate. So I have to dig a bit deeper.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>position 1</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Leann Leavitt </b> <span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">leavitts4@yahoo.com </span></span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/leann.mastersleavitt?locale=es_LA"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/leann.mastersleavitt?locale=es_LA</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, at least I found her Facebook page. Aside from part of it being in Spanish, the focus appears to be on fundraising events for school athletics. Not a bad thing. She appears to have been involved in PTA, Girl Scouts, and probably a lot of other extracurricular activities, but I’m not finding much of anything on line. She expresses a wish to participate in decision making, but I’m not seeing any meat there. I’d like to see what she knows of how the district operates, what its budget is and how its allocated, what the problems are and how they might be addressed. Not seeing anything like that. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Charles Merwine</b> <span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">merwinecampaign@gmail.com </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No serious internet presence.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Merwine comes by his familiarity with the job by way of his wife Glenda, who was on the board for years and was evidently loved and admired by all. She fell ill and resigned. He was motivated to join the board. By all accounts he is doing a good job. He has been a longtime board member of Community Foundation for Coupeville Public Schools, which raises funds for the schools. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Please tell us why you have chosen to run. Please include your GOALS, VALUES or pertinent information that will help inform voters. </i> I believe public schools are important to maintaining our democracy and it is important to allow the educational professionals the freedom to promote critical thinking and social norms of tolerance and compassion. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">School boards have an important role in making sure schools are a place that inspires all staff and students to be the best that they can be. The students of today live in a different world than when I was in school. We must adapt to that world and prepare students to navigate that world. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am familiar with schools and the challenges they face and the reality of the world they live in. Too often people run for school boards with an unrealistic view of what schools can do and end up being a negative and disruptive influence. I am basically running to not be that. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job? </i>There are two particularly hard parts of the job: <i> </i>1. Hiring and firing of Superintendents. School boards don’t run districts, Superintendents and staff run districts. Making the correct choice for a Superintendent is vital. Realizing you made a mistake can be vital also. [This isn’t about Coupeville, just a generalization about the tasks of boards.] </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Deciding what gets funded. Schools don’t get to decide how much money they get to work with, they just get to divvy it up. There is only one pie and slicing it up always involves compromise and decisions that will make some people unhappy. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why? </i>I particularly respect Dave Paul because he is always working hard to help people and create a better society for all. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He agreed strongly with all of the following statements:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1. Elected officials are employees of the people. </i> Elected officials are employees of the people, but sometimes to be a good employee you must tell your boss they are wrong. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>2. Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse points of view on current and historical issues.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. </i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. </i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy.</i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process. </i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given the answers to the questions above, and the knowledge that Mr Merwine has been on the board and doing the work, if I voted in Coupeville I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Charles Merwine</b></span>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>position 4</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Alison Perera</b>, incumbent https://alisonperera.wixsite.com/schoolboard </span></p><p style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Alison-Perera-for-School-Board/100092651322315/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/people/Alison-Perera-for-School-Board/100092651322315/<span style="color: blue;"></span></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She responded to the Politiblog questions. Yay for her!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1. Why are you running for Coupeville School Board?</i><br />
I applied for the open position on the board last winter because after more than 10 years of working with various organizations to support the education and wellbeing of Coupeville kids, and several years of learning all I could about our school board operations, I thought I had skills and perspective to contribute to the school board team. I’m running for a full term now because so far, it’s definitely been a worthwhile experience and I feel like I’m making a positive difference for our kids!<br />
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2. What do you know about the powers and duties of School Board members? What is the relationship between the School Board and the town? What is the relationship between the School Board and NAS Whidbey?</i><br />
Six months in, I feel like I know a good bit about the job (but I’m also always learning.) I am committed to showing up informed and engaged to board meetings, committee meetings, and school events. I am committed to my own continuous improvement and professional development around educational practice and school systems, so I can better understand the initiatives brought by our staff and how a well-functioning district ought to work. And I am committed to doing my part to be part of a board team that listens to and respects each other and the ideas and strengths we each bring to the table. The powers of the school board are limited to the actions we take as a whole body, which means that our ability to work productively together is fundamental to our ability to move our district forward.<br />
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The District works with the Town of Coupeville on matters where their spheres of influence meet, like traffic patterns at the Elementary School, or the construction projects near the High School. But I would love to see the school board cultivate that relationship more by sending a board representative to Town Council meetings occasionally.<br />
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The School Board does not often work directly with NAS Whidbey, but we appreciate the Navy’s support for our military-affiliated students, such as through the military support liaison they provide, and the federal Impact Aid dollars that we are eligible for.<br />
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3.What do you hope to accomplish as a School Board member? How do you use the powers of the School Board to accomplish your goals?</i><br />
If elected for a full term of service, I hope to be able to look back after those four years at a District that works well for everyone it touches, and to have that success shown through specific, targeted improvements with measured data points. I’m particularly hoping for outcomes relating to student educational success – improvement and growth for every student, from every background and educational need. I think that the role of Director is well-positioned to accomplish this through strategic direction (adopting and improving the district Strategic Plan, which I was proud to have a hand in developing), and through demonstrating collaborative relationships and continuous improvement. If we as a board are always listening to each other and always learning about how to get better, it’s easier for us to be a part of a system of professional educators and staff who do the same.<br />
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4. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</i><br />
I notice a tendency in our district for people to stay quiet about the challenges being faced, until they grow too big to ignore. I also notice a tendency to adopt an “us vs. them” mindset, assuming that others will be unwilling or unable to change in the face of evidence. And I sometimes notice an attitude that we can’t control the demographics of the students who arrive in our district, so we need not feel like it’s our responsibility to expect high levels of achievement for all students. But the truth is there’s no problem we need to hide from as long as we’re willing to face it together, there’s no student whose background keeps them from achieving at high levels if we identify and provide the supports they need, and there’s no one person who has all the answers – so if any of us has a better idea, they should speak up and expect to be heard. I hope that being relentlessly transparent and accountable and cohesive as a school board team will help to cultivate that shift in mindset for our district.<br />
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5.What relevant experience do you have?</i><br />
My years of service in Coupeville organizations like the CES PTA, Central Whidbey Soccer Club, and Coupeville Farm to School have helped me to understand how to work as part of a group to accomplish a mission for the good of others, and how different parts of our community interact with our district. Coaching robotics in the Middle School has helped me learn to identify and clarify a problem before trying to find a solution; plus, working directly with students has shown me just how important, powerful, and difficult the job of the teachers and staff can be!<br />
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6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i><br />
I think my operating philosophy is pretty well summed up by the Coupeville School District Core Values: Students First, Transparency, Accountability, Sense of Belonging, and Educational Equity. Every student should feel like they are the priority of the district, and should receive the resources and supports they need in an environment where they feel secure and welcome. And the community should be able to count on the district leadership – including the school board – to take ownership of the decisions they make, with as much openness and integrity as possible.<br />
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7. What message would you like to convey to voters?</i><br />
I think that everyone who runs for school board does so because they have the best interests of the students in mind, believe in fiscal responsibility, and want to make a positive difference. I’m no exception! But beyond that, I believe that I am the right choice for this role right now, because I am well-prepared with a clear idea of the way to accomplish those improvements. I am poised and ready to keep working with this board team to support the initiatives in the strategic plan that I have helped develop since 2019, and to pave the way to accomplishing our strategic goals as a board and as a district.<br />
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8. How will you address the homeless issue as it relates to schools?</i><br />
I am proud of the district’s efforts to support, lift up, and include students experiencing homelessness or inconsistent housing – a designation that applies to about 10% of our student body. Our student support coordinator and the funding she secures help us to provide a huge range of resources that help all our students, including those experiencing homelessness, to access their education. I’m also grateful for and proud of the Open Den youth re-engagement high school, which is going into its tenth year of changing lives for youth aged 16-21. They do this by giving students the opportunity to continue their progress toward a high school diploma, while also having access to “wrap-around” services like social work, job connections, and even food and clothing as needed. Our board legislative representative is actively advocating with the state to help expand access to these resources, and I look forward to lending my voice to those efforts, too.<br />
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9. How will you address student health and safety, including noise impacts?</i><br />
Issues affecting our student’s health and safety at school include mental health, physical safety (including everything from earthquake readiness to securing the campuses against intruders), disease prevention, bullying, health education. In keeping with our district Pillar of Promoting Student & Staff Well-Being, I look forward to continuing to hear reports and progress on district initiatives around suicide prevention, social/emotional learning, partnerships with local public safety, changing school start times, and more. In particular, I would love to encourage more community participation in the district Wellness Committee, so that new ideas can be formulated, prioritized, and brought forward to the board for consideration and inclusion in policy.<br />
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10. How will you address book bans and free speech in schools?</i><br />
Free speech is an important right, and school should be a safe place for students to learn to express themselves. But there sometimes comes a time when one person’s right to free expression bumps up against another person’s right to a safe and inclusive educational environment. So fair rules need to be enacted and enforced, in order to maintain that sense of belonging that Coupeville Schools holds as one of its core values. That said, I think that CSD’s current policies for student expression are clear and fair. We also have made great strides this year in our textbook adoption (instructional materials) process, something I’ve seen first-hand as an Instructional Materials Committee member since last October. By following CSD policy and procedure, our committee chooses high-quality materials that support excellent education and evidence-based practice. Our policy and procedure also ensure that we are evaluating materials based on whether they represent and reinforce the needs and experiences of a diverse student body. Our professional teaching staff, community members, and board members all have roles to play in selecting, reviewing, and approving the materials we use in our classrooms, and I look forward to continuing to be part of that process.</span></p><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">David Ford </span> </b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><a href="mailto:ford4board@gmail.com"><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">ford4board@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voterinterests.com/elections/coupeville-perera-ford-vie-for-school-board-wnt/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voterinterests.com/elections/coupeville-perera-ford-vie-for-school-board-wnt/<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He did not respond to the Politiblog questions</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For a software engineer he sure has a low (like no) on-line presence.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ex-Navy, Boeing software engineer, youth sports coach. His Voters Pamphlet statement implies that there is something broken in the Coupeville School District and that he will “jump in and get (your) hands dirty.” You can read it for yourself. It sounds kind of boiler-plate. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s a post about him starting a Wednesday and Saturday running club. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His responses to Voter Interests say that his Navy and Boeing career make him an ideal School Board member. Really? The rest of his responses are the same boilerplate I’ve had to read from the dozen or more school board candidates in various districts. Come on, folks, say something original. What I have heard, from sources I trust, is that he tends to be argumentative and hard to deal with. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, we’ve got a very thoughtful incumbent and an argumentative Boeing software engineer. Not even close. If I voted in Coupeville I would vote for <b><span style="color: red;">Alison Perera</span></b>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Whidbey Health Board of Directors</b></span><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: 400;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Mostly we think of this as a narrow and specialized field. And much of it is. But it has some serious ramifications for those of us who live here and make use of Whidbey Health. You may be aware that Providence has been “affiliating with” Swedish and Virginia Mason, among others. So what does that matter? Well, Providence is run by The Sisters of Providence, a Catholic order. As we know, they have some strong opinions about women’s bodies and what women should be allowed to do with them. It seems that their ‘affiliation’ has caused Swedish and Virginia Mason to rethink their policies about what services they will provide to women. All of that led me to think about what might happen if people with certain religious opinions were to become the majority on the Whidbey Health board. That is actually an issue this time around. Read on. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Board position 1</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Morgan Cooper</b>, incumbent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:cooper4whcommissioner@gmail.com" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">cooper4whcommissioner@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091746618676&locale=hi_IN&paipv=0&eav=AfZCLEaCbN1RyuU1jADL2vuqrseEfxibRukrL46nHVqCCvf2cxbjmGN0PaijIpAms8Q" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091746618676&locale=hi_IN&paipv=0&eav=AfZCLEaCbN1RyuU1jADL2vuqrseEfxibRukrL46nHVqCCvf2cxbjmGN0PaijIpAms8Q</a></span></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">She says her candidacy is self financed<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">She responded to the Politiblog questions</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>1. Why are you running for WhidbeyHealth Board?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• I was appointed to the Board on February 1<sup>st</sup>, 2023 to fill the remaining seat time of Grethe Cammermeyer.<span> </span>I am running to retain my seat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i> 2. What do you know about the powers and duties of the Board? How does the Board accomplish its work?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• As with all public servant board members, it is my duty to serve fairly while representing the community as a whole. The WhidbeyHealth Board of Commissioners has one employee, and that is the CEO of the Hospital.<span> </span>It is important to hold the bar for administrative transparency, hospital activity, finances, and services.<span> </span>Each Board member must be accountable while seeking the best outcomes for our publicly owned and financially supported hospital.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>3.What do you hope to accomplish on the Board? </i><o:p></o:p></span><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">If an incumbent, what have you accomplished? </i><i style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• My hope is to bring new eyes and a community-driven mindset, backed by prior hospital marketing and clinic administration experience.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">• We, as a community, found our hospital in a pretty unhealthy state this past year.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">It was barely able to build a foundation of health that could serve our community.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Due to poor management (Former CEO), the hospital was within days of closing with barely 3 days cash on hand.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Employees felt unappreciated and worried about their jobs, and there were strong internal battles going on. There is no easy “pet” answer, because it is multi-leveled, but I can assure you that the board is working hard to see important changes are made.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Leadership had to change, vision had to be established, and finances and billing had to be addressed in order to move forward.</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">The culture and work conditions are being addressed so that a healthy workplace can be fostered. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><span> </span>• The power of the seat is holding the bar high, and being accountable to the seat, which is a privilege I do not take lightly.<span> </span>The seat isn’t to “accomplish my goals” but to move our critical care hospital to a place of health and a place where services important to our community of all ages are addressed and offered.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• I have been seated since February 1<sup>st</sup> so I am still processing, but from day one I have been engaged in the finance committee, I attend the provider meetings so I can hear real-time concerns and watch the team-building aspects that are going on.<span> </span>It honestly is a beautiful thing to see providers rolling up their sleeves and engaging in ways to improve services.<span> </span>I am also sitting on the board for the quality improvement team where outcomes are being measured along with accountability.<span> </span>There is a distinct effort being made at all levels of care and function.<span> </span>Recruitment is happening and we are now seeing individuals who once worked off Island at Skagit or Providence, now choosing to work locally at WhidbeyHealth. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• I am currently working on a few things that I believe are important and one is how our hospital “touches’ the community.<span> </span>Many communities have a “vial-of-life” program utilized by the first responders, but it is often a program that is poorly funded.<span> </span>Critical moments count and this program provides access to information first responders need in those life-saving moments. I have experience in growing and promoting this type of community program and would like to further develop it for our communities. The community experience has not been favorable and I believe that is one of our steepest challenges, while it is already correcting itself due to the foundational changes that are taking place. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• We recently held the WhidbeyHealth’s Rural Health public forum and we had both the Navy and the Program Coordinator for the Whidbey Veterans share their challenges.<span> </span>It’s a lot to unpack here, but I do feel it is important to mention that the payor mix (insurance coverage) is primarily Tricare, Medicare, and Medicaid.<span> </span>All three pay pennies on the dollar for services rendered at the hospital and that places a burden on our services.<span> </span>Larger hospitals have a bigger pool of population to draw resources from, especially with commercial insurance which pays more realistically what services are billed at.<span> </span>There have already been some fruitful conversations with our legislators and we will continue to advocate for help in our community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• Mental health and behavioral health needs are increasing in all communities and Whidbey Island is no different.<span> </span>We recently received a sizeable grant that allowed us to hire a full-time provider and she is already booked out beyond the end of this year. We have a new behavioral health provider coming on in November as well.<span> </span>We still need to recruit additional providers and seek additional funding opportunities to ensure that our community members can receive the care they need close to home.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>4. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-font-kerning: 0pt; text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman"; line-height: normal;">• </span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Please see above. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>5.What relevant experience do you have? </i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• I have over 18 years of hospital marketing and representing specialty services like cardiology, orthopedics, specialty radiology, bariatrics, behavioral health and clinic administration experience in weight loss, bariatrics, and plastic and reconstructive surgery for cancer patients. Our clinic at Swedish was one of the first to launch EPIC and we spent a year and a half fine-tuning billing and documentation to support those services, measuring staff needs, and growing support services.<span> </span>I believe my ability to establish processes and staffing while managing care patterns is a plus for the board as I am the only one currently with this skill set. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>6. What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• To be a strong voice for our community and build a stronger community connection. To lead by example and with care for the entire community.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>7. What message would you like to convey to voters?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">• I have lived on Whidbey Island since 1973 with the exception of 12 years, and I want to serve my community in a way that and through an avenue that I know and love.<span> </span>This board seat is not a paid position and I think a lot of people don’t know that as I get that question pretty regularly.<span> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Wingdings;"><span>J</span></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span> </span>I am at a place in my life where my children are grown and I want to give back.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>8. How will you address Covid safety?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• Covid safety is well established at WhidbeyHealth and we will continue to practice safety measures for staff and patients alike. Much of this is guided by the state and OSHA and we will continue to put safety first. WhidbeyHealth was recognized by the state as one of the top hospitals in Washington for staff responsiveness.<span> </span>These are based on HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems).<span> </span>This data was collected during October 21 – September 22, while we were still dealing with COVID. It should also be noted that the hospital continued its excellence regarding infection prevention and best practices and has been free of any surgical site infections for over a year.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>9. How will you address PFAS contamination of Coupeville’s water?</i><span><i> </i> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• To be honest this isn’t just a problem in Coupeville but island-wide.<span> </span>I have a close friend who does ecological water systems on Orcas and he has shared some of the concerns we are and will be facing.<span> </span>I do not feel that the board has a say in the matter specifically unless it is brought forward as a health risk which we deal with as a public health issue or at the hospital level.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>10. How will you address financial solvency?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• Continue to be watchful, make sure billing and appropriate coding is being followed, and that our new CFO is providing the board with timely reports.<span> </span>We went years without a financial statement and since adding the new CFO (and while he worked as interim), we have monthly financial reports that make sense and have value.<span> </span>These reports are shared monthly in the public Board Meeting. Additionally, reviewing and providing billable services that give WhdibeyHealth a “leg up” in meeting the needs of the community.<span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><i>11. How will you address staff turnover?</i><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt 0.25in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">• Changing leadership, culture, and pay are already well into the process.<span> </span>In order to have quality employees and to build retention, all people must feel valued, and appreciated, and understand the goal of the organization they work for.<span> </span>That is true for any business. I believe we have a clear focus there now.<span> </span>As I mentioned above, individuals who once chose to drive hours off the island to work are now choosing to work at WhidbeyHealth.<span> </span>This, along with leadership will empower the positive change that is now taking place.<span> </span>Foundational aspects cannot be overlooked because eventually, it affects the rest of the structure.<span> </span>Employees are a key and essential part of WhidbeyHealth and the board recognizes this.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br />Neighbors have reported that Morgan Cooper’s house sported yard signs for all 3 “Minivan Taliban” MAGA School Board candidates in 2019. I am now informed that one of those 3 candidates was in fact her daughter. She also objected to something in the Politiblog, calling it “misinterpretation.” Now we have a report, with video, of her enthusiastic attendance at a MAGA skit at the Deer Lagoon Grange Hall. She proudly reports the placement of her yard sign on public property, a violation of election law. Her personal Facebook page features the statement “Love God, family, and country.” <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">Marion Jouas</span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 400;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:marion4ourhealthcare@gmail.com" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">marion4ourhealthcare@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.marion4ourhealthcare.com/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.marion4ourhealthcare.com/</a></span></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="font-family: times;">She responded to the Politiblog questions</span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1. Why are you running for WhidbeyHealth Board?</i><br />I’ve been a health care professional for over 40 years, a resident of Whidbey Island since 2015, and President of WhidbeyHealth Foundation for the last three years. I’m running to ensure that all of us who call Whidbey Island home have access to quality health care, to bring my experience to the board, and to ensure that it fulfills its financial and other oversight responsibilities. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>2. What do you know about the powers and duties of the Board? How does the Board accomplish its work?</i><br />The board’s duties include financial oversight of the hospital, planning for the future, real estate purchases or sales that impact the hospital district, and the hiring of the hospital CEO. I’ve viewed many meetings of our Public Hospital District Commissioners, whose powers are addressed by the Revised Code of Washington, and observed how they accomplish their work through discussion, questioning, and consensus building. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>3. What do you hope to accomplish on the Board?</i><br />The board does not currently have a healthcare professional among the commissioners. I want to add my years of experience to their expertise, discussions, and decisions. I will be a commissioner that listens to the public’s concerns, and at the same time, tells the story of WhidbeyHealth to the community, about the great healthcare professionals who work at our hospital, their achievements, and the outstanding care they provide.<br /></span><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><i>- How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals? </i></span><span>While the legal “power of this office” is the shared duty to hire the hospital’s Chief Executive Officer and provide oversight of their administration, the most important power of any commissioner is the ability to be part of a team, to form consensus among the board members, and to make decisions that better our hospital and the care it provides. That responsibility is delegated to us by the voters, whose interests help shape our goals. </span></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>4. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</i><br />Commissioners provide oversight and set future direction. I will closely monitor the financials, ensure reviews and audits are done on time, and monitor expenses. I’ll research opportunities to better meet the needs of our community, including looking at how other rural hospitals operate. These may include a better mix of insurance payers, increased Tricare reimbursement, and obtaining State and Federal support for rural health care. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>5.What relevant experience do you have?</i><br />I am a career registered nurse with over 40 years’ experience in numerous ICU, emergency, and management roles. I served my country around the world for 21 years as an active-duty and reserve Air Force nurse and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. I have worked in large and small civilian hospitals across the US and served on several boards as a member and in leadership positions. For the last 3 years I have been President of WhidbeyHealth Foundation, during which time our team and generous community raised over $2 million for life saving and quality care equipment for WhidbeyHealth. Lastly, I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University and a Master’s Degree in Health Systems Management from Georgetown University. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>6.What will be your operating philosophy in office</i>?<br />The same as my campaign motto: Marion 4 our Health Care. I will represent the people of our island and do all I can to ensure they have access to quality health care in a well-run, solvent, and respected hospital. Our community has a stake in using our health system services, including labs, radiology, clinics, maternity care, and so much more. I want to make WhidbeyHealth the community’s health care of choice. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>7.What message would you like to convey to voters? </i><span><i> </i> </span>I am your advocate for quality health care on our island and have the experience and skills to provide the oversight our hospital requires. I will do my best in a 6- year term to monitor finances, support and oversee an excellent CEO, and increase the flow of communication between WhidbeyHealth and the community it serves. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>8. How will you address Covid safety?</i><br />I would insist that any renovations on HVAC and similar air handling systems include the latest technology for air filtration to remove viruses, molds, smoke, and other pollutants. I would push for improving existing systems with better filters, UV light treatments, or other means. As in any hospital, hand washing and masking for staff per infection control standards, with masking for patients and visitors by personal risk and preference. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>9. How will you address PFAS contamination of Coupeville’s water?</i><br />The Navy and local government must keep WhidbeyHealth fully informed of changes in contamination levels. In addition, the Navy must abide by the agreements and solutions it committed to in response to the contamination. I also expect the water utilities to frequently test and mitigate any contamination in the water supply. If it becomes necessary, I would ensure that WhidbeyHealth has a plan in place for filtration of the water coming into any of its buildings in Coupeville. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>10. How will you address financial solvency?</i><br />All healthcare, and especially rural healthcare, face slim financial margins. Low reimbursement from insurance providers, uninsured patients, and increased costs for staff, equipment, and supplies is an ongoing problem. The best way to maintain financial balance is for forward- thinking Commissioners and the CEO to plan and work together, ensuring there are appropriate services to meet community needs, supporting and rewarding staff for excellence, obtaining fair insurance contracts, and advocating for additional State and Federal funding for rural healthcare. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>11. How will you address staff turnover?</i><br />As an Air Force veteran, I have often dealt with staff turnover. Pay is a factor in retention, but so is quality of life, recognition, and staff being acknowledged and listened to for issues and innovative ideas. Those doing the work every day have terrific insights, and I would encourage the CEO to hear what they have to say. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voterinterests.com/elections/whidbey-island-interview-with-whidbeyhealth-commissioner-position-1-candidates-video-voter-interests/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://voterinterests.com/elections/whidbey-island-interview-with-whidbeyhealth-commissioner-position-1-candidates-video-voter-interests/</a></span><span> </span>Both she and her husband are retired Air Force. She will have to step down from the chair of the Whidbey Health Foundation to serve on the board. She has worked with international off-base groups. She has served on the board of WICA. She is looking at dedicating 6 years of her life to keeping this vital resource. She served on the levy lid lift committee, the first in 50 years. She has learned a lot about hospital districts and their administration. She has helped raise funds over the last 4 years for COVID response, equipment, and more. The Whidbey Health Foundation is very careful with its funds. <span> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What about joining a for-profit hospital system? She gave several good reasons not to. First is the issue of independence. The board sets the tone. Commissioners are elected in hopes that they are good stewards. Are they listening to people? How do we target trends to our population? If we did sell out, a large corporation would evaluate what services to cut. They could always send you to Providence or Swedish. Those would all be losses to the community. Such decisions would be made 2000 - 3000 miles away, by people who have no idea about ferries or local concerns. We are Whidbey, not Vashon, Bainbridge, or the San Juans. Fifty years ago local people did the work and created Whidbey General. We should not fail their mission. We deserve our local hospital, but its on all of us to maintain.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Public funds are a very small part of the operating budget, about 1% - 2%. It all helps meet expenses, but most of the budget in rural hospitals comes from patients and their insurance providers. The hospital was seriously lacking in board oversight. The board needs to check the financials by checking in with the CFO. A very large proportion of Whidbey residents are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or Tricare. All three of those have very low reimbursement rates. She expects to speak with our congressional delegation, hoping to provide federal support for hospitals impacted by the military presence, just as schools receive federal impact fees. She sees this as a chance for Whidbey Health to be a model for others. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has an MA in Health Systems Management. The current CFO is doing a great job. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She would focus on the Prudential and the Nursing Quality subcommittees. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">With the financial crisis past, she wants to improve the cash on hand position from 50 days to 100 days. And she wants to work to improve the image of Whidbey Health, which has suffered from false claims. Yes, the hospital is indeed accredited. That accreditation is reviewed regularly and reports have been good.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She sees one part of the Commissioner’s job as being a strong advocate, someone who is in the public, attends events, schedules town halls, and listens to the public’s concerns. They should also provide clear concise information.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has heard the stories about people in emergencies demanding to be taken anywhere but Whidbey Health. She wants to turn that perception around, so people insist on coming to Whidbey Health. She says people are loving the South Whidbey walk-in clinic. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She wants to assure that Whidbey Health is equipped for emergencies and disasters. The new wing is built to earthquake standards, but there are other emergencies – a ferry or aircraft accident, a huge fire, an industrial accident. She wants the hospital to be ready with immediate care in such instances. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;">Well, this one is pretty open and shut. On the one hand we have a MAGA enthusiast with background in medical management. On the other side we have a Registered Nurse with a Master’s degree in Health Systems Management. I will be voting for </span><b><span style="color: red;">Marion Jouas</span></b>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background: repeat white; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p> </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Board position 5</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Eric Anderson</b>, incumbent<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:petvet@im4pets.com" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">petvet@im4pets.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://whidbeyhealth.org/member/eric-anderson-dvm" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://whidbeyhealth.org/member/eric-anderson-dvm</a><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">Yet another opaque candidate. He is a veterinarian in Oak Harbor, and in that field he is well known and much respected. He’s been on the Hospital board for some time. Can’t say as I’ve heard much about him in that role, either good or bad. His Voters’ Pamphlet statement is painfully short. My impression is that he’s good at doing what he does and really bad at talking about it. Reports are that he is not showing up for Board meetings. Even when he's there, he's a bump on a log, not particularly participatory. He has been on the board for 7 years, so was present during the hiring of the financially incompetent CEO who nearly bankrupted the hospital. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Kate Rose (Mary Anderson)</b><o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="mailto:katerose5422@gmail.com" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: black;">katerose5422@gmail.com</span></a><o:p></o:p></span></u></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-rose-b5553775/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kate-rose-b5553775/</a></span></span><u><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">She did not respond to the Politiblog questions.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">She is listed as the project manager for something called Leadership Whidbey. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://leadershipwhidbey.org/" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://leadershipwhidbey.org/</a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">She has completed the Certified Community Leadership Program<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://alpleaders.org/news_manager.php?page=29756" style="color: #954f72; text-decoration: underline;">https://alpleaders.org/news_manager.php?page=29756</a></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">She was appointed to the Oak Harbor Parks board in August.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">I was informed by a helpful reader (and then lost that reader's post) that there are several people at Whidbey Health named Kate Rose, and that I had confused the links for 2 of them. I think I caught that and removed it. I would appreciate the helpful reader getting back to me. </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">I’m finding absolutely nothing on line beyond what is posted above, so will resort to the Voters’ Pamphlet. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;">She has a Masters of Public Health and has worked in the field a long time. With that background it seems odd that she is a Staff Accountant, which seems more in the bean counter/number cruncher field.<span> ( I think this is where I got confused. I believe the Staff Accountant is the <u>other</u> Kate Rose.)</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><span>I am told that she is the former Mrs Eric Anderson. </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<span> </span>.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;">I feel like I’m being asked to pin the tail on the donkey, complete with blindfold. I don’t blame anyone else for throwing up their hands and leaving this one blank. I'm beginning to get feedback from some of my informants, who tell me that Ms Rose is painfully shy in public situations, but good at her job. So – given that it appears Dr Anderson is missing in action much of the time, and given that Ms Rose actually has a degree in Public Health, I will be voting for <b><span style="color: red;">Kate Rose</span></b>.</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-weight: 400;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-decoration: none; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><style class="WebKit-mso-list-quirks-style">
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</style></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>South Whidbey School B</b><b>oard</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 1</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Joe Greenheron</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:elect@joegreenhorn.com">elect@joegreenhorn.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 3</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Brook Willeford</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:bwilleford4sb@gmail.com">bwilleford4sb@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 4</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Marnie Jackson</span></b></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:marnieajackson@gmail.com">marnieajackson@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I don’t usually endorse people who are running unopposed. For these three I make an exception. South Whidbey is super lucky not to have any of the “Minivan Taliban” running for school board this year. I put this down in part to the fact that the entire board is such a functional, competent, truly great bunch of people that there is just no room to wedge anyone in there. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do vote in the South Whidbey School District and I will happily vote to demonstrate my support for all three of these incumbent School Board members, <span style="color: red;"><b>Joe Greenheron, Brook Willeford</b></span>, and <span style="color: red;"><b>Marnie Jackson</b></span>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Stanwood Camano School Board</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 3</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Miranda Evans</b>, incumbent</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:MirandaEvans4schoolboard@gmail.com">MirandaEvans4schoolboard@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She did not respond to the Politiblog info request.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Tell us why you have chosen to run. Please include your GOALS, VALUES or pertinent information that will help inform voters. </i>I am running for re-election to the Stanwood Camano School Board because I am proud of the work I have done in my four years on the Board, but know that there is still a lot of work to be done and want to be a part of that work. My goal on the Board is to continue our work in clear, timely and transparent communication with the community. I was part of the process for creating the District Strategic Plan, and want to follow through on the implementation of that plan in order to execute on our Promise, “Every student in the Stanwood-Camano School District is empowered to learn in an inclusive setting and is prepared for the future of their choice”, which I am a firm believer of. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job? </span></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The hardest part of the job is figuring out how to best get accurate and necessary information to the public using their preferred method of engagement. There are so many sources of misinformation available on the internet and social media, it is hard to combat rumors or false information in a timely and productive manner. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why?</i><b><br />
</b>I respect Ken Christoferson. He was on the Stanwood Camano School Board for around 20 years. In all of his time on the board he was fair and reasonable, advocated for students in all things and embraced changes with a positive outlook. He was extremely helpful to me as I navigated being a new School Board Director. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She agreed with all of the following statements.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>1. Elected officials are employees of the people. 2. Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse <span style="vertical-align: -1px;"> </span>points of view on current and historical issues. 3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens. 4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. 5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. 6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. 7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process. </i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Brittney Trammell</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:brittney.for.school.board@gmail.com">brittney.for.school.board@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She did not respond to the Politiblog information request</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m just not finding anything on line.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her Voter Pamphlet statement reveals that she is Autistic, but obviously very high functioning, since she has a degree and has worked as a social worker. She raises very reasonable issues of student safety and how to deal with a shrinking budget. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don’t feel like I have enough information on this one. The incumbent seems to be doing a reasonably good job. I’m not seeing any warning flags. The challenger raises a very few issues, all of them matters of concern. I’m afraid you’re on your own on this one.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 4</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Betsy Foster</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:betsyfoster4schools@gmail.com">betsyfoster4schools@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.betsyfosterforschools.com/">https://www.betsyfosterforschools.com/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Checking her website, I find a focus on </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">• Academic success for all</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">• Accountability and safety</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">• Budget and performance</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m a bit bothered by what sounds to me like code language about social agendas and “Government schools must not override family values or parental rights.” She appears to be a realtor.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Stephen Hendrickson</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:steve@hendricksonhomestead.com">steve@hendricksonhomestead.com</a></span></p><p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voterinterests.com/elections/camano-first-facebook-live-by-school-board-candidate-steve-hendrickson/">https://voterinterests.com/elections/camano-first-facebook-live-by-school-board-candidate-steve-hendrickson/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He did not respond to the Pollitiblog questions</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The link above is to his first Facebook video. Not bad, actually. He tells us that three of his four kids are in Stanwood Camano Schools. His oldest son has graduated and joined the Marines. He “was not a huge fan of school.” He tried the GI bill, but was better working with his hands so earned a plumbing license. He worked for many years in the private sector. Then he decided that spending time with his family was more important than making money, so took a regular 9-5 job which provided predictability and family time. “If I don’t advocate for my children, I don’t know who will. I Want to advocate for all children. Parents need to be heard, and have a strong voice in their children’s education. Parents have the ultimate responsibility. I’m an open book, and will talk to pretty much anybody about just about anything. I try to see things from all different viewpoints. If you have any questions, reach out to me and I will do my best to answer.” </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I sent him an email, but have not yet had a response.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Voters’ Pamphlet says he is a former Marine, former corrections officer, and currently a maintenance tech at Lake Stevens School District. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have learned precious little about these two people, but from what I have found, if I had to vote in the Stanwood Camano School District, I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Stephen Hendrickson</b></span>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 5</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Phil Snider</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:philipsnider76@gmail.com">philipsnider76@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;">https://www.philsnider4schoolboard.com/</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">Please tell us why you have chosen to run. Please include your GOALS, VALUES or pertinent information that will help inform voters. </span></i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My most important reasons for running for school board are my two grandchildren registered in the district. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">During the primary election campaign, I spoke with many groups and individuals about what they expect from the board. I’m running because I believe, like so many of the voters, that parents (and grandparents!) should have more authority in determining the course of their children’s education. They want directors who are willing to represent their values, and they want their children to receive a solid, fundamental education in reading, writing, calculating, computing, and civic responsibility. They are concerned that curriculum should be appropriate to the age and emotional development of the students, and that texts, presentations, and classroom discussions should be directly related to approved course outcomes. They seem also to be apprehensive of training and direction given to faculty and staff that is divisive, setting interest and identity groups in opposition to one another. They feel, as I do, that when we are divided, each of us are small and weak, but when we are united, we are all strong. In each of these areas, the voters have set for me very clear and important objectives. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I believe that elected officials are obligated to represent the goals and values of the community. I try to be clear with the voters about my values, and if they share those values and chose me to represent them, that is the course I will follow. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>If you are elected, what do you anticipate to be the hardest part of the job? </i>The toughest task that the incoming board, as a whole, will face is to recover the trust of the Stanwood-Camano community. The voters have rejected the previous two levy proposals. These weren’t requests for new money. They were proposals to renew long-standing revenue sources. I spoke with the writer of the opposition statement for the latest proposal. She said that the voters don’t oppose levies <i>per se</i>, but they rejected the last one because the Board wasn’t transparent about how they would use the money. During the Covid shut down, many parents were also unpleasantly surprised to discover some of the details of curriculum and initiatives that do not reflect community values. Greater transparency will be one of my goals while serving on the board. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><br /></i></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>Please name a person who is serving (currently or recently) as an elected official, either locally or nationally, whom you particularly respect – and why? </i>I respect and admire Sen. Mike Lee of Utah. Sen. Lee has not used his position to build a political base or pursue greater ambitions. He is a known and respected Constitutional scholar who deliberates the actions and laws proposed in the Senate by the standard of the Constitution of the United States. I respect any official who will govern his own actions in accordance with established principles, and not by ambition or expediency. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He agreed with all of the following statements, with comments noted. <i>1. Elected officials are employees of the people. 2. Libraries and schools should provide age-appropriate materials presenting diverse points of view on current and historical issues. 3. The backbone of our democracy is a free, universal public education system designed to develop lifelong learners who are critical thinkers, innovative problem solvers and engaged citizens. 4. Access to health care and human services must not be denied based on residency status. </i> Our well-established system of free emergency services for all should be maintained, but on- going or routine care should be subject to the requirements of legal residency. <i>5. A woman’s right to choose is a fundamental freedom. </i> Freedom to make choices—all choices, not just elective abortions—is the right of all, but when rights ar</span>e in conflict, their exercise must be prioritized. There is no right to eliminate the life of another human being.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>6. Secure vote-by-mail systems improve election integrity, which is fundamental to a healthy democracy. </i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> Including the concept of security in the statement makes an assumption not in evidence. The vote-by-mail system currently in use in Washington State requires significant adjustments before it might be considered “secure.” </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><i>7. All American citizens must have equitable access to the political process. </i></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He is endorsed by Tracy Abuhl, a toxic “Minivan Taliban” leader.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Steve King</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:king4scsd@gmail.com">king4scsd@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OPUVOAOU-Bs</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He did not respond to the Politiblog questions<br />
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<i>Professional Experience</i><br />
Instructor, Professor, and Program/Department Head: Long Beach City College, 37 years (retired); LBCC Academic Standards, Curriculum, and AS Degree Committee Member; Board Member, California Aerospace Education Association; Board Member, University Aviation Association; Aviation Maintenance Technician; Railroad Brakeman.<br />
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<i>Education</i><br />
B.A. Social Sciences - Anthropology; Eight years vocational training and college including Aviation (AMT), Electronic, and Automotive technologies; Professional Pilot<br />
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<i>Community Service</i><br />
National Park Service volunteer Ranger-guide (2012-present); Seattle Architecture Foundation tour guide (2012-present); Center For Wooden Boats at Cama Beach and Seattle (2012-present); Board Member, Schools for Africa (2600 students, 22 schools, 8 states in rural Nigeria) (2020-present)<br />
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<i>Statement </i><br />
My focus as a Director of SCSD will be to help students prepare for vocations or careers that will be rewarding and personally satisfying, and to guide them to achieve that with little-to-no student debt, whether their path is vocational training, an Associate, Bachelor, or PhD degree, or a custom combination. This will include excellent academics and career guidance, and, starting in the primary grades, teaching personal qualities important to prospective employers and to individual happiness. Examples of those personal qualities are strong work ethic, personal responsibility, and thankfulness (which is the key to happiness). <br />
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I envision a multi-step workforce preparation process, with introductory work experience as student interns alongside industry mentors, then work in one or more occupations related to their ultimate goals leading to the ability to pay for more advanced degrees. By following this path, I completed my 8 years of vocational and college with no debt. I hope to facilitate connections between Stanwood High School and employers, similar to what Raisbeck Aviation High School (Seattle) has with Boeing.<br />
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See my website for more information and endorsements. (wish I could. Haven’t been able to find it)<br />
<br />
His biggest goal if elected is to drill in on vocational training for students. “We need to be helping them, starting in elementary school, develop personal qualities that will be attractive to employers, like work ethic, and responsibility and so on — as well as thankfulness,” King said.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Recently, King took a tour of the new Stanwood High School and said he was impressed with the shop classes.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">“It’s better here than anything in Southern California when I was teaching,” he said. “That’s absolutely amazing.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">King said he wants students to realize that not everyone has to go to college, and many students might be able to get the training they need for a high-paying job right here, during high school.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">He also hopes he can guide students to career paths where they will end up with little to no student debt. He completed eight years of vocational training and college with no debt.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">My goal for our students … is that they will get whatever they need to prepare for life, whether it’s a Ph.D., bachelor’s degree, associate degree or just high school graduation — carefully focused to give them the career they want. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I don’t know either of the candidates, but I do know code words when I see them. Mr Snider is enthusiastically endorsed by one of the louder, more dangerous leaders of the “Minivan Taliban.” In answering the 7 questions he tells us that our elections are not secure and that women should not have bodily autonomy. Yeah, I know, what does that have to do with running a school district? Well, it tells me that Mr Snider would most likely impose those ideas and others that tend to go with them on his fellow board members, the staff, and the students. I don’t feel like he could be trusted to treat girls equally with boys in offering up opportunities, for instance. And I wonder what he might impose on the school library. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Mr King appears to be more neutral on these subjects, with a very strong focus on alternatives to the academic track. His ideas seem more temperate and he seems to have a better grasp on the workings of a school board. If I voted in the Stanwood Camano School District, I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Steve King</b></span>.</p></div><div><br /></div><div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Port of Coupeville</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Commissioner<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Position 1</b></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b>Bradley Duncan</b></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="mailto:bradleydun@hey.com">bradleydun@hey.com</a></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/two-candidates-file-for-port-of-coupeville-board-of-commissioners-position/">https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/two-candidates-file-for-port-of-coupeville-board-of-commissioners-position/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The News Times reports that Mr Duncan is “a relative newcomer.” It appears he has lived in Coupeville since 2021. I will give him at least some leeway about not responding to the Politiblog questions. The WN-T also reports that Mr Duncan is an attorney, and that he sees his abilities as useful in assuring the longterm financial stability of the Port. On the other hand, his bio with his law offices says that he has over 35 years’ experience in dealing with insolvency. I hope he doesn’t think those services will be needed by the Port. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A late report from a port district watcher says that Mr Duncan has not attended any Port District meetings. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Marianne Burr</b></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="mailto:marianneburr@gmail.com">marianneburr@gmail.com</a></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.marianneburr.com/">http://www.marianneburr.com/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Burr is what I would call an art quilter. Her pieces are beautiful but I can’t imagine tossing one on a bed. They belong on walls. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ms Burr responded to the Politiblog questions, as follows:</p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was active in the formation of Crockett Lake Water District in 1985 and have been a Commissioner for almost 20 years. I've learned to listen to the people I serve, to follow the statutes, the costs of grants and loans, working with staff, and the importance of compromise. I know how Special Purpose Districts work and am ready to step into the Port Commissioner role with knowledge and experience. As an elected official I look forward to having the opportunity to work with the public to keep our very special historic Port affordable to maintain and operate at a high level once the restorations are completed.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve followed Port actions since 1997 and in recent years have attended most of the meetings. The Wharf is iconic and the public open space of the Farm becomes more and more valuable to the community as our population grows. Both are essential in marketing Central Whidbey’s historic identity. The Port was created with the Wharf over 50 years ago and we have owned Greenbank Farm just over 25 years. I want to share in the work it takes to maintain and operate both of our Port properties so that they can remain the community resources we have had for so long.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It is important that the rehabilitation of the Wharf and the Farm take precedence in the work of the Board. This is not the time for new expensive projects. I want the Port to be fiscally responsible. The special short term IDD tax which ends in 2027 is providing the funds to rehabilitate the wharf and will pay for the necessary upgrades and repairs to the Farm utilities and structures. I want to ensure that the rehab makes future maintenance and operation as efficient and economical as possible. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Board must always be alert to the possibilities of new ways to enhance the use of the existing Wharf and the Farm. Community Groups can be encouraged to continue to use our public Port properties creatively. Being open to public input has always been a strong position for the Port.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Both the Wharf and the Farm provide public access to open space which is essential for people of all ages. Residents and Visitors alike are drawn to the beauty and serenity that the Port properties provide. Local businesses benefit from being located in historic Central Whidbey. Our Port is providing public access to the natural environment of Central Whidbey in a straight forward way that draws visitors and enhances opportunity for local small business.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Climate change and sea level rise are a concern for Coupeville and all of Whidbey Island. I learned at a recent open public meeting that the plans for the Coupeville Wharf have been engineered to make an eventual extension of the pilings that support it becoming taller to deal with the need that is being projected. I look forward to the completion of all the necessary work on the Wharf and Farm that we have wanted for so long.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If elected I will work to see that our public money continues to be spent on the operation of the Wharf and the Farm, not on failed start-up businesses the Port cannot afford.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Our Port is not a big commercial center supporting multiple business ventures directly. The economy of Central Whidbey depends on visitors. Visitors are drawn to the businesses in the Town of Coupeville because of the iconic Coupeville Wharf. Greenbank Farm is a special treasure for Whidbey Island and a must-stop for visitors. This former farm boasts a cafe, and several shops. On the grounds, there<span style="font-family: Helvetica; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal;">’</span>s a demonstration garden, and several dog-friendly walking trails. The Port of Coupeville is the driver of economic development just by existing.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The current Port Board has already enhanced our region’s economic development by passing the additional non-voted short term (ends 2027) IDD levy which is funding the restoration of the Wharf and the Farm to extend their operational life. I will challenge the Board to prioritize the nature of fiduciary responsibility. I will help to present the Port financial picture clearly so that there can be no misunderstanding of what tax income is limited to restoration (the larger IDD tax) and what income goes for maintenance and operation of the Wharf and the Farm (rental revenue and the small general tax). </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The challenges to the Port have always been financial. If elected I will work to clarify and prioritize the clear understanding of the Port income and expense with the hope of forestalling great new business ideas that the Port cannot afford to pursue. As many economists have stated, “economic development” is more than just new business start-ups. Our Port’s approach to economic development is more subtle but no less important. It develops the economy of Central Whidbey just by existing.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Both candidates waited out the filing period but finally came around during the special filing period. In a way I like that. They were not chomping at the bit, but rather gave it a whole lot of thought before jumping in. I like the fact that Ms Burr is a fiscal conservative. I also like the fact that she has been attending Port District meetings for years. She is obviously engaged. She knows the local mind. I think Mr Duncan could serve the Port District – or the Town of Coupeville, or Island County – with his legal talents. I would like to see him start as a volunteer in any of the many committees and organizations which help run things around here. If I voted in the Coupeville Port District I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Marianne Burr</b></span>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b>Commissioner<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Position 2</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>John Callahan</b>, incumbent</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="mailto:jkcallahanjr@gmail.com">jkcallahanjr@gmail.com</a></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He did not respond to the Politiblog questions.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The Whidbey News-Times reports that Mr Callahan was appointed to fill a vacant seat in October 2022. It cites his extensive business, legal, management, and engineering experience. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The impression I get from the WN-T and the Voters’ Pamphlet is that he’s been everywhere and done everything. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A district watcher reports that Mr Callahan announced at a recent meeting that for health reasons he intends to submit his resignation after the election and endorse his opponent. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Angela Ewert</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="mailto:amiraclewert@gmail.com">amiraclewert@gmail.com</a></p>
<p style="color: #0563c1; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WhidbeyVotersforEwert">https://www.facebook.com/WhidbeyVotersforEwert</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> She responded to the Politiblog questions, as follows:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>1. Why are you running for Port Commissioner?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: Times; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have decided to run for the Port of Coupeville Port Commissioner because I want to have the opportunity to be more involved in my community in a meaningful way. I recently bought a house in the Holmes Harbor community near Greenbank Farm and I have a deep desire to give the community an opportunity to use these spaces for generations to come. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>2. What do you know about the powers and duties of the Port District? How does the Port District accomplish its work?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To oversee and manage the properties it owns, namely the Coupeville Wharf and the Greenbank Farm. The Port of Coupeville accomplishes this work by managing a budget that exercises fiduciary responsibility to the taxpayers within the district and finding new and creative revenue streams to help support their work. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>3. What do you hope to accomplish as a Port Commissioner? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a Port Commissioner, I hope to find new opportunities to invite community to enjoy the Greenbank Farm and the Coupeville Wharf including annual events, fairs, and opportunities for local businesses to showcase their offerings to community and visitors while simultaneously generating revenue for the Port and the businesses in the community.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>4. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? </i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Like many organizations and government entities, operational and maintenance costs of the properties will prove to be a challenge for the Port. As labor, materials, and service costs continue to increase, the Port will need to find innovative and equitable ways to fund its operation and maintenance. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>5. What relevant experience do you have?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I currently work for a Snohomish County Councilmember as a Legislative Aide. In this position, I’ve learned a lot about fiduciary responsibility, being accountable to the taxpayers, transparency, and advocating for your community. I would be honored to apply this experience and knowledge in my own way as a Port Commissioner.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>6. What will be your operating philosophy in office?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If elected, I plan to be accessible to constituents, open to new ideas, and transparent in my motives to serve the community. I don’t take this position or the voter’s trust lightly and I hope I have the opportunity to serve a wonderful, involved, and intelligent community. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>7. What message would you like to convey to voters?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want voters to know that I am committed to the community and finding solutions and opportunities that serve the community and future generations. If voters have questions or concerns that they want to chat about ahead of the General Election, they can contact me via email or phone and I will do my best to provide answers to their inquiries</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>8. How do you propose to finance the very large costs of maintaining and restoring the Coupeville Wharf?</i></p>
<p style="color: #1a1a1a; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;">Currently, the restoration is funded by two grants awarded from the Washington State </span>Department of Archeology and Historic Preservation totaling around $635,000. It is key to leverage local, state, and federal dollars for these vital projects and it takes committed leaders to foster the connections and build relationships that shed light on opportunities like the grants awarded for the Coupeville Wharf. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i>9. What are your long range plans for the Greenbank Farm?</i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Long term, I would love to find more opportunities that bring the community together at the farm, whether it be a harvest fair, car shows, art shows, or a holiday market. I also want to maintain the partnerships that we have at the Greenbank Farm with local farmers and producers as well as maintaining the off-leash dog park recreation area.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Early this year the Port commissioners, including Mr Callahan, voted unanimously to acquire the Eisenberg Airport outside Oak Harbor. We note that this airport has been a rotting albatross around the neck of every owner for decades. In the end they changed their minds and did not purchase the airport. It certainly makes me nervous to have a Port commission which could even entertain such an investment.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A note from our port watcher says that Ms Ewert has not attended any Port District meetings. Hmm. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Based on the airport adventure, and based on Mr Callahan’s reported intention to resign and endorse his opponent, if I lived in the Coupeville Port District, I would vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Angela Ewert</b></span>.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">North Whidbey Fire & Rescue</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>T J Lamont</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:tjlamont49@gmail.com">tjlamont49@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Scott E Jackson</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:jackson4nwfr@gmail.com">jackson4nwfr@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Well, neither of these two responded to the Politiblog questions. Neither of them appear to have any on line presence. They are ghosts. So all I have to go on is their statements in the Voters’ Pamphlet. You can read that directly so I’m not going to reprint it here.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Both have long histories with Fire & Rescue. Mr Lamont has been with NWF&R for a long time. He knows the ins and outs of running the place. I am a little surprised to read that they are saving up cash to pay for some rather significant purchases. Those fire trucks don’t come cheap. Neither does a new station. Mr Lamont is of my generation so I’m kind of presuming that he is not out on fire calls.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Then there’s Mr Jackson, a whole lot younger and with EMT training along with fire training. No clue what his management or budget talents may be, although he does mention levels of service.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’m glad I don’t have to vote on this one. It’s a matter of tried and true vs new and different. I suspect how you vote will have something to do with your age. I strongly suspect that either of these two gentlemen will do a reasonably good job. Your choice on this one.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"> </p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-61891603807758043702022-10-18T10:41:00.010-07:002022-11-03T09:47:32.943-07:00<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">2022 General Election</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the updated (as of 11-3-22) blog, with amendments to entries for Sheriff and legislature. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ok people. I have heard your pleas, so here, in relatively good time, is the 2022 General Election edition of Marianne’s Politiblog.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Be aware that I always welcome information about candidates. I will only post information which can be substantiated, but will look into all information. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As I warned in the Primary edition of the blog, unless we are all very diligent, very active, and very loud, we may not have a democratic society in which elections actually matter. The Supreme Court has already heard arguments in a case which claims that state legislatures rather than the actual votes of the people could/should determine election outcomes. I truly dread the court’s decision.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All over the country states are imposing limits on voting – from shortening voting days and hours, to criminalizing giving a bottle of water to someone in a very long line, to purging selected names from voter rolls, to onerous and near impossible registration requirements, to last minute switches in polling places, and more. All of these are intended to make it more difficult or impossible for people who are not white and well off to vote. That just plain sucks turtle eggs. Is this a democracy or something painfully different?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pretty much the best we can do is vote, vote, vote, vote, to quote an aging decent but ineffective gentleman who purports to be the president of the United States. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m re-running once again Marianne’s minimum standards for any candidate:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1) be able to write a coherent sentence. Go big, try for a whole paragraph.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2) be able to articulate the job description of the position for which they are running. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3) have sufficient internet know-how (or the funds to hire that know-how) to create a net presence. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Luckily, the general election has only 2 (and too often only 1) candidates for each position. Makes my job a lot easier. Because of the timing I will not be able to listen to the League of Women Voters’ candidate events this week. I did listen to the American Association of University Women’s event. Unfortunately Zoom made it awkward, with some candidates unable to show their faces or unmute. I also spoke directly with a number of candidates and sent email questions as well. In spite of all of that I am still in a quandary about a couple of positions.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, on to the basics:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to </span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/%22%20%5Cl%20%22/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you’re not registered, you can do that online or by mail until October 31. If all else fails, you can register in person at the Island County Elections Office, 400 N Main Street, Coupeville, up to 8:00 pm on November 8. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ballots are supposed to go into the mail by October 21. Look for your ballot, and if you haven’t seen one by about October 23, contact the elections office at <a href="https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx"><span style="color: #0433ff;">https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For more information call 360-679-7366 or email <a href="mailto:elections@islandcountywa.gov"><span style="color: #0433ff;">elections@islandcountywa.gov</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, to make your vote count,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Try not to use the US Mail, now that Postmaster DeJoy has very deliberately crippled USPS. If you really have to use the mail, get your ballot in the mail by the Wednesday before election day, November 2.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. If you absolutely can’t do it earlier, bring your ballot to the Post Office counter on Tuesday, November 8 during business hours – usually before 4:00 pm. No stamp is needed.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Best option: Drop your ballot in one of the 6 ballot drop boxes before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 8. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They are located at:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Island County Elections Office</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 400 N Main Street Coupeville</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Trinity Lutheran Church</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 18341 Hwy 525 Freeland</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Ken’s Corner Shopping Center</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road) Clinton</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Island County Camano Annex</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 121 N East Camano Drive Camano Island</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Langley Post Office, front patio</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 115 2nd Street Langley</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Oak Harbor City Hall</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 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 and why. You can make your own decisions from there.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Be aware that I have not researched people who are running unopposed. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Also, I've been warned that my links to the Voter Info is dated from the Primary. I just now tried to update it and its just plain more than I'm ready for right now. You'll figure it out.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Advisory Votes</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once again, these are the legacy of the disgraced Tim Eyman, who pushed through the initiative to require these “advisory votes” – which have no legislative effect – to let people know just how terribly the legislature is abusing them. The wording is dictated by the initiative, and the “costing $ X” translates to how much the state expects to collect over that period. That “for government spending” part is supposed to make us angry about nasty old gubmint stealing our tax dollars.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">#39<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ESSB 5974</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The legislature increased, without a vote of the people, the tax on aircraft fuel from $0.11 to $0.18/gal, costing $14 million in its first 10 years, for government spending.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This tax increase should be:<br />
[ ] repealed</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[ ] maintained</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Wow. That was a wild read. This is one tiny part of a huge climate action transportation bill. It goes into so many different aspects I don’t even know where to begin. The upshot is that this is Washington’s response to Biden’s infrastructure bill, with CO2 limits and prescriptions to electrify trains and ferries, among a huge long list of similar things. The aircraft fuel tax increase is intended to push toward fewer air miles and more efficient fuels. Altogether unclear to me why they picked out this one tiny piece of the monster bill I just read. Oh, and that “for government spending” is actually earmarked for air transport improvements. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For those who want to take a deep dive into the whole bill, here’s the link to the final bill report.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5974-S.E%20SBR%20FBR%2022.pdf?q=20221017193635"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/Senate/5974-S.E%20SBR%20FBR%2022.pdf?q=20221017193635<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even though it makes no difference at all, I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>maintain</b></span>.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">#40<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ESHB 2076</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, premiums on "transportation network companies" to provide workers compensation to their drivers, costing an indeterminate amount in its first 10 years, for government spending.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This tax increase should be:<br />
[ ] repealed</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">[ ] maintained</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again, I wonder why they chose to target this particular bill. This is all about the legislature deciding that Uber, Lyft, and other such ride-share services are in fact employers and have to treat drivers as employees rather than independent contractors. The bill goes into all manner of detail about how much the company has to pay drivers per minute/per mile/per trip. And it has to pay into a fund to provide paid sick leave and other employee benefits. It also sets out rights for drivers so they can’t simply be cut off without good cause. All in all, this is about regulating a relatively new area of business, and the regulations seem very reasonable to me.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again, if you’re in for a deep dive, here’s the link to the final bill report.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2076-S.E%20HBR%20FBR%2022.pdf?q=20221017193845"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2021-22/Pdf/Bill%20Reports/House/2076-S.E%20HBR%20FBR%2022.pdf?q=20221017193845<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Again, it has no real effect, but I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>maintain</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">US Senate</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tiffany Smiley</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1545643"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1545643</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.smileyforwashington.com/issues">https://www.smileyforwashington.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms Smiley is a triage nurse and military wife whose husband was blinded in a suicide bombing in Iraq in 2005. Ever since, she has been caring for and advocating for injured members of the military. She has seen the bureaucratic nightmare which is medical care in the US, but only through the lens of her husband and others in the military. Not sure she realizes that all the rest of us face similar problems. Checking her website, she seems to tout the standard Republican line about how its all the Dems’ fault that – whatever it is. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since the primary it is reported that Republican candidates statewide are scrubbing their websites of references to stolen elections, abortion rights, and disgraced ex-presidents. Still, I just now found on Ms Smiley’s website a section titled “election integrity” which contains the statement “the 2020 elections raised serious questions about the integrity of our elections and caused millions of Americans to question their confidence in our electoral process.” A campaign staffer stated that Ms Smiley continues to support “updating voter rolls, voter ID requirements, and voter signature verification.” Kinda funny. Those things are already very much a part of the process. She wants to make sure that “efforts made to increase voter participation do not fundamentally undermine the legitimacy of our democracy.” Huh? So more voters somehow undermine the legitimacy of democracy? Did I just read a bunch of code words that translate to “voting is good, but we don’t what ‘those kind of people’ participating” ? </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She admits to being anti-abortion but says she does not favor a nationwide ban. Tell that to the Supreme Court.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her website has all the standard Republican talking points. She specifically calls out cancelling the Keystone Pipeline as the cause of high gas prices. Evidently she doesn’t know that the pipeline was intended to ship Canadian tar sands oil to gulf coast refineries and then to everywhere but the US. Or that it would take years to bring on line, so could not affect current prices. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nary a word about issues that matter to most of us. For a triage nurse not to mention Covid seems really strange. Or climate change. Or gun control. And her only word on Roe v Wade is that she wouldn’t vote for a nationwide abortion ban. Yeah, right. Oh, and inflation is all Patty Murray’s fault.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My impression is MAGA-lite. No thanks. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Patty Murray</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1544556"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1544556</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://pattymurray.com/</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Patty has been our senator for a long time. So long that now she is #3 in the Senate. Could she do better? Sure. But consider the current situation in the Senate, where a majority no longer matters and the good guys have to dicker and deal and concede constantly to the bad guys. Have you noticed that the filibuster is a hard and fast rule when the Rs are in the minority, but it disappears when they have a majority? Yeah, the game is rigged. Luckily, Patty fights that rigged game as much as she can. She’s been campaigning for gun control. Amen. She campaigns to protect our iconic whales. She’s pushing hard for abortion rights. She’s all in for providing Covid vaccines world-wide. She recognizes the reality of climate change/chaos and is working toward a clean energy policy to slow that chaos. No, of course I don’t agree with her on everything. But I agree with her on an awful lot of important things, and, as mentioned, she is in a position of power (as much as that is possible in this MAGA-R world).</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Patty Murray</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">US House, District 2</span></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dan Matthews<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://dan2congress.com/</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1550337"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1550337</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He tells us he volunteers for the Heritage Foundation, his church, Washington Policy Center (right wing think tank), Manhattan Declaration (A Call to Christian Conscience), and more.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has the usual litany of issues: inflation, jobs, border security, lower energy costs, cut spending, reduce national debt, limit government, strong national defense, drug & human trafficking, mental health, maintain medicare and social security, reduce federal regulations . . . </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I happen to be allergic to religion, most especially when combined with government. And I despise the output of the Heritage Foundation and the Washington Policy Center. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I watched the on-line interviews by the AAUW (shout out and thank you to them) and was seriously underwhelmed. In response to the inevitable question about abortion, he went off on his favorite subject of alternatives, namely recruiting couples to adopt unwanted babies. On his website is a whole column on “Pro-Life – a Better Choice.” He speaks and writes about the Adoption Option, to cover all costs of pregnancy and birth. The column is a whole religious screed. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He appears to be missing in action on the Covid issue. No mention.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He identifies his issues as: SECURITY, and lists all the many subsets of that: </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Economic Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> National Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Border Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Societal Security – Law Enforcement </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Election Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Energy Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Environmental Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Personal Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Family Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Community & Societal Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Political Security </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•</span> Leadership</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Each of those is further subdivided, but I will spare both you and me the details.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s a section called My Message. It is a series of one liners, a hodge-podge which includes name calling, a practice I abhor. He would certainly benefit from a decent editor. That Message runs on and on and further on, repetitions of unsupported statements. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My impression is that this well meaning right wing Christian, one of many in the primary, found himself unexpectedly rising to the General and having to figure out what he was doing. He has not done a very good job of it.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rick Larsen</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1544615"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1544615</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://larsen.house.gov/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://larsen.house.gov/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ricklarsen.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.ricklarsen.org/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve just checked his current campaign website and very little has changed. So here is what I wrote 2 years ago. Its still true:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His ratings by various organizations:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">NARAL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span>abortion rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>100%</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ACLU<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span>civil rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span> <span> </span></span>92%</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span> </span></span></span></span>human rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 85%</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Children’s Defense Fund <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> </span></span>children<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">League of Cons Voters <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span>environment<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AFL-CIO<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span>labor<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span> 91%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AFSCME<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span>education<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Council for a Livable World <span> </span>defense <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span>62%<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We pretty much all know Rick Larsen and where he stands on issues of concern to us. I did a lot of research 2 years ago and find that most of that is still relevant. Here it is:</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then the coup of 2016 happened and suddenly Rick is a new man. He voted against the Trump budget, against many of the insane and egregious proposals coming out of the fascist right. And he now believes in dealing with climate change. One has the distinct impression that the farther right the fascists push, the farther left Rick leans.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the environment</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He now cites his voting record of trying to eliminate subsidies for the oil industry.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He wrote that exiting the Paris agreement was a big mistake.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He fought to keep transit/light rail funds in the federal budget.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He supports salmon habitat restoration, protecting critical habitat areas, and conserving open space.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> ~ He worked to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which had expired.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He signed a joint letter to NOAA fisheries and Army Corps asking them to deal with the Atlantic salmon fish farm disaster by not permitting any new or refurbishment of existing pens.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He voted to prevent logging of the Tongass Roadless Area in Alaska.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He supports keeping our public lands public (against massive pressure to privatize).</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On economic development</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He claims to have secured impact aid for schools with children of active military.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He’s against the Trump tariffs, which are still in effect, as they hurt US workers and businesses. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On people issues</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He supports Medicare and Obamacare, and is fighting to prevent the destruction of both.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He cosponsored the DREAM act.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He objected vehemently to the Trump policy of breaking up families and imprisoning children and participated in Keep Families Together rallies in Mt Vernon & Bellingham.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He co-signed a petition to his fellow congress members to fund rebuilding of Puerto Rico after the last hurricane.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He added an amendment to the Defense Spending Act to address Growler noise.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now here’s an interesting one: He issued a press release demanding that the Navy explain why it is insisting on putting all its Growlers in the Whidbey basket and expressing his concerns for Whidbey communities. Aw shucks and golly gee. We didn’t know you cared. There is some question about how this translates to his support for NAS Whidbey.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the 2022 update:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now that the Covid pandemic has abated (but certainly not disappeared) he supports recovery plans like the CARES act, the American Rescue Plan, and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s working on legislation to combat rising costs of prescription drugs, child care, housing, and gas. And he’s working on employment issues like the $15.00 minimum wage, equal pay, and skills training. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has become a medium-progressive on environmental issues. Something about watching the country – and the world – go down the tubes of drought, flooding, hurricanes, tornadoes, and monster wildfires has changed Rick. He touts his support of very large bills to provide transportation options. He voted for the sadly failed Build Back Better plan and says he will continue to work to advance key elements of that bill, including “landmark investments in the green jobs that will complete the transition to renewable energy.”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On health care, the first point to be made is that he recognizes Covid as real and did what he could to help us all through it. He voted to let Medicare negotiate prescription drug costs and to limit insulin costs to $35/mo. He also voted to reduce premiums for the Affordable Care Act marketplace. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s pushing to improve Social Security and Medicare. In particular, people pay into Social Security only on the first $147k of their earnings. Everything above that goes untaxed. He is working with others in Congress to “scrap the cap” and have all earnings taxed. That would stabilize Social Security far into the future. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He declares himself outraged by the overturning of Roe v Wade. He calls the decision “frightening and dangerous.” He pledges to fight to codify abortion rights at the federal level, via the Women’s Health Protection Act – which of course the Rs filibustered. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On gun safety, he supported the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Talk about the tiniest of baby steps. I know its all he and other gun control advocates were able to get, but it is so puny in the face of daily mass murder events. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Rick Larsen</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Secretary of State</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Steve Hobbs</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1544006"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1544006</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electhobbs.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.electhobbs.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was appointed by Governor Inslee to replace Kim Wyman, who quit mid-term to work with the Biden administration on election security. He is the former chair of the WA senate transportation committee. He has expanded the election security operations center to defend against cyber attack. He actually has a background in cyber security. Convenient. I’m inclined to agree with the editorials in the Seattle Times, the Everett Herald, and the Columbian that here is someone who is not wildly partisan, but rather focused on doing the job. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He lists his issues as: Enhancing election security; Election misinformation & disinformation; and Voting rights. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- because he has history in cybersecurity, he has focused on enhancing election security. Not a bad thing.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- he is trying to counter R disinformation about cybersecurity, intending to disarm it, and has built an information response team to counter disinformation & confusion.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- he is very sensitive to undervoting by people of color and has worked to increase voter registration statewide. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- preserving state archives. He is working on a new archives building near Olympia to gather together all the state’s records in one location. I know that current custodians of some of those records are worried about losing access. I’m not at all sure what I think about this, although having all (or at least all that are identified) collections & archives in one place might be an advantage, if there is reasonable indexing and access.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- expanding libraries in prisons and juvenile facilities. He has acquired funding for this.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- updating the charities & non-profit filing system to be quicker, easier, more efficient. I sure hope so. It’s a hassle every year. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I found a paper by Mr Hobbs which reported that:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">less than 1% of Washington ballots are rejected,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">BUT, of those rejected,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Black voters’ ballots are rejected 4 x the rate of whites</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Native Americans’ & Hispanics’ ballots are rejected 3 x the rate of whites</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Asian/Pacific Islanders’ ballots are rejected 2 x the rate of whites</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While there is no evidence of bias in these rejections, Mr Hobbs has asked for a UW study to find out what’s going on there. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s career military, in the Washington National Guard, and he’s a longtime former legislator. He is very much middle of the road. But he appears to be taking the job seriously and doing it well. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now we learn why he was appointed Secretary of State. I had read before the primary that Governor Inslee had trouble with Mr Hobbs and wanted him out of the legislature. A story in Crosscut tells it. Hobbs is a “moderate” Dem out of Snohomish and was chair of the Senate Transportation Committee – where he opposed and blocked Inslee’s clean fuel standards. Not clear why. So Inslee appointed him to the Secretary of State position and was able to pass the massive clean transportation bill.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Julie Anderson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-partisan</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1544123"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1544123</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://julieanderson.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://julieanderson.org/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.postalley.org/2021/12/17/julie-anderson-jumps-early-in-the-suddenly-important-race-for-secretary-of-state/</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://crosscut.com/politics/2022/10/was-secretary-state-race-special-election-more-ways-one</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Former Pierce County Auditor. Was on Governor Inslee’s short list before he appointed Steve Hobbs. She’s running on a platform of removing partisanship from election administration, improving election security and transparency, and increasing access to elections. All reasonable goals. She’s got a long and detailed discussion of how to achieve her platform goals, and they sound well thought out and logical. She’s talking nuts and bolts of such matters as introducing ranked choice voting in local jurisdictions which opt for that. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is accused by The Stranger of having ulterior motives for trying to make more elected positions non-partisan. They claim that in 2013 she voted against a bill to add ballot drop boxes to college campuses.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An article in Crosscut just days ago reports that she is concerned with voter ID issues, and talks about things that curl my toes – like getting info from peoples’ passport applications, along with whole systems to track peoples’ citizenship. Sorry, but she just lost me there. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a hard one. In the primary I voted for Julie Anderson. Now I find that she holds some positions which I definitely cannot support. I’m willing to shine on the accusations of The Stranger, but her own statements about voter ID make me mistrust her. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then there’s Steve Hobbs, who as chair of the Senate Transportation Committee thwarted Governor Inslee and a whole bunch of us who wanted clean fuel standards. But as Secretary of State he seems to want all the right things for how we vote and how we maintain our public records. Either of these people would likely be good in the position. Both are flawed. The difference is that Steve Hobbs’ flaws will not interfere with his performance of this particular job, while those of Julie Anderson will in fact impinge on my – and everybody else’s – privacy. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ll be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Steve Hobbs</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Representative, LD 10</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">position 1</span></i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Greg Gilday</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101461/1543964"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101461/1543964</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/192827/greg-gilday"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/192827/greg-gilday</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://greggilday.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://greggilday.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Gilday is a 3<sup>rd</sup> generation lawyer in and around Stanwood – until he went into the real estate business and now into politics. As a State Representative he has been a disaster. This is a man who does not believe that Covid is real. He won against Angie Homola last time around because Angie respected the rules around Covid so did not mingle with the public - while Gilday went banging on doors all over the district. He is also a climate denier, which has some very interesting results. Below is a summary of his voting record:</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on environment & climate change:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>promoting electric vehicles<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increasing state energy code standards<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring the state to reach 0 CO2 emissions by 2050<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending state planning to improve salmon recovery<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reducing carbon emissions by altering transportation fuels<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on guns & public safety:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting firearms in certain locations (like polling places, schools, the legislature)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of high capacity firearm magazines<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of ghost guns<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing independent investigations office re use of deadly force<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting chokeholds, no-knock warrants, & other police tactics<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring law enforcement to provide attorney access to juveniles</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding protection orders to include domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, etc<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>repealing restrictions on legal aid for undocumented immigrants</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on health issues:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding abortion protections</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding coverage of paid family & medical leave program<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing criminal & civil protections for medical cannabis patients<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing school based health centers<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring schools to address secondary trauma of k-12 employees<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>appropriating funds for Covid pandemic relief<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring disclosure of information re hospital funding<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on tech and communications:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring development of a tech grant program<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on housing:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring an affordable housing element in the Growth Management Act<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing a state funded rental assistance program<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">on elections:</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>extending voting rights to citizens on parole</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His website is less than informative, with no mention of issues. His legislative record is, mercifully, unimpressive. While he co-sponsored a whole raft of bills, most of them died a-borning. Greg Gilday is the genuine article: a gun loving, anti women’s rights, climate denying authoritarian. Very much not my cup of tea.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He gave some very interesting responses to an August LWV (shout out to those great people for putting together these events) candidates’ forum.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The question was how to make alternatives to university education more affordable. He responded by saying that subsidizing education makes it more expensive. So does that mean that by charging more we make it less expensive?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On affordable housing: reduce the cost of construction by reducing regulations. I could go on at great length on this one. Those regulations are there for a reason. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On protecting abortion rights: they’re already protected. He’s against a Constitutional amendment. And he doesn’t want Washington enforcing its laws on other states. Huh? I think this unpacks to: he’s against abortion rights but doesn’t want to say so, doesn’t want a Constitutional amendment locking in abortion rights, and doesn’t want women from other states coming here to get abortions. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On climate change and emergency preparedness: electrifying the ferry system is a waste of billions of dollars. Wildfires put out much more carbon, so put the money into forest management. Note the assumption that it is either/or. He cannot imagine both/and. Yes, we need major forest management to reduce fire susceptibility. But we also need to reduce our need for the fossil fuels which drive the climate change which is drying out our forests and making them so susceptible to massive fires. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And to sum up: do away with remote work & learning. Not sure why he hates remote work. I love not having to drive to Coupeville several times a week. I’m able to work for a national organization right here at my desk. I love/hate Zoom, as do millions of other people. Instead, Mr Gilday seems to want more cars on the road burning more fossil fuel and tangling more traffic so people can work the good old fashioned way. All that said, I do think kids need to be in live peer groups with teachers and other leaders. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He asserts that the state does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. He will fight to reform the governor’s emergency powers because they’re being misused. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At the AAUW (again, thanks for doing these) candidates’ night, he expanded on his positions. He said the top issues on the public’s mind is public safety, since there has been such a dramatic increase in crime. In response he is promoting a bill to allow police to chase people. He wants to make drugs illegal (again). </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He insists that Washington has tons of $, a $15 billion budget surplus, which he wants to put into a rainy day fund. Given the pleas we’re hearing from every corner of state government, I would really like to see where these $15 billion are hiding. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He opposes any limits on gun owners’ rights. He claims regulations and gun free zones don’t work, and prefers to redesign and rebuild public facilities, schools, etc to narrow access. Right. Instead of addressing the problem, make all the people live a constricted existence.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He said a top issue for him is affordable housing. He differentiates between affordable and government subsidized, which he opposes. He wants to make housing more affordable by decreasing regulations, thus bringing down the cost of building homes. Why do you suppose we instituted those regulations in the first place?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Clyde Shavers<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101461/1545221"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101461/1545221</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://clydeshavers.com/">https://clydeshavers.com/</a></span></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;">https://www.facebook.com/electclydeshavers/<o:p></o:p></span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m pleased to see that Clyde’s website now includes an issues page. He told me when I complained about it last summer that he preferred to spend his time meeting and talking with people. I’m glad he carved out the time to get this done. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve met and spoken with Clyde a number of times now and I like what I see. He’s young, which means on the one hand, he’s green. On the other hand, he has energy. He’s also had an amazing amount of experience in such a short time. He’s done everything from serving on a nuclear sub to lawyering for the Natural Resources Defense Council, with many stops between.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We agree on almost everything. Almost. He likes nukes. I hate nukes. Clyde agreed that he would not support any legislation which would result in production of nuclear waste. Unlike the incumbent, he actually cares about issues such as affordable housing, which is why he sits on the board of Goosefoot. He has actually experienced extended homelessness, so understands what that is about. And he’s a strong enviro. He reported that his first law case dealt with contaminated drinking water in Dearborn, Michigan. That has local relevance since the contaminant was PFAS, which is spreading around NAS Whidbey and OLF Coupeville. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He knows Covid is real and wants to save lives worldwide by providing vaccines. He says protection starts locally so advocates that people not dump their masks just yet. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On reducing greenhouse gases/conversion to electric vehicles, he agrees that infrastructure has to be available to make that possible. He wants to work on that. He supports community solar programs, which allow people to buy into mini-solar farms – like the one at Greenbank Farm. He pushes the economic benefits of clean energy industries. Yep.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On relations with the Navy, he acknowledges that the Navy has not been a good neighbor, and that that needs to change. He emphasized that the Navy is the guest here, not the landlord, and needs to act accordingly. He wants to hold the Navy accountable so that it does not overstep its bounds and degrade the environment, either physically or socially. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He raised the issue of personal privacy and data security, and said he’s working on potential legislation to protect that personal privacy. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are Clyde’s responses to last summer’s League of Women Voters’ forum questions:</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health services: he sees a great unmet need. He volunteers with 2 outreach organizations. He wants to focus on providing more services in schools and with police. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Affordable housing: he’s well aware, through his volunteer work, of how expensive it is to build affordable housing. He wants to break down some of the barriers via waivers and tax exemptions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v Wade: he condemns the decision and believes it is important to amend the state Constitution because at present “we are one election away from losing women’s rights.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change/emergency prep: focus on large scale preparedness by modernizing the power grid, electrifying ferries and buses; but don’t forget the workers in those steel mills, coal plants, and power plants. He wants the response to be robust, comprehensive, and collaborative. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: he wants to overcome the divisiveness, defend America’s freedoms, provide good education, affordable housing, and a clean environment. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I listened to the AAUW candidates’ night and found that Clyde continues with the same agenda. He’s very much about being inclusive and making life better for everybody.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the question of gun control: We should not have gunfire in our schools or our communities. I’m a veteran and don’t want to limit gun ownership, but we need to insure gun free zones in such places as schools, public facilities, and the state capitol.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On his top legislative issue: Women’s rights. The government has no business meddling in women’s personal choices. Along with supporting abortion rights, he wants to support prenatal health care, preventive care, and dealing with women at risk. He says this issue transcends political boundaries. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was surprised to discover that every issue I raised, no matter how esoteric, Clyde knew about it, understood the ramifications, and had a proposed solution. See why I like the guy?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE: By now many of you will have seen and heard the blowup in the Everett Herald and Fox News, with claims that Clyde lied about all manner of things, all based on a letter written by his father. This is a truly pathetic - but potentially effective - "October Surprise" by the right wing funders of Greg Gilday. Check out Clyde's Facebook response to the various charges by Shavers Sr - and note that:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shavers Sr participated in the January 6 insurrection</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shavers Sr says he has had no contact with Clyde in years</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Shavers Sr lives in a condo bought for him by Clyde</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">When I look at the various accusations, they are all innuendo and opinion. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bottom line: Clyde supports almost all of the things important to me. Greg Gilday opposes every one of those things, including my right to autonomy over my own body. So no, the October Surprise does not impress me. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be voting very enthusiastically for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Clyde Shavers</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Representative, LD 10</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">position 2</span></i></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Karen Lesetmoe</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101462/1544839"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101462/1544839</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.karenlesetmoe.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.karenlesetmoe.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/friendsofkarenlesetmoe</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She implies that she is an immigrant from the Philippines. Turns out that's not quite the case. Her website tells us " Karen Lesetmoe is living proof that the American Dream is real! Karen's family moved to the US from the Philippines when she was six years old. She had a suitcase and no toys." In a more recent piece we read "Karen Lesetmoe was born in Hawaii while her father was serving in the US Navy. Shortly thereafter the family was sent to the Philippines, her father's next duty assignment." Those are two very different narratives. A little truth in advertising would be a good thing. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She lists her priorities as: limit government overreach, tax relief, and support law enforcement. She retired from the Navy and became a real estate broker. She claims that people are being driven out of state by rising taxes and threats of crime. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not much more to find. No discussion of how or why taxes are high, or how to reduce them. She seems convinced that law enforcement are victims and that the legislature needs to rein in the executive branch. She does not specify just what the executive branch is doing that needs to be curbed.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are her responses to the League of Women Voters’ candidate forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">College & trade school affordability: There are already many great programs available. We need to protect small businesses so they can support apprentices. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health issues: without parental oversight schools could make matters worse.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Affordable housing: affordable is not the same as subsidized. Home ownership creates generational wealth. Citizens have to have skin in the game. Once its theirs, its private property and they can do what they want with it. Make sure housing is not expensive to build. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v Wade: it’s a non-issue. Those rights aren’t going anywhere. She wants to focus on making choices available so women are well off enough not to feel “it” is necessary. Translation: she’s anti-abortion and doesn’t want to talk about it.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change & emergency prep: She wants measurable results. Huh? It became pretty clear she had no clue.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her closing statement was a regurgitation of her voter’s pamphlet statement, including the claim that people are moving out of state because “they’ve lost hope in this political climate.”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So time has passed and her positions have jelled, evidently in direct response to the enormous sums being pushed in her direction - $200,000 from realtor PACs and $42k from “Jobs PAC.” Interestingly, on the hit pieces we get from “independent entities” we find that the prime donors to “Jobs PAC” are Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, and Association of Washington Realtors. Then there are the direct donations, another $200k+, mostly from R organizations and lots of large business groups. One has the distinct impression that Ms Lesetmoe is well bought, paid for, and packaged. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It has become pretty well known that the fossil fuel industry is funneling obscene amounts of $ into right-wing candidates, presumably in hopes of warding off the desperately needed and pretty much inevitable shift away from their climate destroying products to a sustainable energy system. It certainly looks like Ms Lesetmoe is one beneficiary of that policy. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From the recent AAUW candidates’ night: Covid was a blessing because it revealed the shortcomings of the public education system, which is failing kids. As a realtor, affordable housing is one of her big issues, which is directly tied to public safety. And then, inexplicably, she claimed that affordable housing is crime ridden. Oh, of course. Poor people are criminals, right? </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her top legislative priority will be the high cost of living, which she will address by cutting the gasoline tax. One wonders how that will affect the price of milk and eggs – or housing. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On climate issues, she talked about the beautiful scenery in our district, how it contributes to the economy, and how she wants to protect that – but it “has to make sense to the community.” She says she will do what the community wants and needs. I translate this to mean that she has no clue.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In her closing statement she made a rather telling mis-statement. In describing the district, she referred to “one hundred thousand dollars” before correcting herself to say “one hundred thousand people” she would represent. Kinda says it all for me.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms Lesetmoe is very much not ready for prime time. She is being promoted with many hundreds of thousands of PAC dollars, part of that pattern we are seeing nationwide. We are also seeing those PAC dollars being spent to try to smear Dave Paul with all manner of ludicrous accusations. Just remember who is footing that particular bill: the fossil fuel industry and the real estate industry. Guess who Ms Lesetmoe would represent?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dave Paul</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101462/1546415"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101462/1546415<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.votedavepaul.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.votedavepaul.com/<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/182988/dave-paul"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/182988/dave-paul<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dave Paul is an educator, and it reflects in his issues of concern: health care, education, family wage jobs, environment, and supporting veterans. I’ve provided a summary of his voting record in the last session If you compare Dave’s voting record with that of Greg Gilday, above, you will find that they are pretty much mirror image opposites. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on environment and climate change:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending state planning to improve salmon recovery</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reducing carbon emissions by altering transportation fuels</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on guns & public safety:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting firearms in certain locations</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of high capacity firearm magazines</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of ghost guns</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring law enforcement to provide attorney access to juveniles </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing investigations of use of deadly force</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending protection order laws to include domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, etc</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing the category of safety and security staff for k-12 schools</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting the state from contracting with private for-profit prisons</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>repealing restrictions on legal aid for undocumented immigrants</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>authorizing state auditor to audit deadly force investigations</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on health issues:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding plan to prevent homelessness among mental health patients</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding abortion rights</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing criminal & civil protections for marijuana patients</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding paid family & medical leave</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing school based health centers</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring disclosure of hospital funding information</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring schools address secondary trauma of k-12 employees</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>appropriating funds for Covid pandemic relief</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on tech & communications:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring development of a tech grant program</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on housing:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring city & county agreements re local tax distribution</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on elections:</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending congressional districts</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>extending voting rights to citizens on parole</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are Dave’s responses to those League of Women Voters’ candidate forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">College & trade school affordability: he’s working to make summer apprenticeships free for poor families. He’s working with K-12 schools to make connections. And he works every day at Skagit Valley College on these issues.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health: He sees many students struggling. He saw it worsen during the recession and it never let up. And then Covid hit. He’s been speaking with other educators. He’s working with Island County Public Health on a pilot program. He got funding from the legislature for a K-12 program through such organizations as Big Brother/Big Sister. He talks to young people and holds forums to listen to them. He reports that they want to talk to adults who are not counsellors. He wants to respond by training teachers and others. He wants to avoid those crisis situations.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Affordable housing: there is no silver bullet. Our district is experiencing a major population influx. There are many different paths, and the legislature can help with code amendments to allow for mother-in-law units, duplexes, triplexes, and other non-traditional forms of housing.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v Wade: this is a top issue with voters. This is a threat to women and LGBT people. It is an attack on personal privacy. Yes, we’re only one election away from losing it all, which is why he supports a Constitutional amendment.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change, emergency prep: he ran to protect our quality of life, and climate change is affecting that. Farmers are seeing the effects. The legislature has done some good work toward a 100% clean energy grid and reducing carbon in the transportation budget. He’s looking at workplace resilience and electrifying the ferries. The Economic Development Council is working on prep for tsunamis and earthquakes. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing, he says that much of his agenda comes from constituents. So he’s been working to get those cargo ships out of Holmes Harbor; ending emergency room surprise billings; making college more affordable; and enhancing K-12 programs to prepare students for this new world, among other things.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s an update with his responses to the AAUW candidates’ night:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He says he’s hearing mostly about Roe v Wade and housing affordability. He wrote a bill last year to enact a sales tax holiday. It passed the house with bipartisan support but died in the senate. On housing affordability, among other things he is looking at expanding the property tax exemption for smaller homes.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the climate question he said they were working on transitioning the electric grid to 100% clean energy sources and said that public utilities were going to need help with that. He talked about the great work they were doing to reduce CO2 in transportation, and assuring that refineries were the cleanest they could be. He acknowledged that it would take a generation to transition from gas powered cars and ferries to electric based. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I get a bit frustrated with Dave because he is a little more centrist than I like. I want to see him leading boldly, but he is more careful than that. Still, as you can see by his voting record, for the most part he is there when you need him. And right now we very much need him. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Dave Paul</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Supreme Court</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All 3 candidates are running unopposed. They’re all good people and good judges. As I said in the opening, I just don’t have the band width to go into depth with unopposed candidates. I’ll be voting for all of them.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">position 1</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Mary Yu</span></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">position 5</span></i></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Barbara Madsen</span></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><i><span style="font-size: medium;">position 6</span></i></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">G Helen Whitener</span></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">County Assessor</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Kelly Todd Mauck</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101723"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101723</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.mauckforassessor.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.mauckforassessor.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s a former Island County undersheriff and current real estate broker. I’m wondering how this background prepares him for the job of tax assessor. He says because he has done construction inspection, he is qualified. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have now had a number of interactions with Kelly Mauck. He is quite personable, knows how to get along with people. He explained that his experience as a realtor and training courses have brought him mostly up to speed on the Assessor’s duties. I’ve just looked over his website and will give points for his having imported a lot of explanatory material produced by the state. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m being lobbied heavily by people who complain that his signs are all to be found in company with the more wild-eyed MAGA candidates, and imply that he must support the same agenda(s). He told me that he filed as an R because he didn’t think he could win otherwise. Not the most noble of motivations. Now he tells me that was not what he said. His detractors told me that he was heavily subsidized by the R party. So I looked it up. Thus far he has received $1200.00 from the party, $1k from someone in Colorado (his brothers), and has borrowed $1k. Total receipts thus far are actually under the $5k reporting requirement, but barely. Most of his donations are $100 or less. He seems to be open and aboveboard in his finances, and not being bought by special interests.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His detractors tell me he’s just too smooth. My own notes say he is justifying a bit too much. He assured me that he would support what is right over supporting his friends. And finally we got down to the actual job. He said his intent was to reduce the number of appeals and gave a whole program for how to make the assessor’s office more fair and accountable. Among other things, he wants to create a manual of procedures for the office, with the intent of achieving uniformity in assessments, to avoid potential claims of prejudice. And he wants to do public outreach/education so we all learn what that garble on our assessments actually means. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Theodore James Kubisiak</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-partisan</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101723"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101723</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-kubisiak-a46aa042?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-kubisiak-a46aa042?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://tjkubisiak.com/</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His campaign website is basic, to say the least. No fluff there. Just the facts, ma'am. Which is consistent with a low-cost self-funded campaign. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet another retired Navy pilot. He has actually worked in the Assessor’s office, at least for a while. Good start. He says that he has completed the Washington State Appraiser 101 course and has over 1000 hours of local training. On his agenda are improving office retention (cutting the turnover rate) and improving appraiser training.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It was really hard to find out much of anything about Mr TJ. I watched the AAUW candidates’ night and found him painfully inarticulate. That led to a whole internal debate about whether one could do a job well if one could not communicate. After he got past figuring out how to unmute himself and turn on the camera he told us about his many qualifications. Because he was inarticulate it was hard to distill what he was trying to convey. One question was: how will you appraise all properties fairly and with equity? His response: “While our training is adequate, we do a great job, but we lack appraiser training qualification. If we need to, we will train and re-train.” I’m still trying to untangle that one. I asked him about that and he did untangle it. Translation: We've got a good training program. When it works right, we do a great job. We have to keep testing appraisers and if necessary provide more training. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">He has not filed with the PDC so we have no clue how much $ he has or has not raised. I asked him about that and he said he was self-financing. Fair enough. </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the question of how to keep low income seniors in their homes, both candidates agreed that Island County is seriously behind the curve. There is a senior tax exemption program, but household income must be below $40k/year. The threshold in Snohomish County is $60k. Both want to see that threshold increased in Island County. Neither mentioned how that was to be done. In fairness, response times were very short. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I asked Mr Kubisiak about that and he told me that those thresholds are set, county by county, by the legislature. Which means that Island County officials must go to our legislative delegation and ask them to move legislation to change the threshold. He was very concerned about the 8.7% Social Security increase because he thought it might be just enough to push a lot of recipients over that $40k/year limit and thus disqualify them from the tax abatement program. A reasonable concern. He also wanted to do public outreach because he felt not enough people who qualify for the program take advantage of it, or even know about it.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am bothered by both candidates. They have sniped and bad-mouthed each other. I don’t like that. Makes them sound like punky kids instead of serious candidates for taking care of the people’s business. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So after all of that, here is my update: Mr Kubisiak got in his big truck and drove all the way down here yesterday. Freaked me out. I got over it. We froze our hindquarters off talking for several hours at the picnic table. Turns out I was right to wonder what was behind that inarticulate presentation. We've got a genuine human being here. We'll never be best of buddies. His true loves are his family, Christianity, the Navy, and refereeing youth sports. But in our wide-ranging talk he touched on all manner of other matters and I genuinely like what I see. I think he's for real about caring about the people of Island County and wanting to do the best possible job of keeping property assessments fair and accurate. I happen to have just a little background in some of the jargon and he was happy to be able to share without having to translate. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I razzed him about that big truck and he said it was a bit of an emergency purchase but now he's looking into an electric car. In fact, he expanded to say that in the position of assessor, he could specifically include in budget requests that when cars are replaced (assessors drive around a lot) they be electric. That made points with me. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In part, what I saw was someone who is quite articulate one-on-one, and even in a room full of people - who got flummoxed by the Zoom. Not the first there. And I liked what he had to say on a whole range of subjects having nothing to do with property taxes. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So there, I have changed my mind. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be voting for <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">T J Kubisiak.</span> </b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">County Auditor</span></b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sheilah Crider</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101769"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101769<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have, unfortunately, known Sheilah Crider for many years. She began as an Oak Harbor City Council member. She graduated to Island County Planning Commission, and eventually ran for the position of Auditor. Her background is as a realtor. Her husband is/was lobbyist for the Skagit Island Builders’ Association, in which role he occasionally sidled up to us to offer some sort of deal on upcoming county regulations being considered by his wife.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In writing this blog I have many occasions to contact the Auditor’s office about election matters. I always end up dealing with Michele Reagan, who is highly competent. I don’t believe Sheilah Crider is up to the task of actually conducting an election. We are very lucky to have Michele Reagan covering that base. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s a good thing there are very competent people who do most of the work of running the department. It really is time for Sheilah to retire. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Barbara Fuller</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101769"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101769</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no internet presence detected</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I spoke with Ms Fuller and am definitely favorably impressed. I asked what sort of engineering she did, and she told me she did safety engineering, consulting with aircraft manufacturers on “failure analysis.” </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She speaks of integrity and diligence, both desirable qualities which she intends to model for adoption by all Auditor’s office staff. She has done consulting for various county departments. She notes the importance of the County Auditor in assuring fair and honest elections. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She assured me that she could indeed give the job description. She talked about the divisions: licensing; financial services; county payroll; maintaining county records; and the elections office.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She believes the position should be non-partisan, but acknowledged that the state Constitution mandates that it be partisan. She made very clear that she understood that once in office, party becomes irrelevant, and that she would of course administer the office in a completely non-partisan way and represent all the people. She also pointed out that you don’t discover in-house issues until you are in fact in the house. She will be looking for those issues and work to resolve them. She boiled the job down to: make sure you have competent people and functional systems for them to use. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I got a very good hit from speaking with Ms Fuller. Now, instead of just an “anyone but” vote, I will be voting positively for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Barbara Fuller</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">County Clerk</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dierdre Butler</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-partisan</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101771"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101771<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.dierdrebutler.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.dierdrebutler.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms Butler appears to have bounced around various Island County offices, including as a deputy Superior Court Clerk, which would argue for her at least knowing the job. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is precious little information to be found on her website or on the net generally. Not terribly helpful. She failed to appear for a League of Women Voters' candidate night, with no message or excuse. It is reported that she quit here deputy clerk job without notice. Reminds me of children I have known. Does not reflect well on the importance of the office or willingness to do the job.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b>Debra Van Pelt</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">D</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101771"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101771<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.reelectdebravanpelt.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.reelectdebravanpelt.com/<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s been the elected Clerk since 2010 and was a deputy clerk for 5 years before that. She certainly knows the job. Being the nerd I am, I rather enjoyed her description of the technical aspects of the job and how she has improved efficiency within the courts. Most people have little reason to interact with the courts. We do a lot, so appreciate the improvements.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have had the painful need to file a court case. Ms Van Pelt touts on her campaign website that she has helped the public to navigate the new procedures. My experience has been more than frustrating. No, I don’t think she or her office have been particularly helpful in that regard. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She also touts success with public access to court records. Oh yeah? Sorry, but after months, I’m still waiting. And they’re charging hefty fees for what really should be publicly available records. So no, I am not favorably impressed. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, I’m at a bit of a loss on this one. The current clerk has earned my ire because of problems I’ve had with her office. Her challenger says little more than that she’s had experience in the office and wants to serve the public. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given the latest news, I will be voting to retain <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Debra Van Pelt</span></b>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">County Commissioner, District 3</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Timothy S Hazelo</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101772"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101772<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.timhazelo4commissioner.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.timhazelo4commissioner.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimHazelo"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/TimHazelo</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Hazelo ran for Congress in 2020. Back then he was complaining about anti-American activism being all the fault of Democrats. And my favorite: he complained that the silent majority was going unheard. He also did the Trump-style name calling: “absent Rick,” “nasty Nancy.” Back then he wanted to cut government to a minimum so it could get out of the way of free enterprise. He wanted to privatize medical insurance and reduce regulation of health care. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since then he has set his sights a little lower, at County Commissioner. He has become a precinct committee officer and joined any number of helping organizations. He chaired the Island County Republicans meeting that voted to reject the results of the 2020 presidential election. In his website he claims “roadside and community farms are under attack from left-leaning bureaucrats, our schools are being corrupted by big city, state, and federal regulations.” As with so many newcomers, he believes there was no homelessness until 2009. He believes in tough love and no handouts. There is that unspoken assumption that homelessness is a character failure. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He claims to have a position on health care, but all I see is blame on federal and state policies.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s a serious “law’n order” kind of guy. He hates what those damned liberals have done to cities across the country. He insists that any large gathering of progressives is a riot and that moderates and Democrats are dismantling society. “As your commissioner I will support our police, law, and order, and especially personal property rights. We need to expand the sheriff’s presence on Camano and build a temporary holding facility there. Jails and incarceration need to remain an option for criminals to protect society and uphold law and order.” Yawohl, Herr Commissar. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And while he does not mention it, his truck bears a large poster “Defend Life.” This leads me to conclude that he is quite happy with the Supreme Court’s destruction of Roe v Wade. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His July 4 parade vehicle sported a lot of flags, including “don’t tread on me” </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are his responses to last summer’s League of Women Voters’ candidates’ forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Low income housing, the Freeland Motel controversy: this is tough. People are in need. The problem is that if we keep throwing money at a situation we exasperate (sic – yeah, his abuse of language exasperates me. I think he meant exacerbate) the situation. We conservatives are compassionate. I’ve taken homeless people into my own home. We need to give them a hand up, train them, teach them, make them productive citizens. Housing first has failed nationally. (Not that he would have a patronizing superior attitude toward those morally failed homeless people).</span></p>
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<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Mental health services: his son had mental health issues and they took him to the Coupeville hospital, which didn’t help. We need to take care of these issues while children are young. It starts in the home and the church. County commissioners can’t just focus on budgets but have to focus on everything in the county. </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Does this mean that he and his home and church failed his son? </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On climate change: He doesn’t even know anyone who is a climate denier. Island County is doing a pretty darn good job. There’s not a lot of waste. Disposal systems are pretty good. The infrastructure has not caught up with all this electricity we want to demand. A single volcano puts out more carbon than our whole state did in the last few years. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- This seems to be the new right-wing angle. Yeah, the climate is changing but its not our fault and there’s nothing we can do about it anyway.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On Growth Management, open space, rural character, and housing development: this is very serious. His #1 concern is not high speed internet but rural lifestyle. He doesn’t want his neighbor to clearcut and build a high-rise. We need to figure out how to grow. We need to reduce regulation to make housing affordable and keep our rural community. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- Once again, this equation of removing regulations to allow developers to create more affordable housing. Somehow the fact that it hasn’t worked in the last century or so doesn’t seem to impress them. The regulations are there for a reason.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On legal loopholes that allow clearcutting: You’re killing me. This is tough. There’s a lot of clearcutting going on. Its not pretty, but you have to balance that with property rights. There’s a fine line with zoning and codes. You need to be very specific to let people know before they buy, build, and clearcut. We need to keep the flora and fauna for peace, quiet, and public safety. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- It became clear he had no clue. He wants his surroundings to stay pretty, but he also believes in the primacy of property rights. He offers no solution. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On his priorities: Most people don’t trust government no more. They don’t trust them to spend their money or even to return phone calls. He wants transparent and honest government. Make sure spending brings results. He loves the health care system but on Camano its important to get Stanwood Health Care up and running. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: he’s got a great work ethic. He wants to give back. We can do better. Going backwards will harm us. I like my community.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here’s what he had to say at the AAUW candidates’ night:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The things he came here for are leaving. There’s crime, homelessness, addiction. He wants to provide safety and security. His new mantra is “lets keep it rural.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was asked how he would represent Camano, since he lives just outside of Oak Harbor. He claimed to spend more time on Camano than Janet St Clair. He claimed the current commissioners were talking about blocking roads on Camano in winter to prevent accidents, but that should be the residents’ prerogative. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was asked how he would manage population growth on Camano. He claimed that Camano residents are worried about “overgrowth” and that they don’t mind higher prices if it will keep Camano rural. They’re delighted that Whidbey Camano Land Trust is buying up properties there. He claimed the commissioners had imposed a $0.02 tax on Camano. This got pretty fuzzy. Not sure what he was talking about. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He responded to Janet St Clair reeling off a list of accomplishments by asking “Are you better off today? Is your life less expensive today? Are there fewer homeless addicts? If you want government paid broadband, she’s your person. If you want property rights and safe schools, I’m your man.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Several people reported to me that at an Old Goats’ meeting he announced that he was proudly unvaxxed. So, he’s a Covid denier. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He knows nothing of climate change or how to deal with it. He likes rural, and someone has found him his latest campaign slogan “lets keep it rural.” That amounts to: lets keep “those” people out of our rural bastion. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lets just say I was underwhelmed. Two years ago he was a fire-spitting Trumpist. Now he’s learned to tone it down, which makes him look hapless. He’s still a MAGA authoritarian. Thanks, but.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Janet St Clair</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101772"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101772<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.janetstclair.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.janetstclair.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/janetstclairislandcountycommissioner"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/janetstclairislandcountycommissioner</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve been dealing with Janet since before she took office. Not surprising that I find those dealings a bit frustrating. She describes herself as a “pragmatic incrementalist.” I’m learning what that means. One of the issues we’ve both been dealing with is the rampant clearcutting in Island County. I’ve been working for years to teach county staff and commissioners the finer points of the Forest Practices Act and how it is that its ok to clearcut acres of wetland and then ask to have the development moratorium lifted so the landowner can build – whatever. We went to court to close that loophole, and we certainly got it narrowed. Now we want it entirely shut and to her credit, Janet is working on doing that. Her approach is to take small steps, get those secured, and then go for the next step. Sure, we want big results all at once, but I understand why she’s doing it as she does. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are her responses to the League of Women Voters’ candidates’ forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Low income housing/Freeland Motel controversy: we’ll be voting on this tomorrow. It is critical to listen to all voices, take time to process the information, and address issues with facts. No, low income housing does not increase crime. In fact it often decreases crime. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Update on this issue: the 10-15-22 Whidbey Record contains a ¼ page unattributed ad slamming Janet over the Freeland Motel issue, claiming she gave away $1.5 mil toward purchase of the Freeland Motel, etc, ad nauseum. To start, Whidbey Press should never have accepted an unattributed political ad. Their bad. Given the slightly hysterical tone of the hit piece, one strongly suspects that the people who created the LLC which sued over this issue and lost are likely behind this ad. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health services: I was a social worker for 30 years, a child mental health specialist. A shout out to Dave Paul for what we got from the legislature (funding for a mental health center) based on what youth said they needed. I promote peer group support. We had to downsize some local programs because of Covid, but we’ve pivoted to serve more people.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change, emergency prep: this has been the focus of my leadership. We’re seeking a grant to update our greenhouse gas emissions study. We’re working to increase resiliency and to address sea level rise. We want to protect the forest canopy to protect recharge of our sole source aquifer. We’re supporting sustainable agriculture. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Growth Management, open space, rural character, and housing development: GMA is intended to protect rural character. We’ve come up with various strategies to balance housing development with preserving rural character, such as allowing accessory dwelling units, keeping property in agriculture, providing for cluster development to keep the majority of a site in open space. We’re encouraging incentives to start or stay in agriculture.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Logging loopholes: I’ve been working on this for years. There is a cross jurisdictional issue with Island County and DNR. I support sustainable timber harvesting. We don’t want to let people out of the 6 year development moratorium after they’ve logged under a DNR permit (which is exempt from Island County’s critical area protections and claims the land will remain in long term forest production) and then change their minds and develop afterwards. We’re working to enforce the 40 acre rule (this is a rule WEAN wrung out of DNR back in 1990, which limits the size of clearcuts on islands to 40 acres). A BC developer is currently working the system to be able to get around that limit to clear 120 acres. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Priorities: My top priority is identifying what is most important to constituents. I want to focus on shoreline protection in the face of sea level rise, providing improved broadband, dealing with mental health issues, and protecting our community. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: What matters is that you tell people what you intend to do and then do it. Stay humble, work on problem solving, address critical concerns. The pandemic amplified all sorts of problems, like the need for reliable broadband, childcare, and affordable housing. The biggest part of getting things done is showing up. I show up. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She said many of the same things at the AAUW candidates’ night. She listed all of the issues with which she is involved (see above). She did add protection of women’s health. She points out that she works with state and federal lawmakers to bring resources to Island County. And she shows up. She holds town halls and office hours. She said she was very proud of the funds coming to Island County for Environmental Health projects. She’s still looking for help with stormwater and flooding services. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On managing growth on Camano she talked about zoning, managing the code to encourage sustainable growth. She’s been working for years on forest protection, including a code update. She’s been working with Whidbey Camano Land Trust to protect natural areas and has secured $9 mil for affordable housing infill in urban areas. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, she has worked on broadband, on mental health, on housing, on environmental issues. Her focus in all of this has been the needs of rural residents. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So to summarize: Tim Hazelo is a MAGA election denier. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then there’s Janet St Clair, who is doing a reasonably good job and actually works to understand and deal with real issues. Not a hard choice there. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ll be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Janet St Clair.</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Island County Coroner</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Shantel Porter<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is running unopposed, so no research or recommendation.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Island County Sheriff</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lane Campbell</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101778"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101778</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://lanecampbellforsheriff.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://lanecampbellforsheriff.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He claims that incumbent Sheriff Felici has done nothing to improve matters. His platform:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. If I’m not safe, you’re not safe. He’s griping about short staffing (join the crowd), wants more “less than lethal” means to subdue people, and more K-9 for drug trafficking on water, land, and at the jail. (I presume that he didn’t mean he wants more drug trafficking, and meant ‘detection of’)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Be the guardian of the people. I think this boils down to the fact that he is #2 in the office but is not officially commissioned so does not have the power he would like. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Require accountability in order to administer compassion. This is where the iron fist comes in. “remove the criminal element from the street.”, “actively work to get drugs off our streets”. At least I can appreciate his wish for more communication among mental health care providers. Here’s what I find is a terribly offensive statement: “We offer services now to those on the street and unfortunately most decline. this is where requiring accountability becomes crucial with regard to compassion.” I read this as “It’s their own damned fault and they don’t even have the decency to be grateful.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He doesn’t mention it this time, but 4 years ago he earned the ire of both Superior Court judges with his caustic criticism of the drug court program. He saw no reason why people caught in possession of drugs should be given any opportunity to change their behavior to end their drug use. This matters a lot right now because the state Supreme Court issued the Blake decision, voiding the felony of simple drug possession. The legislature has responded by making possession a misdemeanor. Law enforcement is furious. They’re also somewhat confused about what they can and cannot do around drug possession. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Further down he says “The first step is to elect a sheriff that is willing to work for you.” Given that Sheriff Felici has in fact been working for us for the last 4 years, I’m wondering what Mr Campbell has in mind. What comes through is that he resents his boss and wants to become the boss. That’s hard when there is so very little to criticize. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Campbell mailed me the entire brief by an attorney in the very dirty case of the deputy recently arrested for rape. I read the brief but saw no reason to hold the matter against sheriff Felici. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Asked about how he would deal with opioids & fentanyl, he responded by falling back on his favorite subject: K9. He really really wants a K9 unit and seems to think it will solve all manner of problems. In fact he said that he wants to get aggressive, to stop crimes before they occur. To me that is dangerous talk. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve been hearing a whole lot of rather scary rumors, but no one seems able to substantiate any of them. I cannot report on unsubstantiated rumors, so will have to let them go.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">UPDATE: At least some of those scary rumors have now been substantiated, and the Whidbey Record reports that Mr Campbell himself says that he is a "Constitutional Sheriff." This particular group believes that the county sheriff is the highest law of the land, above state troopers, the FBI, or anybody, and can decide which laws they will or will not enforce and on whom. Basically, they are a part of the fascist Right. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rick Felici</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101778"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101778</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.rickfelici.net/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.rickfelici.net/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I supported Sheriff Felici when he ran 4 years ago. I have not regretted that support. His website has a page called “platform” in which he discusses what they’ve been doing and why. He subscribes to the core values of Service, Professionalism, and Accountability. Good. He says he implemented staff performance evaluations. Also good. He’s added opioid outreach and mental health responders. Good. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His priority issues: </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Homelessness. He does not offer any solutions but says the community must get involved.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drugs. He believes the solution is education, treatment, and accountability. We have not heard from him on the Blake decision (decriminalizing drug possession) and how the sheriff’s office is responding. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Diversity. He says there is no room for intolerance or hate. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Traffic safety. He prefers a preventive approach via education & traffic enforcement</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">School safety. He says his biggest fear is violence in schools. The best he can do is prevention and effective response. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is challenged by his opponent on staffing. He readily acknowledges the vacancies, and points out the factors involved – such as poor pay and lack of new trainees in the pipeline. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve just re-read what I wrote about these two candidates 4 years ago. I think most of it continues to hold true. We’re dealing with a classic macho male who chafes at not being the boss and is trying to take over the boss’s job. The boss, however, appears to be doing a good job and does not need to be replaced, especially not by somebody as lacking in social nuance and understanding as his challenger. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Rick Felici</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Island County Treasurer</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Richard MacQuarrie</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101780"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101780<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://richardfortreasurer.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://richardfortreasurer.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr MacQuarrie’s experience and background seem a bit thin. He’s a Business Development Manager. Good for him, but I don’t see that as sufficient qualification for the job. I admit to personal prejudice against people who post photos of themselves with flags. On the plus side, he does seem to have at least a basic understanding of the job. He lists 3 issues: transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness. I’m not aware that any of those have been issues in the past. He wants us to know that he is experienced, honest, and successful. I have to ask: experienced at what? Not in a county treasurer’s office. I’d hate to think that people have to declare their honesty. I sort of assume people are honest until they demonstrate otherwise. I don’t see any drop-deads, but neither do I see anything special. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His website tells us that he has been Navy pretty much all his life, having been born in Japan and raised on bases, and joining the Navy himself. He touts having been an ace recruiter, and discovered that he was an ace salesman. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I watched the AAUW candidates’ night and became a bit concerned. He asserted that every organization has waste and that he would find and eliminate that waste in Island County. He spoke of adding groups to the county’s investment pool to bring in more revenue. I am fiscally exceedingly conservative and am wondering just how much risk this would involve. He described himself as a “compassionate forecloser.” I guess I knew that the Treasurer did the foreclosing, since I have attended some tax auctions. Not sure how one forecloses compassionately. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Asked how he would invest the county’s money, he replied: I would work with staff and the people concerned on where money is invested. I would explain what we can and can’t do. There would be constant public outreach. I would work with the auditor and the county commissioners to get the best investments.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m just not finding a whole lot of there there.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tony Lam<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101780"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101780<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.tonylamfortreasurer.com/">https://www.tonylamfortreasurer.com/</a></span> </span></p>
<p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He’s<span style="font-size: large;"> the Island County chief deputy treasurer/investment officer. Before that he was an accountant in the Treasurer’s office. His campaign website lists out all the various aspects of the job. It all makes sense but its more than I ever thought the treasurer did. It makes sense that there is a ton of bookkeeping involved. I like the term “accounting” – its all about accounting for money and actions. From what I see of his website and his voter guide statement, Mr Lam has the education, the background, and has been doing the job.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I met Mr Lam this summer and found him most likable. We had quite a long conversation. I also found him completely wrapped up in the minutiae of the Treasurer’s office. And I found that he is very much not a politician. A nice guy, yeah. Public speaker? Not so much. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Being at the end of the AAUW candidates’ night, he got only a single question, on how he would invest the county’s money. He replied: by law we are not allowed to invest in stocks. We have to invest only in certain bonds. We are not allowed to risk the public’s money. There is a standard investment pool.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given the very strict limitations on how public entities invest public funds, I am disturbed by Richard MacQuarrie's response and reassured by Tony Lam's clear understanding.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He say’s he’s ready to move up. I’m ready to give him that opportunity. I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Tony Lam.</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sorry folks. Its late. I’m tired. You know what’s happening up there and I don’t. You’re on your own. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>proposition 1</b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-25111057381049330552022-07-13T09:42:00.005-07:002022-08-01T11:35:38.748-07:00<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And now, introducing the 2022 primary edition of Marianne’s Politiblog</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>UPDATE ALERT - check out LD 10, position 2 for new info</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We find ourselves, in 2022, in a most bizarre and painful political situation. I avoided the latest of the January 6 hearings this morning to work on the blog. I still believe elections matter. Unless we are all very diligent, very active, and very loud, that may not be the case after November. And of course we have a fascist cabal dominating the Supreme Court which may very well rule quite soon that state legislatures are free to over-rule elections anyway. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I’m feeling schizophrenic. On the one hand, it looks like the democratic system in which many of us grew up is about to fall. On the other hand, I can’t imagine what that would even look like, so have to believe that it won’t happen. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Pretty much the best we can do is vote, vote, vote, vote, to quote an aging decent but ineffective gentleman who purports to be the president of the United States. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m re-running once again Marianne’s minimum standards for any candidate:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1) be able to write a coherent sentence. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2) be able to articulate the job description of the post for which they are filing. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3) have sufficient internet know-how (or the funds to hire that know-how) to create a net presence. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This primary has been painfully low key, with only a single public forum (I don’t consider the Old Goats a public forum) by the League of Women Voters and the Sno-Isle Libraries. Yay to them and a big thank you. A fair number of candidates have no public presence other than the Voters’ Guide. Slim pickings. I’ve done my best to dredge up information. You’ll also find a certain level of impatience with the many people who seem to enjoy getting their names on the ballot but have no expectation or intention of getting any further than that. I got rather dismissive of those not very serious candidates. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, on to the basics:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to </span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/%22%20%5Cl%20%22/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you’re not registered, you can do that online or by mail until July 25. If all else fails, you can register in person at the </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Island County Elections Office</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">400 Main Street</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Coupeville <span> </span>up to 8:00 on August 2. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ballots are supposed to go into the mail on July 15. Look for your ballot, and if you haven’t seen one by about July 22, contact the elections office at <a href="https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For more information call 360-679-7366 or email <span style="color: #0079cd;"><a href="mailto:elections@co.island.wa.us">elections@i</a>slandcountywa.gov</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, to make your vote count,</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Try not to use the US Mail, now that Postmaster DeJoy has announced a very 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 26.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. If you really can’t do it earlier, bring your ballot to the Post Office counter on Tuesday, August 2 during business hours – usually before 4:00 pm. No stamp is needed.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Best option: Drop your ballot in one of the 6 ballot drop boxes before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 2. They are located at:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Island County Elections Office</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 400 N Main Street Coupeville</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Trinity Lutheran Church</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 18341 Hwy 525 Freeland</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Ken’s Corner Shopping Center</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road) Clinton</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Island County Camano Annex</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 121 N East Camano Drive Camano Island</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Langley Post Office, front patio</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 115 2nd Street Langley</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Oak Harbor City Hall</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've just gotten some questions for which I had no answers, so I consulted our elections supervisor, Michele Reagan. She's a gem and we are lucky to have her.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. If there are 2 people in the primary, will they go on to the general election?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes. So you'll get a second chance.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. If there is an unopposed candidate, but there are write-ins, does that position go on to the general election?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It depends. If the person has filed as a write-in candidate, votes for them will be counted. If they don't file, votes for them won't count. It is possible to file as a write-in right up to the close of the election, but if you do so less than 18 days before the election, you will have to pay the full filing fee of 1% of the annual salary for that position.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. What happens to late ballots?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They are collected and delivered to the Canvassing Board, which examines each of them and decides whether they can be accepted or not. Those which are not accepted are recorded on that voter's record and then destroyed without opening. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 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.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Be aware that I have not researched people who are running unopposed. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ok, here they are:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">US Senate</span></u></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Thor Amundson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1550084">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1550084</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I searched, but could find no current on-line info.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Amundson is a perennial candidate. He talks a good line. Check out his agenda in the Voter’s Guide. On the other hand, if he were serious, he would become involved at the local level to make change there, and work his way up. Sorry, not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jon Butler</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I<br />
<a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1547339">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1547339</a></span></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jon.butler.3194"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/jon.butler.3194</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Butler is another perennial candidate. I remember my research from previous years. He has a serious beef with family courts and child custody. His Facebook page is downright creepy. Again, not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dr Pano Churchill<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I, Lincoln Party</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1549332"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1549332</span></a></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://churchill2022.com/">https://churchill2022.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Freedom, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And yet another perennial candidate. In this case, break out the snake oil. Dr Churchill deals heavily in it. He calls himself a Democrat, a healer, and someone who “always has the interests of the people at heart.” Feel free to read more, but no, not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sam Cusmir</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1549160"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1549160</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://tvw.org/video/2022-video-voters-guide-sam-cusmir-2022061130/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://tvw.org/video/2022-video-voters-guide-sam-cusmir-2022061130/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Cusmir is an immigrant from Romania and is terribly grateful to his adopted country, so wants to give back. He feels that he has so much that he wants to share the wealth, by running for Senate. It was hard to discern any agenda, although he does mention school safety and increased law enforcement. He sounds well intentioned but not ready. Yet another not serious candidate. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tiffany Smiley</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1545643"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1545643</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.smileyforwashington.com/issues">https://www.smileyforwashington.com/issues</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms Smiley is seen as the leading Republican in this race, having raised well over $4 mil. She is a triage nurse and military wife whose husband was blinded in a suicide bombing in Iraq in 2005. Ever since, she has been caring for and advocating for injured members of the military. She has seen the bureaucratic nightmare which is medical care in the US, but only through the lens of her husband and others in the military. Not sure she realizes that all the rest of us face similar problems. Checking her website, she seems to tout the standard Republican line about how its all the Dems’ fault that – whatever it is. Sorry, I’m not seeing anything new here. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Henry Clay Dennison</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Socialist Workers’ Party</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1547896"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1547896</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">No online presence.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Downright heartwarming. If you’ve ever been involved in the multiple variants of socialists and workers, you know that they can split hairs better than any. Mr Dennison espouses the fairly standard line of the Socialist Workers. And it’s a good line. Sadly, much of it is still relevant. His focus is on unions, which are a good and necessary thing. He also defends free speech and debate, supports Black farmers, opposes racism, supports immigrant farm workers, wants Moscow’s troops out of Ukraine – and all the rest. My image is of someone debating over a table full of empty coffee cups and overflowing ashtrays in an obscure coffee house. Yet another perennial, not serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mohammad Hassan Said, MD</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1551713"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1551713</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mohammad.said.5496"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/mohammad.said.5496</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Facebook page is not very helpful, being primarily in Arabic.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Another perennial candidate, with an obvious focus on health. Says he was a co-founder of the Rainbow Coalition. Says he was convinced not to run back in 1992 because Patty Murray was running. Then he goes into a diatribe about how his license to practice was revoked and he was labeled as demented. While he may have some interesting ideas, I think Dr Said may be radioactive politically. Yet another not serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>John Guenther</b> </span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1544168"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1544168</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://johnguenther4senate.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://johnguenther4senate.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Guenther touts his credentials as a Christian and a tribal member whose focus would be on helping schools, fixing crime and homelessness, and working on a local level. And he touts the usual Republican line about the need for school vouchers, opposition to “sex ed” and CRT. He goes on to object to illegal immigration, and wants to go hardline on crime, not allowing “dangerous individuals” bail. He wants to go big on nuclear, to “get the uranium, oil, and gas from American states.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yowza. This guy scares me. Luckily, not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dan Phan Doan</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>none</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1546600"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1546600</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no online presence</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While Mr Doan has various college degrees, his writing gives the impression that English is at best a second language. I was not able to find any information beyond the very short candidates’ statement. I love the naiveté of his statement that constituents should decide who they elect not based on popularity but on intelligence. This young man has potential, but needs to do a lot more work at the local level before aiming for the big time. Yet another not serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dave Saulibio</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>JFK Republican</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1549848"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1549848</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/may/22/spin-control-coming-to-your-washington-ballot-in-a/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2022/may/22/spin-control-coming-to-your-washington-ballot-in-a/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His focus is on “voters with unhappy wallets.” He says he was “a middle-road, JFK legacy Democrat. The Democratic Party <i>abandoned</i> me. I became a Republican. Praise God.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He also opposes amnesty for “invasion by illegal aliens.” Luckily, not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bill Hirt</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1544884"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1544884</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no current online presence</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Hirt goes beyond being a perennial candidate. He says upfront that he has no intention of winning, that he is only using this opportunity to flog his longtime fight with Sound Transit. He goes into all manner of gory details about traffic congestion, ridership, and transit budgets. Unless this is your particular rabbit hole, I would recommend a pass. I really object to what I consider the hijacking of the electoral process, and Mr Hirt has been doing it, by his own statement, for the last 10 years. Yet another not-serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bryan Solstin</b> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1547536"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1547536</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://solstin.org/</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s an aerospace engineer whose wife works in homelessness & women’s health.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He says he’s a social liberal and a fiscal conservative. Gee, sounds familiar. On the other hand, he believes Bitcoin will save us from inflation while Crypto will not. He seems to equate Bitcoin with individual sovereignty, privacy, and private property. He worries about something called Central Bank Digital Coin and calls it dystopian slave money. But he will fight for clean air, clean water, clean soil, and clean energy. I wonder if he knows that Bitcoin mining is sucking so much electricity that its draining small utilities dry, to the detriment of genuine human customers. Sounds very much like a one-trick pony. Another not-serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Martin D Hash<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>none</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1548635"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1548635</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no current online presence</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ran for US House 2 years ago. Came in 3<sup>rd</sup>. Claims 3 doctorates, in law, medicine, & computer science. He seems to enjoy telling us how very smart he is, but seems awfully short on actual ideas. Yet another not-serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Charlie (Chuck) Jackson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1545187"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1545187</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.multipartist.org/states/washington/charlie-chuck-jackson/">no</a> online presence</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, at least he has actually read the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. That’s more than can be said for many candidates, and for far too many citizens. He worries about the national debt. His writing is a bit less than coherent. I have a thing about random capitalization. He advocates for “throw out the bums – all of them.” and start over. Enough. Not a serious candidate. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Naz Paul<span> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1547724"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1547724</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://nazpaul2022.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://nazpaul2022.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Ms Paul is Iranian, married to a Romanian, and a successful businesswoman. She does not believe the 2 party system serves the people (gotta agree with her on that). She promises to be honest and upright and independent of special interests. She lists issues such as fighting big Pharma, inflation, education, student loans, energy innovation, immigration – etc. But she does not elaborate her position on any of these. I checked her campaign website and she seems a bit confused between the US Senate and the Washington state legislature. Perhaps she should begin there. Not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ravin Pierre</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1545509"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1545509</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="%22"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://pierre4senate.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, lets hear it for up-front honesty. “F Q-anon, F Putin.” He calls these existential threats to Constitutional democracy. I agree. The question, of course, is what to do about them. He calls himself a Progressive. He proposes strict term limits and “radical transparency” – to include legislators wearing body-cams. I like his ‘reframe national security’ to focus on meeting the basic needs of all Americans, i.e. healthcare, higher education, public infrastructure, and fighting climate change. He points out that the US Defense Dept budget has never been audited, and proposes to lock down the budget until an audit is performed. I could go with that. I really object to his website which headlines “Get Out The Vote! F Patty Murray!” So, while I agree with some of his positions, I very much disagree with his approach. Sorry, but basic courtesy is part of the game. So no, not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Leon Lawson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trump </span></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1544115">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1544115</a></span></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="%22"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://leonlawson.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He ran for governor in 2020. And he uses the hated random capitalization. For him everything and everybody is a special interest which must be fought. Evidently “the homeless”, drug’s (sic), crime, are doing things to our kids. Need to decriminalize marijuana and criminalize big pharma.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His website features the Federalist Society. He welcomes us to the digital battlefield and offers discounts on American flags. He seems a bit confused, since the website says he’s running for state Senate. Did he register for the wrong race? I hate an un-spellchecked website. He calls himself a roll (sic) model. Oh, and he features Pepe the frog. This guy is toxic. Luckily not a serious candidate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Patty Murray</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101401/1544556"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101401/1544556</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0433ff; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://pattymurray.com/</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Patty has been our senator for a long time. So long that now she is #3 in the Senate. Could she do better? Sure. But consider the current situation in the Senate, where a majority no longer matters and the good guys have to dicker and deal and concede constantly to the bad guys. Have you noticed that the filibuster is a hard and fast rule when the Rs are in the minority, but it disappears when they have a majority? Yeah, the game is rigged. Luckily, Patty fights that rigged game as much as she can. She’s been campaigning for gun control. Amen. She campaigns to protect our iconic whales. She’s pushing hard for abortion rights. She’s all in for providing Covid vaccines world-wide. She recognizes the reality of climate change/chaos and is working toward a clean energy policy to slow that chaos. No, of course I don’t agree with her on everything. But I agree with her on an awful lot of important things, and, as mentioned, she is in a position of power (as much as that is possible in this MAGA-R world).</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yes, she’s a serious candidate and yes, I will be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Patty Murray</span></u></b>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>US House, District 2</u></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Cody Hart</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>MAGA-R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1545263"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1545263</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://codyhart.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://codyhart.org/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This guy is 1) a perennial candidate and 2) scary. He stands for parental rights (to limit what their kids learn in school), election integrity (our elections are being stolen), gun rights, anti-abortion, border security, religious freedom (which he thinks is being trampled), affordable housing (stop unnecessary regulation). This is indeed the MAGA agenda brought home. He considers himself a whistleblower revealing massive election fraud in Skagit County. Really? Scary but hard to take seriously. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Leif Johnson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1545178"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1545178</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.leifjohnsonforcongress.com/about-7"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.leifjohnsonforcongress.com/about-7</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The issues on his website are 2<sup>nd</sup> Amendment (image of candidate with AR 15 and good looking dog); immigration (secure the borders to keep ‘dangerous’ people, cartels, and fentanyl out); oil (climate change & clean energy are just an excuse to destroy the oil industry); homelessness (gov’t is unable to deal with it, religious institutions are doing a good job, hand the issue – and the funding – to them); economy (gov’t taxes create dependency); gov’t overreach (Covid was just an excuse to impose mandates); abortion (will fight to de-fund Planned Parenthood, personhood begins at conception); education (schools are teaching Marxism); foreign affairs (isolationist); family values (the Marxist system is destroying them). This guy out MAGAs the one before him. Where do they find these people? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Carrie R Kennedy</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1545134"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1545134</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.carriekennedy2022.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.carriekennedy2022.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her important issues: over-reach of government; mental health reform; America first, America strong.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She cites Trump as the model of how to govern. Aside from failing to read/edit, she quotes Dinesh D’Sousa, one of the most out-there, toxic, right-wing nut jobs. Yet another MAGA head.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rick Larsen</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1544615"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1544615</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://larsen.house.gov/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://larsen.house.gov/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ricklarsen.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.ricklarsen.org/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve just checked his current campaign website and very little has changed. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He believes COVID is real.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He voted for impeachment.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He believes climate change is real and needs to be addressed.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">After researching a bunch of toxic right-wingers, none of whom have actually campaigned or raised any money, it becomes obvious that the contest, such as it is, is between a challenger from the left, Jason Call, and long time Congressman Rick Larsen.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are several trends which seem to be crossing here. There is the rightward drift of the “mainstream” Dems, who seem to believe that the only way they can hold onto what little power they still have is to emulate the repugnant Republicans. As the Rs pull farther to the right, the Ds, who should by rights be countering with equal or greater energy toward the left, are in fact simply shifting the center farther right. This then gave rise to the progressive wing, who are trying mightily to pull the Dems back to what used to be mainstream Dem thinking and is now seen as somehow far left. Jason is very much a part of that movement.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Larsen has been moving somewhat farther left. He is by no means a genuine progressive yet. The man appears to be educable after all. That is a good thing, but I’m beginning to believe that it is not enough. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dan Matthews<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1550337"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1550337</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0007384/">https://www.loc.gov/item/lcwaN0007384/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> (this is from his run in 2012)</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.whatcomgop.com/copy-of-tiffany-smiley">https://www.whatcomgop.com/copy-of-tiffany-smiley</a></span> This is a bit confusing. It gives info re Dan Matthews, even though it says its about Tiffany Smiley.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He tells us he volunteers for the Heritage Foundation, his church, Washington Policy Center (right wing think tank), Manhattan Declaration (A Call to Christian Conscience), and more.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has the usual litany of issues: inflation, jobs, border security, lower energy costs, cut spending, reduce national debt, limit government, strong national defense, drug & human trafficking, mental health, maintain medicare and social security, reduce federal regulations . . . </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I happen to be allergic to religion, most especially when combined with government. And I despise the output of the Heritage Foundation and the Washington Policy Center. No thanks. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Doug “Yoshe” Revelle</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>no party</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/?b=101406&o=1550337"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/?b=101406&o=1550337</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no online presence</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not sure what he’s doing here at all. He tells us that 1) he has spent his life seeking Spiritual Truth and 2) he is recovering from suicidal depression. I wish the man the best in his spiritual searches and hopes for world peace, but fail to see the connection between that and the US Congress. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Brandon Lee Stalnaker</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1552173"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1552173</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no online presence</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s a truck driver and volunteers at an animal sanctuary. His focus: economy, inflation, crime, government overreach, national debt. Not much substance there. Another also-ran.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jon Welch</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Conservative Party</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1549507"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1549507</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.doyouevencongressbro.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.doyouevencongressbro.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s the Orcas Island ferry terminal manager. He wants to fight inflation, fuel costs, and reckless federal spending. And campaign platforms should be put aside until a turnaround in recession and housing bubble. And that’s about all he’s got to say. To put it charitably, a bit thin. Another also-ran.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bill Wheeler</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1546086"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1546086</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/people/Bill-Wheeler-WA-Political-Candidate/100064196674564/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://m.facebook.com/people/Bill-Wheeler-WA-Political-Candidate/100064196674564/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His Facebook image includes a flag. Minus 1 point. His #1 agenda item: impeach Biden and his cronies. He’s a member of the Term Limits organization. I’d be more inclined to support them if they weren’t right wingers. He rails about the Liberal World Order which is evidently responsible for the high price of fossil fuels. He rails about the State stepping in to deprive parents of their rights and children of father figures. I think this may have to do with a divorce and child support, but I’m guessing. The Jan 6 commission is a fraud costing millions. And evidently he is unhappy with WA State Rs who would not endorse him. “I am motivated by being pissed all the time.” Well, if even the Rs won’t support him, I guess neither will I. Another also-ran. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jason Call</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101406/1544729"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/genericvoterguide.aspx?e=876#/candidates/101406/1544729</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.callforcongress.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.callforcongress.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Jason has run for this position before. He is challenging Rick Larsen from the progressive left. His top priorities are: medicare for all, green new deal, tuition free college, strengthening labor, and ending war. His program is refreshing because it actually is a coherent program, with specific actions toward the stated goals. On the Green New Deal, he recognizes that climate change is going to kill us all if not addressed. Evidently his platform on ending war was written before the invasion of Ukraine. I am most curious about his response to that. I guess I’ll have to ask.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So I did ask, and Jason responded with a rather long dissertation on the state of politics in Eastern Europe. His bottom line is that there are many guilty parties, and that what really needs to happen - ASAP if not sooner - is a cease fire so no more people get killed. Yep. We can argue the many finer points later, but yes, whatever we can do to stop the carnage is a good thing. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve spoken with Jason a few times. We share a lot of political philosophy. I contacted him a couple of days ago and he told me there is a good deal of very ignoble backbiting and maneuvering in the Dem party. His back was bitten. There is a certain cost to being an avowed progressive. Who knew that the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee was blacklisting progressive vendors? Talk about stupid internecine warfare. Lets all shoot each other so the opposition can simply walk in and take over. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is running a “people powered campaign” which means he is not accepting any corporate cash. As a progressive he looks forward to joining Pramila Jayapal in the House. That will make 2 progressives from Washington. Good start. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I strongly recommend that you check out his website. He’s got a lot to say and he says it coherently.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He talks about the importance of having 2 Dems on the general election ballot. This will make it possible to have a genuine policy debate. After a good deal of thought, research, and political balancing, I’ll be voting for<b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;"> Jason Call.</span></u></b> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Legislative District 10</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>position 1</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Greg Gilday</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101461/1543964"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101461/1543964</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/192827/greg-gilday"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/192827/greg-gilday</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://greggilday.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://greggilday.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Gilday is a 3<sup>rd</sup> generation lawyer in and around Stanwood – until he went into the real estate business and now into politics. As a State Representative he has been a disaster. This is a man who does not believe that Covid is real. He won against Angie Homola last time around because Angie respected the rules around Covid so did not mingle with the public - while Gilday went banging on doors all over the district. He is also a climate denier, which has some very interesting results. Below is a summary of his voting record:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on environment & climate change:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>promoting electric vehicles<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increasing state energy code standards<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring the state to reach 0 CO2 emissions by 2050<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending state planning to improve salmon recovery<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reducing carbon emissions by altering transportation fuels<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on guns & public safety:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting firearms in certain locations (like polling places, schools, the legislature)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of high capacity firearm magazines<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of ghost guns<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing independent investigations office re use of deadly force<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting chokeholds, no-knock warrants, & other police tactics<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">yes</span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing a category: safety & security staff, in k-12 schools<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring law enforcement to provide attorney access to juveniles</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding protection orders to include domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, etc<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">no </span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">repealing restrictions on legal aid for undocumented immigrants</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on health issues:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding abortion protections</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding coverage of paid family & medical leave program<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing criminal & civil protections for medical cannabis patients<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing school based health centers<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring schools to address secondary trauma of k-12 employees<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increasing access to death with dignity act<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>appropriating funds for Covid pandemic relief<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring disclosure of information re hospital funding<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on tech and communications:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding authority for public entities to provide telecommunications services (PUDs)<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="color: #ff2600;">yes</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">authorizing PUDs or Port Districts to provide retail telecommunications</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring development of a tech grant program<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on housing:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring an affordable housing element in the Growth Management Act<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing a state funded rental assistance program<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> requiring city/county distribution agreements re local sales tax<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on elections:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">yes</span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>classifying misrepresentation of unofficial ballot collection sites as a gross <span> </span>misdemeanor<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting disclosing records to the public to preserve election security<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>extending voting rights to citizens on parole</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">miscellaneous:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>limiting non-disclosure agreements for employees</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His website is less than informative, with no mention of issues. His legislative record is, mercifully, unimpressive. While he co-sponsored a whole raft of bills, most of them died a-borning. Greg Gilday is the genuine article: a gun loving, climate denying authoritarian. Very much not my cup of tea.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He gave some very interesting responses to last night’s LWV (shout out to those great people for putting together these events) candidates’ forum.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The question was how to make alternatives to university education more affordable. Gilday says that subsidizing education makes it more expensive.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On affordable housing: reduce the cost of construction by reducing regulations.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On protecting abortion rights: they’re already protected. He’s against a Constitutional amendment. And he doesn’t want Washington enforcing its laws on other states. Huh?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On climate change and emergency preparedness: electrifying the ferry system is a waste of billions of dollars. Wildfires put out much more carbon, so put the money into forest management.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And to sum up: do away with remote work & learning. The state does not have a revenue problem, it has a spending problem. He will fight to reform the governor’s emergency powers because they’re being misused. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Clyde Shavers<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101461/1545221"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101461/1545221</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://clydeshavers.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://clydeshavers.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m a little bothered by Clyde’s website because it, like Gilday’s, does not include an issues page. He explained that he didn’t want to waste too much time and energy on it because he prefers to speak with people directly. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve met and spoken with Clyde a number of times now and I like what I see. He’s young, which means on the one hand, he’s green. On the other hand, he has energy. He’s also had an amazing amount of experience in such a short time. He’s done everything from serving on a nuclear sub to lawyering for the Natural Resources Defense Council, with many stops between.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We agree on almost everything. He likes nukes. I hate nukes. Clyde agreed that he would not support any legislation which would result in production of nuclear waste. Unlike the incumbent, he actually cares about issues such as affordable housing, which is why he sits on the board of Goosefoot. He has actually experienced extended homelessness, so understands what that is about. And he’s a strong enviro. He reported that his first case dealt with contaminated drinking water in Dearborn, Michigan. That has local relevance since the contaminant was PFAS, which is spreading around NAS Whidbey and OLF Coupeville. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He knows Covid is real and wants to save lives worldwide by providing vaccines. He says protection starts locally so advocates that people not dump their masks just yet. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On reducing greenhouse gases/conversion to electric vehicles, he agrees that infrastructure has to be available to make that possible. He wants to work on that. He supports community solar programs, which allow people to buy into mini-solar farms – like the one at Greenbank Farm. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On relations with the Navy, he acknowledges that the Navy has not been a good neighbor, and that that needs to change. He emphasized that the Navy is the guest here, not the landlord, and needs to act accordingly. He wants to hold the Navy accountable so that it does not overstep its bounds and degrade the environment, either physically or socially. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He raised the issue of personal privacy and data security, and said he’s working on potential legislation to protect that personal privacy. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are Clyde’s responses to last night’s League of Women Voters’ forum questions:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health services: he sees a great unmet need. He volunteers with 2 outreach organizations. He wants to focus on providing more services in schools and with police. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Affordable housing: he’s well aware, through his volunteer work, of how expensive it is to build affordable housing. He wants to break down some of the barriers via waivers & tax exemptions.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v Wade: he condemns the decision and believes it is important to amend the state Constitution because at present “we are 1 election away from losing women’s rights.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change/emergency prep: focus on large scale preparedness by modernizing the power grid, electrifying ferries and buses; but don’t forget the workers in those steel mills, coal plants, and power plants. He wants the response to be robust, comprehensive, and collaborative. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: he wants to overcome the divisiveness, defend America’s freedoms, provide good education, affordable housing, and a clean environment. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I was surprised to discover that every issue I raised, no matter how esoteric, Clyde knew about it, understood the ramifications, and had a proposed solution. See why I like the guy?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be voting very enthusiastically for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Clyde Shavers</span></u></b>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>position 2</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Karen Lesetmoe</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101462/1544839"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101462/1544839</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.karenlesetmoe.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.karenlesetmoe.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="%22"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/friendsofkarenlesetmoe</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s an immigrant from the Philippines, and I detect that ultra-patriotism often displayed by immigrants (hey, I can say that. I are one). She lists her priorities as: limit government overreach, tax relief, and support law enforcement. She retired from the Navy and became a real estate broker. She claims that people are being driven out of state by rising taxes and threats of crime. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not much more to find. No discussion of how or why taxes are high, or how to reduce them. She seems convinced that law enforcement are victims and that the legislature needs to rein in the executive branch. She does not specify just what the executive branch is doing that needs to be curbed.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are her responses to the League of Women Voters’ candidate forum questions.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">College & trade school affordability: many great programs are already available. We need to protect small businesses so they can support apprentices. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health issues: without parental oversight schools could make matters worse.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Affordable housing: affordable is not the same as subsidized. Home ownership creates generational wealth. Citizens have to have skin in the game. Once its theirs, its private property and they can do what they want with it. Make sure housing is not expensive to build. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v Wade: it’s a non-issue. Those rights aren’t going anywhere. She wants to focus on making choices available so women are well off enough not to feel “it” is necessary. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change & emergency prep: She wants measurable results. Huh?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her closing statement was a regurgitation of her voter’s pamphlet statement, including the claim that people are moving out of state because “they’ve lost hope in this political climate.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m finding not a whole lot of there there. Sorry, not impressed.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dave Paul</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101462/1546415"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101462/1546415<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.votedavepaul.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.votedavepaul.com/<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/182988/dave-paul"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/key-votes/182988/dave-paul<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dave Paul is an educator, and it reflects in his issues of concern: health care, education, family wage jobs, environment, and supporting veterans. I’ve provided a summary of his voting record in the last session, and was surprised to find some ‘no’ votes on issues I know he cares about. Now I’m wondering if those bills were maybe flawed in some way. If you compare Dave’s voting record with that of Greg Gilday, above, you will find that they are pretty much mirror image opposites. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on environment and climate change:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">no</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring state to reach net 0 CO2 by 2050 </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">no</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increasing state energy code standards</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending state planning to improve salmon recovery</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reducing carbon emissions by altering transportation fuels</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on guns & public safety:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting firearms in certain locations</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of high capacity firearm magazines</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting sale of ghost guns</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring law enforcement to provide attorney access to juveniles </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing investigations of use of deadly force</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending protection order laws to include domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, etc</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing the category of safety and security staff for k-12 schools</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">no</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting chokeholds, no-knock warrants, & other police tactics</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting the state from contracting with private for-profit prisons</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>repealing restrictions on legal aid for undocumented immigrants</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>authorizing state auditor to audit deadly force investigations</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on health issues:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding plan to prevent homelessness among mental health patients</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding abortion rights</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding paid family & medical leave</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing civil & criminal protections for medical cannabis patients</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing school based health centers</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring disclosure of hospital funding information</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring schools address secondary trauma of k-12 employees</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>appropriating funds for Covid pandemic relief</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on tech & communications:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expanding authority for PUD to provide telecommunications services</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring development of a tech grant program</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>authorizing PUDs or Port Districts to provide retail telecommunications services</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on housing:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">no</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>establishing state funded rental assistance program</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requiring city & county agreements re local tax distribution</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">on elections:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>amending congressional districts</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>classifying misrepresentation of unofficial ballot collection sites as a gross misdemeanor</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #ff2600;">no</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prohibiting disclosure of records to the public to preserve election security</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>extending voting rights to citizens on parole</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">miscellaneous:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">yes<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>limiting non-disclosure agreements for employees</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here are Dave’s responses to those League of Women Voters’ candidate forum questions.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">College & trade school affordability: he’s working to make summer apprenticeships free for poor families. He’s working with K-12 schools to make connections. And he works every day at Skagit Valley College on these issues.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health: He sees many students struggling. He saw it worsen during the recession and it never let up. And then Covid hit. He’s been speaking with other educators. He’s working with Island County Public Health on a pilot program. He got funding from the legislature for a K-12 program through such organizations as Big Brother/Big Sister. He talks to young people and holds forums to listen to them. He reports that they want to talk to adults who are not counsellors. He wants to respond by training teachers and others. He wants to avoid those crisis situations.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Affordable housing: there is no silver bullet. Our district is experiencing a major population influx. There are many different paths, and the legislature can help with code amendments to allow for mother-in-law units, duplexes, triplexes, and other non-traditional forms of housing.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Roe v Wade: this is a top issue with voters. This is a threat to women and LGBT people. It is an attack on personal privacy. Yes, we’re only 1 election away from losing it all, which is why he supports a Constitutional amendment.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change, emergency prep: he ran to protect our quality of life, and climate change is affecting that. Farmers are seeing the effects. The legislature has done some good work toward a 100% clean energy grid and reducing carbon in the transportation budget. He’s looking at workplace resilience and electrifying the ferries. The Economic Development Council is working on prep for tsunamis and earthquakes. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing, he says that much of his agenda comes from constituents. So he’s been working to get those cargo ships out of Holmes Harbor; ending emergency room surprise billings; making college more affordable; and enhancing K-12 programs to prepare students for this new world, among other things.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I get a bit frustrated with Dave because he is a little more centrist than I like. I want to see him leading boldly, but he is more careful than that. Still, as you can see by his voting record, for the most part he is there when you need him. And right now we very much need him. I will be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Dave Paul</span></u></b>.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: red; font-size: medium;"><b>POLITIBLOG UPDATE<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Legislative District 10, position 2</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One way to really T me off is to send me a political hit piece against a candidate I like. I got one of those yesterday. I am T’d off. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So of course I did some research. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The piece accuses Dave Paul of having tied the hands of police and left them struggling. So I looked it up. The piece cites HB 1310, which</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ establishes a standard for use of physical force by peace officers</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ modifies the criminal liability protections for homicide or use of deadly force by peace officers.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So basically, the George Floyd memorial bill, which says no, you can’t just kill someone and point to the uniform as an excuse. It sets standards which, to me, leave an awful lot of leeway. As long as the officer reasonably fears imminent harm, and stops using the force when the risk has ended, they’re good. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Which means the claim of “left departments struggling” is a crock. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The primary accusation, or claim: “Retail and property crime have EXPLODED across Washington,” with a quote from KOMO news claiming a loss of $2.7 billion to organized retail crime. Just what this has to do with Dave Paul is left to the imagination.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Then there’s the flip side, Karen Lesetmoe, who says – well actually, she doesn’t say because this hit piece was not produced by her or her campaign but by a completely independent PAC which, by law, is not allowed to coordinate with her. Right.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So, the PAC claims that she will</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ repeal anti-policing laws (doesn’t say what those are)</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ support first responders (which implies that others, like Dave Paul, do not)</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ provide necessary training and equipment (for what?)</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ ensure proper staffing levels (implying present staffing is not proper)</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve done a good bit of searching and have found nothing in her campaign to back up any of those claims. But then, she didn’t make them, right?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So I looked at what independent PAC had gone to the trouble to create this, and we find that it was authorized by:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sound Jobs, with an address in Lacey. Couldn’t find them, but that address hosts the offices of CodeSmart, Inc, Boggs Inspection Services, Washington Farm Bureau, and Skyline Construction, but no Sound Jobs. I will note that the Farm Bureau was a reasonably big donor to her campaign. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Oh well, didn’t matter really because we find that its actually a front for Jobs PAC. No hit on that one either. At least they tell us the top 3 donors, and those are:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Marathon Petroleum</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Building Industry Association of Washington</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Washington Food Industry Association </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This made me curious about who was contributing to Ms Lesetmoe’s campaign. Turns out some aren’t bothering. There is $133,144.26 in “independent expenditures” like this one for which she does not have to account. I went on to see who was contributing directly and found a lot of builders’ associations, PHRMA (that’s big Pharma), various HMO organizations, telecommunications providers, real estate developers, and one which was evidently dissolved last year but is still donating. This does imply that she will be beholden to these large organizations and will likely represent their interests over those of the rest of us. By my admittedly sloppy count there were at least 34 donations of $1k or more, many of them multiples from the same PAC or association. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Which led me to check Dave Paul’s contributions and guess what? His supporters are not rich corporations. Page after page of $25 and $50 donations. So I looked into endorsements, and it turns out all those people Ms Lesetmoe says are harmed by Dave Paul’s actions are in fact endorsing him. That includes state troopers, firefighters, a bunch of unions, and positive social organizations working for things like gun responsibility and women’s bodily autonomy. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So now you know more than you ever wanted to about PACs and their hit pieces. Please share this information with anyone who might fall for the ruse.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And if you haven’t voted yet – JUST DO IT! </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><u><span style="font-size: medium;">Secretary of State</span></u></b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.chronline.com/stories/eight-candidates-vying-for-washington-secretary-of-state,294524"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.chronline.com/stories/eight-candidates-vying-for-washington-secretary-of-state,294524</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bob Hagglund<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1545442"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1545442</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.bob4wa.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.bob4wa.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He believes election security is “completely substandard.” He touts his business experience and being a long-standing real Republican. He supported Reagan and Newt Gingrich, and <span style="text-decoration: underline;">never</span> supported any Dem or Socialist, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">ever.</span> “My successful career was built outside of the swamp of government.” He implies that elections in Washington are not fair or accurate. He wants to bring back to in-person voting. Sorry. No go. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Kurtis Engle</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Union Party</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1550785"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1550785</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://soundcloud.com/kxronews/6-2-22-kurtis-engle-for-secretary-of-state"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://soundcloud.com/kxronews/6-2-22-kurtis-engle-for-secretary-of-state</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Engle is not running to win but to raise issues, to “start the conversation”. In particular he believes that the Republican party has gone ‘round the bend. He wants to start a 3<sup>rd</sup> party, the Union Party – because it invokes the idea of Lincoln and the working man (evidently working women don't count). He has absolutely no experience in the field but says that’s ok, he can always hire experts. He believes Washington has one of the best election systems in the country and wants to challenge other states to meet the same high standard. Since he says he’s not running to win, we’ll agree.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Marquez Tiggs</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1551140"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1551140</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electmarqueztiggs.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.electmarqueztiggs.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://tvw.org/video/2022-video-voters-guide-marquez-tiggs-2022061123/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://tvw.org/video/2022-video-voters-guide-marquez-tiggs-2022061123/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I didn’t even know one could earn a degree in Election Administration, but Mr Tiggs is in process of doing so, along with an MBA. Unfortunately, his website appears to be broken or incomplete. All other things being equal, I would likely vote for Mr Tiggs. But other things are not equal, so I will have to give him a pass.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tamborine Borrelli</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>America First, R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1548654"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1548654</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://borrelli4sos.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://borrelli4sos.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is director of Washington Election Integrity Coalition United, a group alleging voter fraud in the 2020 election. She’s running ads on Tucker Carlson’s shows. Her platform: replace “insecure” mail in voting with in-person voting; remove every ‘hackable’ voting machine; hand count paper ballots at the precinct level on election night. Hard to believe she used to be a Berniecrat who flipped to Trump. Hard to trust anything from such a person, especially one who now operates a whole organization dedicated to the proposition that any election she’s not involved in is automatically suspect if not outright fraudulent. I could go on at great length, but patently this is not someone we want anywhere near our election process. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Steve Hobbs</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1544006"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1544006</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electhobbs.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.electhobbs.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.wagonerforsecstate.com/?fbclid=IwAR2zQhteo_8z_YcNRs8HeZ5RdnMBe5SM7jnObdHoh30CbqAOjcLahDWSap0"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.wagonerforsecstate.com/?fbclid=IwAR2zQhteo_8z_YcNRs8HeZ5RdnMBe5SM7jnObdHoh30CbqAOjcLahDWSap0</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.postalley.org/2021/12/17/julie-anderson-jumps-early-in-the-suddenly-important-race-for-secretary-of-state/</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was appointed by Governor Inslee to replace Kim Wyman, who quit mid-term to join Homeland Security. Former State Senator. He has expanded the election security operations center to defend against cyber attack. He actually has a background in cyber security. Convenient. I’m not sure I agree with him on centralizing all of the state’s archives in Tumwater. On the other hand, I’m not sure any of the other candidates even know what that is about. I’m inclined to agree with the editorials in the Seattle Times, the Everett Herald, and the Columbian that here is someone who is not wildly partisan, but rather focused on doing the job. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then I read the story about Inslee appointing Hobbs, above other more qualified candidates, because Hobbs was a thorn in his (Inslee’s) side in the legislature. I may just give him a pass.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Keith Wagoner</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1545666"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1545666</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://m.facebook.com/Wagoner4SOS</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">State Senator (appointed, not elected, 2018), former mayor of Sedro-Woolley. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yep, the flag behind the face. Seems like an R staple. And even a pair of flag suspenders. The issues page on his website is mostly a list of complaints. He appears to be running on the fact that Inslee had the temerity to appoint a Dem to the position when the incumbent left. This is the first Dem in 56 years to hold the position. He seems to feel it belongs to the Rs. Oh dear, the heir apparent has been slighted. Sorry, that’s not a good enough reason to vote for him.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mark Miloscia<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1548229"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1548229</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.milosciaforwa.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.milosciaforwa.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Miloscia</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He questions the validity of Biden’s presidency. Somehow keeping the Secretary of State’s office in Republican hands will be a check on “single party power” in Olympia. Given that we voted for the people in Olympia, what exactly is he saying? He served 7 terms as a Dem before switching parties in 2014. His website is singularly uninformative. He is a lobbyist for the Washington State Catholic Conference of Bishops. In 2018 he became the executive director of the Family Policy Institute of Washington (the “right to life” lobby). He switched parties because of his retro positions on abortion and same-sex marriage. Sounds like someone to keep well away from.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Julie Anderson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-partisan</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/120634/1544123"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/120634/1544123</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://julieanderson.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://julieanderson.org/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Former Pierce County Auditor. Was on Governor Inslee’s short list before he appointed Steve Hobbs. She’s running on a platform of removing partisanship from election administration, improving election security and transparency, and increasing access to elections. All reasonable goals. She’s got a long and detailed discussion of how to achieve her platform goals, and they sound well thought out and logical. She’s talking nuts and bolts of such matters as introducing ranked choice voting in local jurisdictions which opt for that. The more I read, the more I like. I intend to vote for Ms <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Julie Anderson.</span></u></b> </span></p><div><br /></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: underline;">County Assessor</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Kelly Todd Mauck</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101723"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101723</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s a former Island County undersheriff and current real estate broker. I’m wondering how this background prepares him for the job of tax assessor. He says because he has done construction inspection, he is qualified. Hmm. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Theodore James Kubisiak</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-partisan</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101723"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101723</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-kubisiak-a46aa042?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/theodore-kubisiak-a46aa042?original_referer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">very limited online presence</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Yet another retired Navy pilot, but at least he has actually worked in the Assessor’s office. Good start. He says that he has completed the Washington State Appraiser 101 course and has over 1000 hours of local training. On his agenda are improving office retention (cutting the turnover rate) and improving appraiser training.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">At least he knows what he’s talking about. Between an ex-cop turned realtor and a trained appraiser, I think maybe I’ll go with the guy who has the training. I’ll be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Theodore James Kubisiak</span></u></b>. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>County Auditor</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sheilah Crider</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101769"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101769<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no meaningful internet presence</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have, unfortunately, known Sheilah Crider for many years. She began as an Oak Harbor City Council member. She graduated to Island County Planning Commission, and eventually ran for the position of Auditor. Her background is as a realtor. Her husband is/was lobbyist for the Skagit Island Builders’ Association, in which role he occasionally sidled up to us to offer some sort of deal on upcoming county regulations being considered by his wife.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In writing this blog I have many occasions to contact the Auditor’s office about election matters. I always end up dealing with Michele Reagan, who is highly competent. I don’t believe Sheilah Crider is up to the task of actually conducting an election. We are very lucky to have Michele Reagan covering that base. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s a good thing there are very competent people who do most of the work of running the department. It really is time for Sheilah to retire. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Barbara Fuller</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101769"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101769</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">no internet presence detected</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I searched, and I posted to Ms Fuller, but no response, so will have to go by what she tells us in the rather limited voters’ pamphlet. Ms Fuller informs us that she has earned both an MBA and a Masters in Engineering. Good start. I’m wondering, though, about her description of the job, which she describes as financial accountability and accurate recordkeeping. Both of those are, of course, important. I just thought the Treasurer’s office did those things. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She speaks of integrity and diligence, both desirable qualities which she intends to model for adoption by all Auditor’s office staff. She seeks to change the culture of that office, but does not elaborate. She does note the importance of the County Auditor in assuring fair and honest elections, citing to the example of Kim Johnson in Kentucky as the opposite of integrity and professionalism. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I wish I knew more about Ms Fuller. I know more than enough about Sheilah Crider and am essentially voting for “anyone but.” I will be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Barbara Fuller</span></u></b>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>County Clerk</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dierdre Butler</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>non-partisan</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101771"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101771<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.dierdrebutler.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.dierdrebutler.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms Butler appears to have bounced around various Island County offices, including as a deputy Superior Court Clerk, which would argue for her at least knowing the job. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Debra Van Pelt</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101771"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101771<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.reelectdebravanpelt.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.reelectdebravanpelt.com/<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s been the elected Clerk since 2010 and was a deputy clerk for 5 years before that. She certainly knows the job. Being the nerd I am, I rather enjoyed her description of the technical aspects of the job and how she has improved efficiency within the courts. Most people have little reason to interact with the courts. We do a lot, so appreciate the improvements.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given the little bit of information available, and the very specific information provided by the incumbent, I’m willing to keep on with a known quantity. I will be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Debra Van Pelt.</span></u></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>County Commissioner, District 3</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Note that in the primary only people registered in District 3 will be voting. The rest of us will get our turn in the November general election. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Timothy S Hazelo</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101772"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101772<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.timhazelo4commissioner.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.timhazelo4commissioner.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TimHazelo"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/TimHazelo</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Hazelo ran for Congress in 2020. Back then he was complaining about anti-American activism being all the fault of Democrats. And my favorite: he complained that the silent majority was going unheard. He also did the Trump-style name calling: “absent Rick,” “nasty Nancy.” Back then he wanted to cut government to a minimum so it could get out of the way of free enterprise. He wanted to privatize medical insurance and reduce regulation of health care. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since then he has set his sights a little lower, at County Commissioner. He has become a precinct committee officer and joined any number of helping organizations. In his website he claims “roadside and community farms are under attack from left-leaning bureaucrats, our schools are being corrupted by big city, state, and federal regulations.” As with so many newcomers, he believes there was no homelessness (at least that he could see) until 2009. Funny that. There were a bunch of us couch surfers/house sitters/tent dwellers here on the south end back in the 1970s. But he wasn’t here to see it then. He believes in tough love and no handouts.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He claims to have a position on health care, but all I see is blame on federal and state policies.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s a serious “law’n order” kind of guy. He hates what those damned liberals have done to cities across the country. He insists that any large gathering of progressives is a riot and that moderates and Democrats are dismantling society. “As your commissioner I will support our police, law, and order, and especially personal property rights. We need to expand the sheriff’s presence on Camano and build a temporary holding facility there. Jails and incarceration need to remain an option for criminals to protect society and uphold law and order.” Yawohl, Herr Commissar. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And while he does not mention it, his truck bears a large poster “Defend Life.” This leads me to conclude that he is quite happy with the Supreme Court’s destruction of Roe v Wade. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His July 4 parade vehicle sports a lot of flags, including “don’t tread on me.” </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are his responses to last night’s League of Women Voters’ candidates’ forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Low income housing, the Freeland Motel controversy: this is tough. People are in need. The problem is that if we keep throwing money at a situation we exasperate (sic – yeah, his abuse of language exasperates me. I think he meant exacerbate) the situation. We conservatives are compassionate. I’ve taken homeless people into my own home. We need to give them a hand up, train them, teach them, make them productive citizens. Housing first has failed nationally. (Not that he would have a patronizing superior attitude toward homeless people and assume their situation is of their own making).</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health services: his son had mental health issues and they took him to the Coupeville hospital, which didn’t help. Need to take care of these issues while children are young. It starts in the home and the church. County commissioners can’t just focus on budgets but have to focus on everything in the county.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On climate change: He doesn’t even know anyone who is a climate denier. Island County is doing a pretty darn good job. There’s not a lot of waste. Disposal systems are pretty good. The infrastructure has not caught up with all this electricity we want to demand. A single volcano puts out more carbon than our whole state did in the last few years. (This seems to be the new right-wing angle. Yeah, the climate is changing but its not our fault and there’s nothing we can do about it anyway).</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On Growth Management, open space, rural character, and housing development: this is very serious. His #1 concern is not high speed internet but rural lifestyle. He doesn’t want his neighbor to clearcut and build a high-rise. We need to figure out how to grow. We need to reduce regulation to make housing affordable and keep our rural community. (So were you looking for consistency or something?)</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On legal loopholes that allow clearcutting: You’re killing me. This is tough. There’s a lot of clearcutting going on. Its not pretty, but you have to balance that with property rights. There’s a fine line with zoning and codes. You need to be very specific to let people know before they buy, build, and clearcut. We need to keep the flora and fauna for peace, quiet, and public safety.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On his priorities: Most people don’t trust government no more. They don’t trust them to spend their money or even to return phone calls. He wants transparent and honest government. Make sure spending brings results. He loves the health care system but on Camano its important to get Stanwood Health Care up and running. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: he’s got a great work ethic. He wants to give back. We can do better. Going backwards will harm us. I like my community.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lets just say I was underwhelmed. Two years ago he was a fire-spitting Trumpist. Now he’s learned to tone it down, which makes him look hapless. No thanks.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Quick update: Mr Hazelo is chair of the Island County Republicans. That would be the organization which voted to disavow the 2020 presidential election and claim that Joe Biden is not in fact the president. Methinks his true colors are showing. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Richard Hannold</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101772"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101772<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.rickhannold.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.rickhannold.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Rick4Commissioner"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/Rick4Commissioner</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Probably his best quote was at an “Old Goats” meeting where he said that what the Island County Commission really needs is a man. He backpedaled furiously when that quote made the Whidbey press, but its really hard to stuff that particularly sexist genie back into its bottle. He let his guard down among perceived friends and said what he really believes. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Rick was commissioner from 2014 to 2018. He ran for re-election in 2018 and lost to Janet St Clair. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For reasons not entirely clear, he failed to provide any information for the Voters’ Guide. He claims he sent it, they acknowledged it, and then failed to include it. Must be a conspiracy.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His “key issues”: county budget has spiraled out of control; costly needless development regulations; lack of solid leadership.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am personally seriously PO’d by his claiming credit for work that we did. No, he did not support environmental protections. Quite the contrary. We had to fight him tooth and nail every inch of the way. This is the guy who wanted to do away with the Conservation Futures program because he (and Commissioner Jill Johnson) claimed that we’d already protected enough land. He claims to have stopped the Atlantic salmon net pens when in fact it was my partner, Steve Erickson, who produced a major research paper which the Dept of Ecology people spent 2 years studying. They openly acknowledged that it was Steve’s paper which turned the tide and led them to approve Island County’s Shoreline Master Program, complete with the ban on net pens. I believe in giving credit where it is due.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He touts his great relationship with the Navy, and claims (along with many others) that the Navy is the economic backbone of Island County. But in fact an economic impact study done a few years ago demonstrated that in reality the Navy costs Island County residents more than it contributes – and that’s not counting the fact that all of us pay federal taxes to support that Navy. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And of course he takes credit for reorganizing the Sheriff’s department. Since the sheriff is an elected official, that is simply not a decision county commissioners can make. Yes, they have to approve the budget, but they cannot interfere in internal matters. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That Conservation Futures fund which Hannold wanted to eliminate is what provided the seed funding for the parks created by Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Usually about 10% of the funding came from Island County, with the rest being procured by WCLT from state and federal programs. It definitely burns me to see Hannold now take credit for what was done over his loud objections then. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He now evidently acknowledges that the climate is changing. His biggest worry there is not to duplicate what state and federal agencies might be doing in response. He has no concept of what this will mean in terms of Island County and sea level rise. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On racial equality: he sees no evidence of inequality. He never heard any complaints from the unions, staff, or public, so there must be no issue. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And he believes the county’s Covid response was “more than adequate.” Really?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have to admit that after 4 years of having to deal with him, I despise everything he stands for. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are his responses to the League of Women Voters’ candidates’ forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Low income housing/Freeland Motel controversy: he says the Freeland motel has a lot of issues. Yes, people need a hand up. He applauds the current commissioners (that would include his rival Janet St Clair) for the lot off Old Oak Harbor Road which evidently is being developed as long term low income housing. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health services: the legislature has already addressed this for K-12. This needs to be addressed at home and in church. Parents need to be involved in their children’s lives, but this also applies to veterans and older people. He wants to invite service providers to Island County. (Not clear what service or what is missing)</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change and emergency preparedness: Yes, climate is changing, extreme events are happening. We don’t prepare by just throwing money at it. The state has passed legislation. The feds are increasing regulations. We need to be careful how far we go. The Washington Builders’ Association and the Skagit Island Builders’ Association complain that these new regulations will add $85 – 100k to the cost of a new home. We already have robust emergency prep.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Growth management, open space, rural character, and housing development: GMA is adverse to affordable housing. Yes, we have to accommodate open space and rural character, but we need more flexibility at the county level. Cities and towns need to build up, not out. How much is enough? If we keep growing we will lose our rural character.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Logging loopholes: Not sure what you’re asking. Is this about harvesting and then building, or about clearing already developed property? People have property rights. Clearing is regulated by DNR. We need to harvest to keep forests healthy.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(He so obviously has no clue).</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Priorities: First, get the budget back under control. Last year’s budget increased 17%. Its time to provide essential public services, not just health care and environmental protection. We need to support Public Works, Public Safety/Law Enforcement.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Does this seem just a little inconsistent? The budget has grown and we need to "get it under control" but we're falling short in public works & public safety. So does he want to spend more or less?)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: this primary is extremely important. While he won’t talk about his previous record he then goes on to talk about his previous record. I never lied while I was in office I was transparent. I’m being honest, truthful, and open.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Methinks he doth protest too much. As mentioned above, he has taken credit for what he never did. And now he’s telling us about how he never lied. Oh come on. And given his firm belief that what the county needs is a male commissioner, even without all his other far right leanings, I would never vote for him. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Janet St Clair</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101772"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101772<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.janetstclair.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.janetstclair.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/janetstclairislandcountycommissioner"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/janetstclairislandcountycommissioner</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve been dealing with Janet since before she took office. Not surprising that I find those dealings a bit frustrating. She describes herself as a “pragmatic incrementalist.” I’m learning what that means. One of the issues we’ve both been dealing with is the rampant clearcutting in Island County. I’ve been working for years to teach county staff and commissioners the finer points of the Forest Practices Act and how it is that its ok to clearcut acres of wetland and then ask to have the development moratorium lifted so the landowner can build – whatever. We went to court to close that loophole, and we certainly got it narrowed. Now we want it entirely shut and to her credit, Janet is working on doing that. Her approach is to take small steps, get those secured, and then go for the next step. Sure, we want big results all at once, but I understand why she’s doing it as she does. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are her responses to the League of Women Voters’ candidates’ forum questions.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Low income housing/Freeland Motel controversy: we’ll be voting on this tomorrow. It is critical to listen to all voices, take time to process the information, and address issues with facts. No, low income housing does not increase crime. In fact it often decreases crime. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mental health services: I was a social worker for 30 years, a child mental health specialist. A shout out to Dave Paul for what we got from the legislature (funding for a mental health center) based on what youth said they needed. I promote peer group support. We had to downsize some local programs because of Covid, but we’ve pivoted to serve more people.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Climate change, emergency prep: this has been the focus of my leadership. We’re seeking a grant to update our greenhouse gas emissions study. We’re working to increase resiliency and to address sea level rise. We want to protect the forest canopy to protect recharge of our sole source aquifer. We’re supporting sustainable agriculture. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Growth Management, open space, rural character, and housing development: GMA is intended to protect rural character. We’ve come up with various strategies to balance housing development with preserving rural character, such as allowing accessory dwelling units, keeping property in agriculture, providing for cluster development to keep the majority of a site in open space. We’re encouraging incentives to start or stay in agriculture.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Logging loopholes: I’ve been working on this for years. There is a cross jurisdictional issue with Island County and DNR. I support sustainable timber harvesting. We don’t want to let people out of the 6 year development moratorium after they’ve logged under a DNR permit (which is exempt from Island County’s critical area protections and claims the land will remain in long term forest production) and then change their minds and develop afterwards. We’re working to enforce the 40 acre rule (this is a rule WEAN wrung out of DNR back in 1990, which limits the size of clearcuts on islands to 40 acres). A BC developer is currently working the system to be able to get around that limit to clear 120 acres. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Priorities: My top priority is identifying what is most important to constituents. I want to focus on shoreline protection in the face of sea level rise, providing improved broadband, dealing with mental health issues, and protecting our community. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In closing: What matters is that you tell people what you intend to do and then do it. Stay humble, work on problem solving, address critical concerns. The pandemic amplified all sorts of problems, like the need for reliable broadband, childcare, and affordable housing. The biggest part of getting things done is showing up. I show up. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So to summarize: Tim Hazelo is a loser. Rick Hannold is a self aggrandizing, woman hating liar. And then there’s Janet St Clair, who is doing a reasonably good job and actually works to understand and deal with real issues. Not a hard choice there. When I get the chance in November, I’ll be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Janet St Clair</span></u></b>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Island County Sheriff</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Lane Campbell</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101778"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101778</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://lanecampbellforsheriff.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://lanecampbellforsheriff.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He claims that incumbent Sheriff Felici has done nothing to improve matters. His platform:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. If I’m not safe, you’re not safe. He’s griping about short staffing (join the crowd), wants more “less than lethal” means to subdue people, and more K-9 for drug trafficking on water, land, and at the jail. (I presume that he didn’t mean he wants more drug trafficking, and meant ‘detection of’)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Be the guardian of the people. I think this boils down to the fact that he is #2 in the office but is not officially commissioned so does not have the power he would like. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Require accountability in order to administer compassion. This is where the iron fist comes in. “remove the criminal element from the street.”, “actively work to get drugs off our streets”. At least I can appreciate his wish for more communication among mental health care providers. Here’s what I find is a terribly offensive statement: “We offer services now to those on the street and unfortunately most decline. This is where requiring accountability becomes crucial with regard to compassion.” I read this as “It’s their own damned fault and they don’t even have the decency to be grateful.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He doesn’t mention it this time, but 4 years ago he earned the ire of both Superior Court judges with his caustic criticism of the drug court program. He saw no reason why people caught in possession of drugs should be given any opportunity to change their behavior to end their drug use. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And now I'm getting new (unconfirmed) information to the effect that Mr Campbell is sympathetic to the "Constitutional Sheriff" contingent https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_Sheriffs_and_Peace_Officers_Association</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">which believes that the county sheriff is the highest law in the land. We've seen this in other counties and definitely do not need that here. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Further down he says “The first step is to elect a sheriff that is willing to work for you.” Given that Sheriff Felici has in fact been working for us for the last 4 years, I’m wondering what Mr Campbell has in mind. What comes through is that he resents his boss and wants to become the boss. I'm not seeing anyone I would want in charge of our public safety.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rick Felici</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101778"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101778</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.rickfelici.net/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.rickfelici.net/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I supported Sheriff Felici when he ran 4 years ago. I have not regretted that support. His website has a page called “platform” in which he discusses what they’ve been doing and why. He subscribes to the core values of Service, Professionalism, and Accountability. Good. He says he implemented staff performance evaluations. Also good. He’s added opioid outreach and mental health responders. Good. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His priority issues: </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Homelessness. He does not offer any solutions but says the community must get involved.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Drugs. He believes the solution is education, treatment, and accountability. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Diversity. He says there is no room for intolerance or hate. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Traffic safety. He prefers a preventive approach via education & traffic enforcement</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">School safety. He says his biggest fear is violence in schools. The best he can do is prevention and effective response. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve just re-read what I wrote about these two candidates 4 years ago. I think most of it continues to hold true. We’re dealing with a classic macho male who chafes at not being the boss and is trying to take over the boss’s job. The boss, however, appears to be doing a good job and does not need to be replaced, especially not by somebody as lacking in social nuance and understanding as his challenger. I will be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Rick Felici.</span></u></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Island County Treasurer</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Richard MacQuarrie</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101780"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101780<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://richardfortreasurer.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://richardfortreasurer.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr McQuarrie’s experience and background seem a bit thin. He’s a Business Development Manager. Good for him, but I don’t see that as sufficient qualification for the job. I admit to personal prejudice against people who post photos of themselves with flags. On the plus side, he does seem to have at least a basic understanding of the job. He lists 3 issues: transparency, efficiency, and responsiveness. I’m not aware that any of those have been issues in the past. He wants us to know that he is experienced, honest, and successful. I have to ask: experienced at what? Not in a county treasurer’s office. I’d hate to think that people have to declare their honesty. I sort of assume people are honest until they demonstrate otherwise. I don’t see any drop-deads, but neither do I see anything special. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tony Lam<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15%22%20%5Cl%20%22/candidates/101780"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://voter.votewa.gov/GenericVoterGuide.aspx?e=876&c=15#/candidates/101780<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.tonylamfortreasurer.com/He's">https://www.tonylamfortreasurer.com/</a></span><span style="color: #0079cd;"> </span><span>He’s</span> the chief deputy treasurer/investment officer. Before that he was an accountant in the Treasurer’s office. His campaign website lists out all the various aspects of the job. It all makes sense but its more than I ever thought the treasurer did. It makes sense that there is a ton of bookkeeping involved. I like the term “accounting” – its all about accounting for money and actions. From what I see of his website and his voter guide statement, Mr Lam has the education, the background, and has been doing the job. He say’s he’s ready to move up. I’m ready to give him that opportunity. I will be voting for <b><u><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Tony Lam</span></u></b>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Island County Fire Protection District No 1</u></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Authorizing Property Tax Levy Lid Lift</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Board of Fire Commissioners of Island County Fire Protection District No. 1 doing business as Camano Island Fire and Rescue (the “District”) adopted Resolution No 2022-03 concerning a proposition to authorize the District’s regular property tax levy. This measure would authorize a regular property tax levy of $1.35 per $1,000.00 of assessed valuation in 2022 (for collection in 2023) and an annual increase in the limit factor of up to 105% (subject to otherwise applicable limitations) for each of the five subsequent years. The maximum allowable levy in 2027 (collectible in 2028) shall serve as the base for subsequent levy limitations as provided by Chapter 84.55 RCW. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Should this proposition be approved?</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">0 yes</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">0 no</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s the ever so clear explanation in the Voters’ Guide:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This levy is the primary funding source for emergency services provided by the District. Fire and emergency medical services response standards and demand for service have increased. State limitations on funding increases do not allow the District to keep up with increasing labor and operational costs, and planned capital improvement projects. Voter approval of Proposition 1 will provide funding for the district to continue with the staffing plan. for fire and emergency medical services at current levels, and for the planned capital improvement projects. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I went so far as to look up the Fire District’s meeting minutes. Not very enlightening. So – I don’t know the situation on Camano, whether this is a nest feathering exercise or in fact desperately needed. For all the dense language, what they’re asking is for up to a 5% increase for the next 5 years. Given the rate of inflation that is probably reasonable. So, without any real information, I would probably vote yes, just because I usually vote in favor of necessary public services. I would vote an uninformed <b><u><span style="color: red;">yes</span></u></b>.</span></p><div><br /></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-32193996457242137942021-10-15T13:27:00.002-07:002021-10-18T17:12:39.825-07:002021 Marianne's Politiblog - intro READ ME<p> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Welcome to the 2021 edition of Marianne’s Politiblog. </b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes, you’re supposed to read this part.</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes, its an off year election. Not all that many positions or candidates. In fact, there were so few candidates that there was no need for a primary and the Elections Office had to hold a second filing period in August to recruit more candidates. Lets hear it for civic engagement.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>On the other hand, the level of uncivility, craziness, and hostility toward public officials at all levels makes it understandable that people maybe don’t want to expose themselves to that. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I will re-run something I raised last year. I continue to advocate for minimum standards for filing as a candidate: 1) be able to write a coherent sentence. 2) be able to articulate the job description of the post for which they are filing. 3) have sufficient internet know-how (or the funds to hire that know-how) to create a net presence. Most particularly in our still Covid limited world, voters should not have to go out physically to find information about candidates. In that regard I have to give credit to the Democrats, the Progressives, Indivisible, the League of Women Voters, and probably some I’ve overlooked for their work to present the candidates and their platforms. Notably absent from this list are the Republicans, who appear to be boycotting public outreach in this election. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, on to the basics:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Ballots are supposed to go into the mail on October 15. Look for your ballot, and if you haven’t seen one by about October 22, contact the elections office at https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The deadline for registering on line and by mail is October 25. For more information call 360-679-7366 or email <a href="mailto:elections@co.island.wa.us"><span style="color: #0079cd;">elections@co.island.wa.us</span></a>. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, to make your vote count,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Try not to use the US Mail, now that Postmaster DeJoy has announced a very deliberate and planned slowdown. If you really have to use the mail, get your ballot in the mail by the Wednesday before election day, October 27.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. If you really can’t do it earlier, bring your ballot to the Post Office counter on Tuesday, November 2 during business hours – usually before 4:00 pm. No stamp is needed.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Best option: Drop your ballot in one of the 6 ballot drop boxes before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2. They are located at:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Island County Elections Office</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 400 N Main Street Coupeville</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Trinity Lutheran Church</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 18341 Hwy 525 Freeland</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Ken’s Corner Shopping Center</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road) Clinton</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Island County Camano Annex</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 121 N East Camano Drive Camano Island</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Langley Post Office, front patio</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 115 2nd Street Langley</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> Oak Harbor City Hall</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">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.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And once again, whatever you do, VOTE. And make sure everyone you know votes as well. Feel free to share this information widely. We have all learned from painful experience these last 5 years what happens when the wrong people are in positions of power. And, for that matter, here in Washington, what happens when the right people are in power at a difficult time. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Here are the contested positions on the ballot – depending on where you live:</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Whidbey Island Hospital District</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Oak Harbor City Council</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Oak Harbor School Board</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">North Whidbey Pool, Park, & Rec Board</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Coupeville School District</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Coupeville Port District</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Langley City Council</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">South Whidbey School District</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">South Whidbey Fire/EMS</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Stanwood-Camano School District</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are also the ever-popular “advisory votes” about convoluted and esoteric issues. Its good to know about them. And the Hospital District is asking for a very large levy lift. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One issue I need to raise. If you’ve been living on the moon, you may not have noticed the polarization to the point of violence around such issues as Covid safety, equity, and climate change. The </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">UNMASKED, UNVAXED, UNHINGED crowd have decided that the way to get what they want (more dead people?) is to invade our schools. This is a nationally orchestrated campaign and it is playing out here in Island County as well. A lot of good, hard-working, caring school board members are being challenged by these unhinged wingnuts. It is really important to know who is who and vote to keep our children safe, both physically and mentally. </p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="color: black;">I’ve just receive the link: <a href="https://popular.info/p/the-right-wing-operatives-orchestrating?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoyNzY3ODc3NSwicG9zdF9pZCI6NDI1NjI5NjgsIl8iOiJRQjZNdSIsImlhdCI6MTYzNDI0NDQ1MiwiZXhwIjoxNjM0MjQ4MDUyLCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMTY2NCIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ._sjTh4hc2zdGl5Hi4l2TKe8huX-SGoo4J0_9ADAyZjc">https://popular.info/p/the-right-wing-operatives-orchestrating?token=eyJ1c2VyX2lkIjoyNzY3ODc3NSwicG9zdF9pZCI6NDI1NjI5NjgsIl8iOiJRQjZNdSIsImlhdCI6MTYzNDI0NDQ1MiwiZXhwIjoxNjM0MjQ4MDUyLCJpc3MiOiJwdWItMTY2NCIsInN1YiI6InBvc3QtcmVhY3Rpb24ifQ._sjTh4hc2zdGl5Hi4l2TKe8huX-SGoo4J0_9ADAyZjc</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">This is a carefully researched story about the Koch Bros (remember them) sponsored national organization which is grooming, fostering, and organizing the local anti-school actions we’re seeing all over the country. Thus far it has come to near-violence in Marysville, Stanwood-Camano, Oak Harbor, Coupeville, and South Whidbey school board meetings. They weren’t able to get what they wanted smashing in the windows of the capitol on January 6, so now they’re coming after our schools. This is serious and we need to support the people currently on our school boards who are doing the hard work and doing it right.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And with that, we will finally get to the actual positions and candidates. Note that in most cases I have not researched people who are running unopposed.</p>
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<p style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-10678506998736308492021-10-15T13:26:00.001-07:002021-10-18T17:13:13.399-07:00Advisory Votes<p> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Advisory Votes</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Here are the (thank you Tim Eyman for wasting all of our time and $ on this) Advisory Votes. These are bills which deal with taxes and impositions which have passed the legislature. The Advisory votes have no effect. They’re just an opportunity for anti-tax folks to vent. That said, legislators have been known to count noses before taking a stand on issues, so do make sure your nose is counted on these issues.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><b>Advisory vote No 36 – ESSHB 1477</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, a 988 behavioral health crisis response and suicide prevention tax on telephone lines, costing $432,000,000 in its first ten years for government spending.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">This tax increase should be:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">O Repealed</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">O Maintained</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">In October 2020 Congress passed the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act. This act designates the number 988 as the universal number in the US for accessing the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline system. The act expressly authorizes states to collect a fee on commercial mobile services or internet voice services to ensure the efficient and effective routing of 988 calls to the appropriate call center and to ensure having personnel and crisis outreach and stabilization services available. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">The funding structure is designed to provide at least a 90% call response rate by 7-22-22. There’s more, about rules and standards for crisis call centers, collaboration with relevant agencies to create those rules, etc. And more and more, details about how all of this is going to work. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Bottom line: do we want a functional suicide & mental health crisis hotline? For that matter, its not exactly our choice. Congress directed the states to do this, and Washington is doing it. Even without Congress, I think we can agree that we want a go-to number for people in crisis.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Maintain</b></span>.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><b>Advisory vote No 37 – ESSSB 5096</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, a 7% tax on capital gains in excess of $250,000, with exceptions, costing $5,736,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">This tax increase should be:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">O Repealed</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">O Maintained</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">We’ve all been hearing about taxing the rich at the federal level, including by increasing the Capital Gains Tax back to somewhere near what it was before the recently removed ex-president dropped the rate. Most states have a state income tax and capital gains are taxed at the same rate as income. Washington is seriously backward in this regard. It has what may be the most regressive tax structure in the entire US. Since it does not tax income, there is (or was) no mechanism to tax capital gains, which is where rich people make a lot of their money. Since Washington is coming up seriously short, the legislature has passed a 7% Capital Gains Tax – but only on revenue of over $250k/year. People who are liable for the tax will be required to register with the state’s Dept of Revenue, and submit their tax paperwork and $ on or before the same day their federal taxes are due. The first taxes will be due in 2024. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There’s a long list of what is taxable, and then a long list of who/what is exempt. There are a lot of exemptions, including donations to tax exempt organizations and B&O tax.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The first $500 mil taken in per year is dedicated to the Education Legacy Trust Account – which funds early childhood education and child care. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It looks like this was a pretty contentious bill. It passed the Senate 25:24. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am in favor of redistribution of wealth, especially when it benefits those who need it most. Providing pre-school and child care will make it possible for a lot of young mothers to go to work, which means they will be contributing to the economy.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Maintain</b></span>.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><b>Advisory vote No 38 – 2SSSB 5315</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, a tax on captive insurers in the amount of 2% of premiums from owners/affiliates, costing $53,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">This tax increase should be:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">O Repealed</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">O Maintained</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Well, here’s a concept I’d never heard of, a captive insurance. To quote from the Final Bill Report:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">“A captive insurance company is one created and wholly owned by one or more non-insurance companies to insure the risks of its owner(s). They may be formed to supplement commercial insurance, or to provide insurance for risk they are unable to cover with commercial insurance.” </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Evidently this system operates all over the country, including in Washington, but Washington never got around to regulating these captive insurers. Our very good Insurance Commissioner initiated an investigation and discovered at least 16 of these “captives” operating here. That investigation is ongoing. And that investigation motivated the legislature to regulate and tax these “captives”, just as it does other insurers. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">An eligible captive insurer is defined as an insurance company:</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">• partially or wholly owned by a corporation, company, nonprofit, or a public</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">institution of higher education;</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">• that insures risk of their captive owner, the owner's affiliates, or both;</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">• that has one or more insureds whose principal place of business is Washington State;</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">having assets that exceed its liabilities by $1 million and can pay its debts when they</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">come due, as verified by audited financial statements and prepared by an independent</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">certified accountant; and</p>
<p style="color: #2c3136; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">• licensed as a captive insurer by the jurisdiction in which it is domiciled.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I get all of this right, these ‘captive’ insurers have been operating under the radar and not paying any fees or taxes to the state. This legislation sets up a registration protocol with annual fees and a 2% tax on premiums taken in. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This one passed the Senate 49:0 and the House 96:1. Sounds kind of popular.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I see no down side to this, and it does seem only fair that these entities be treated like all other insurers. I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Maintain</b></span>. </p>
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<p style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 14px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-22775328193254444912021-10-15T13:25:00.001-07:002021-10-18T17:13:57.801-07:00Hospital Levy & Hospital Commissioner<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Hospital</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Local Measures</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Whidbey Island Public Hospital District</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Proposition No. 1</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">The Commissioners of the Whidbey Island Public Hospital District, Whidbey Island, Washington (WhidbeyHealth) adopted Resolution No. 418, concerning a proposition to increase its regular property tax levy. If approved, this proposition provides funds to continue operations of WhidbeyHealth Medical Center and Clinics, including replacement of medical equipment and infrastructure, and personnel costs. The proposition authorizes a maximum regular property levy rate of $0.50/$1,000 of assessed value, for collection in 2022. The 2022 levy amount would become the base for computing the limitations for levies in subsequent years as provided in 84.55 RCW. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">Should this proposition be approved?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">0 yes</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">0 no</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is a really hard one for me. I’ve lived here nearly 50 years, and in those years have had the unfortunate need to make use of the hospital’s services. Staff have been great. No complaint there. Management is another story. There have been so many mess-ups, face-plants, mistakes, and abuses that its hard for me to support the hospital. How did they manage to spend upward of $50 million on an expansion and redesign and somehow overlook provision for the in-house pharmacy? Its like building a house and forgetting the kitchen. All of which, of course, led to cost overruns. I do not lay any of this at the feet of staff, who do their best to work under whatever conditions are presented. I very much lay it at the feet of the Hospital Commission and the managers they hire. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">And that’s the nub of the hard part. If I were dealing with a child I would not give him/her any more opportunities to mess up until they had demonstrated some improvement. But the hospital district is not a child. I feel like all of us are being held hostage. We need the hospital, no question. We’re being told to pay up, whatever amount the commissioners decide – with the added twist of the knife that the new levy rate will become the bottom line for calculating a newer new rate in coming years. And if we don’t pay up, we lose the hospital. I hate extortion. I feel like the hospital commissioners are extorting from us. But I don’t see any alternative to giving in to their demands.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">I’ve just read several letters to the editor in support of the levy lift, and I do see their points. No, I do not want to see the hospital district become a subset of Gonzo-meds-4-profit. And yes, its true that its been a very long time since a levy lift. Grudge, grudge. But I still want to see more transparency and responsibility on the part of the hospital board. It sure would help if we had honest and competent people challenging the current board members – or even making themselves an auxiliary board. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: -4.5px;">I will be voting a reluctant <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>yes </b></span>– and asking the hospital board to demonstrate that they will spend the increased revenue wisely. </p><div><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Hospital Commissioner</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Kurt Blankenship</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mr Blankenship is the incumbent, which does not make him a favorite. He also did not respond to my request for information. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Its hard to find information about him. There’s the WhidbeyHealth profile: <a href="https://whidbeyhealth.org/member/kurt-blankenship"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://whidbeyhealth.org/member/kurt-blankenship</span></a>. That’s a little confusing because it says he is in his 40<sup>th</sup> year of practicing law in Louisiana. Kind of a long commute there. Evidently he has taken up permanent residence in January 2016. I admit I just didn’t have it in me to watch Hospital board meetings.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I just found a declaration by Mr Blankenship on behalf of COER in the case of Growler noise. My estimation of the man increases.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"> </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>James Golder</b> – ran against Rick Larsen in 2020. Since it was a crowded field, and he was facebook friends with right wing South Whidbey School Board member Damian Greene, played an awful lot of on line war games, and appeared to have spent no $, I wrote him off as “also ran.” This time around Mr Golder submitted responses to my questions, and even phoned to be sure I’d received them. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I asked his opinion of masks and vaccines. He is 100% in favor, a firm believer that if everyone did so, we could/would beat the virus. He also credits mask wearing with sparing him and his wife the usual colds and flu. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">His responses:</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Thank you for giving me the opportunity to respond to your inquiry.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My family has been on Whidbey since 1980. My wife, Luella worked as a O.R. nurse at Whidbey Hospital for 17 years.<br />
We have six children and six grandchildren , one Doctor and one future Doctor in the family. I have a Juris Doctorate from UPS and Notre Dame. <br />
I served 8 years as a State Legislator. Chairman of the Business Committee and chairman of the Ways and Means committee and served as a political appointee to the president in Washington D.C.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am past president and current treasurer of Harris Custer Water Association. Past president Oak Harbor Friends of the Library, past board member Whidbey Library, past president Idaho Consumers Affairs, past president NAIFA.<br />
Former owner Accurate Appraisals, Wallace metal reconditioning company, and an employment agency. I feel that I am qualified to help manage and make decisions regarding our county's only hospital. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My goal is to improve Whidbey Health's overall reputation, recruit a wider number of health care professionals into service at our hospital and increase the pay for our over-worked and under-paid nurses. There has been low morale among some of the staff, the financial position of Whidbey Health is not consistently strong, and because of these and other issues, quite a few members of our community choose to travel to surrounding hospitals rather than use the local facility. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My operating philosophy is as always: to do the greatest amount of good, for the greatest number of people.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My message is simple: I think I can help.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He was a member of the Idaho House of Representatives from 1977 to 1984. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">And now some new information has come forward. Seems that while he was an Idaho representative, Mr Golder was in process of divorcing his wife and defrauding her of her share of the community property. A court found him guilt of fraud and “overreaching” (essentially bullying) <span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> <a href="https://cite.case.law/idaho/110/57/"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://cite.case.law/idaho/110/57/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I do prefer people who represent my interests to be honest. I will be voting for the incumbent, <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Kurt Blankenship.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p><p> </p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-47922095400085756832021-10-15T13:23:00.001-07:002021-10-18T17:15:14.011-07:00Oak Harbor City Council, Oak Harbor School District, North Whidbey Pool, Parks District<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>North Whidbey</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Oak Harbor City Council</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>position 4</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Fe Mischo</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">https://www.electfe.org/</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 15px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 17px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Why are you running for this particular position? </p><p style="color: #25282c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want Oak Harbor to be the example for a better Washington. We can do that by investing in our residents, much-needed health services, greater resources, and an environmentally stable future.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The City Council makes the decisions for Oak Harbor that affect all residents. Such as housing, housing development, business development, city finances, etc. We accomplish our work by voting as a majority. I will use this position to listen to our residents, city workers, and public services to move forward votes that will support them.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. What do you hope to accomplish in this position? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I hope to bring affordable housing options to Oak Harbor, as well as green jobs, more access to social services, and to expand on our childcare and adult care options.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Housing has been our biggest problem in Oak Harbor. We know that investing in our residents now will cost a lot less in taxes later.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.What relevant experience do you have? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have been a state and national advocate and know how to work with different levels of government. I have been a local volunteer for over 7 years and have seen and experienced first hand the struggles faced by our most vulnerable.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6.What will be your operating philosophy in office? </p><p style="color: #25282c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It shouldn't have to happen to you for it to matter to you.</p><p style="color: #25282c; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Community - Compassion - Commitment</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am a concerned citizen who wants better for our residents. I know what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck. I have experienced homelessness and domestic violence. I have lived, worked, and volunteered in Oak Harbor for 12 years. I love Oak Harbor and want the local government to work for all of us.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She has been endorsed by Mayor Bob Severns. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">Dan Evans</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdanevans/">https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdanevans/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">He ran for Island County Commissioner in 2020. He lost. Here’s from what I compiled a year ago:</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Lives and works in Oak Harbor, American Family Insurance Agency. Board president of Oak Harbor Main Street. “This year we have been successful in stopping the LIHI housing project that was pushed by our current Island County Commissioner in an illegal zoning area in the city.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My take on that: LIHI = Low Income Housing Institute. The proposal was for 51 units of affordable housing with retail businesses both at the Pioneer Way level and down below. 20% of the units would be set aside for veterans. The Pioneer Way business community had a meltdown over the very idea of having poor people actually living right there in the middle of their business district. It is very telling to me that Mr Evans touts proudly his work to prevent such housing. Imagine that attitude on the city council.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So, he hates affordable housing in Oak Harbor, but says he will make affordable housing a primary focus during his first 4 year term. This is more easily explained by knowing that he is the chosen candidate of Scott Thompson, the developer trying to push through Wright’s Crossing, the 1500 house proposal at Monroe Landing, well outside Oak Harbor. That project is dead – for now. As an Oak Harbor city councilman, I have no doubt Mr Evans would agitate to expand the city’s Urban Growth Boundary to include Monroe Landing. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Last year his top two campaign contributors were named Thompson. This year, like every other candidate, Mr Evans claims to have received no contributions at all. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Also last year, on July 4, Mr Evans was part of a campaign event with lots of other candidates and crowds of people, all unmasked. Prominent among them were local 3%/Proud Boys/fascists. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This year Mr Evans signed on to a semi-hysterical anti-student, anti-Covid safety, anti-science letter authored by school board candidate Jessica Thompson. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">Once again, Mr Evans presents no actual vision for the city. And he doesn’t seem to have the least interest in Covid safety.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have had personal interactions with Fe Mischo and know she’s the real article. She really does care about the people of Oak Harbor and making sure all of them are able to live reasonably. Mr Evans appears to be much more interested in representing the interests of developer Thompson.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I could vote in Oak Harbor, I would gladly vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Fe Mischo</b></span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>position 5</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Joel Servatius</b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://voteforjoel.com/">https://voteforjoel.com/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Like so many, Mr Servatius failed to respond to my questionnaire. So I’m looking at his website. First thing I find is that he is endorsed primarily by the real estate and insurance industries, with a sprinkling of Navy. What I don’t find is any endorsements from social service agencies or representatives. I was rather surprised to see his primary endorsement from Rep Rick Larsen. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">He lists his priorities as: public safety, housing, infrastructure, economic development, and technology. While</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">he lists public safety as a priority, he does not mention Covid. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There are some sharp comments on his Facebook page about voting against the people in rejecting a very large sculpture offered to be placed near the beach. Also, his info somehow didn’t make it into the Voters’ Pamphlet. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">In his favor, he helped plant Garry oaks with the Garry Oak Society, a favorite group of mine. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">There are comments around Oak Harbor about his “continued allegiance to the Las Vegas developer. That</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">would be Mr Scott Thompson, who is bulldozing and bullying to get his way. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Shane Hoffmire</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">https://shanehoffmire.com/<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">“success is best shared”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">“join me for an affordable future in Oak Harbor”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Why do you seek election (or reelection)? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I believe that volunteerism and giving back to the community through service is essential. I take great pride in being able to bring change and success through political involvement and to see the fruits of these endless efforts. With results-driven intention, fighting for an affordable future for the citizens of Oak Harbor is the “why” of my campaign. The people deserve to have their voices heard and to be represented by one of their own.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My campaign leans heavily on three principles: affordability, accountability and livability. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It's the People that I represent, that's why I serve, and I believe any success is ours together and that success is best shared.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What qualifies you to run for this position? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I served as a twice elected Commissioner for the North Whidbey Pool, Park, and Recreation District (NWPPRD) beginning in 2015 through 2020. During my tenure within NWPPRD, I held every position on the Board, gaining invaluable experience:</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Under my leadership, what seemed to be the impossible was achieved. In 2017 we reopened the pool, even after the levy failed, while working to secure future funding. This effort was engineered in partnership with the community through miraculous coordinated community efforts by individual citizens, local businesses, and service clubs. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.8px; text-indent: -0.9px;">3)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>In what ways, or through which organizations, have you served your community? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Over the last 22 years I have spent hours upon hours volunteering my time to the Whidbey Island Pony Club and the Horse Trials. Coaching North Whidbey Little League baseball in town for many years, I have often felt it is the most rewarding job that I've ever had. Reward is always at its pinnacle when contribution is. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While on the North Whidbey Pool Park and Recreation District board of commissioners I worked tirelessly volunteering thousands of hours to help save the pool. Having the opportunity to serve our community through these organizations has truly been amazing. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.4px; text-indent: -0.5px;">4)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What do you believe is the biggest issue facing your community? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Oak Harbor is going through an affordability crisis, families and individuals are struggling. City utility rates, property taxes, rent and the overall cost of living is increasing. Many residents I have had the opportunity to speak to have expressed their concern that this trend may make it impossible to stay in Oak Harbor.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Several factors affect the increasing cost of living, but the most impactful, is that of the ever-increasing utility rates. I know countless residents who dread that bill, myself included. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Local government officials’ accountability is unfortunately fleeting. All too often, decision making at the city level is done for the benefit of the few. Catering to a limited population rather than aiming to represent a community at large is the antithesis of accountability. Our local government and its officials should prioritize the needs of the community rather than getting sidetracked on vanity projects.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 1.2px; text-indent: -1.2px;">5)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>How do you intend to help deal with the aforementioned issue? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My approach to every decision has been, and will continue to be, based on how it affects the average citizen in Oak Harbor and how affordable it will be to its residents. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The ever increasing city utility bill isn't sustainable and is a crisis that must be confronted head on. Using rate feasibility studies, along with real time decision making, I propose that we look at every individual facet of the city utility bill and determine how these numbers can be stabilized and, ideally, lowered.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have several ideas on how to best lessen the cost of living in Oak Harbor. Among these are modernizing development codes, working towards solving the housing crisis, and encouraging economic development. Government can be a sizable part of the solution but first we need to recognize our local government’s role in being a sizable part of our problem.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.6px; text-indent: -0.6px;">6)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What do you hope to accomplish through your public service? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It is my goal to turn decision making towards affordability and to return accountability to the City Council. I want people to again believe in our City and leadership. Increasing affordability and accountability in Oak Harbor will help to increase Livability. If I can ease the concerns of how sustainable living in Oak Harbor is for even one family, it will be worth everything.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Finally, I want the citizens of Oak Harbor to feel heard and represented. One of my greatest wishes is that everyone would become involved in the political process. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.7px; text-indent: -0.7px;">7)<span style="font-size: 7px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Why should people vote for you? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">With my candidacy, I will bring both experience as an elected commissioner and a commitment to accountability and affordability in government. I have proven my commitment to getting things done and my record speaks for itself. I listen to the people and go to work. I will never let you down. I will use common sense to do the right thing when others either can't or choose not to and I will not hesitate to ask for guidance. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 13.5px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A vote for me means a vote for a better tomorrow, one in which Oak Harbor is more affordable, government officials are held accountable and there is a sense of security in the livability of our city.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">He’s young, he’s service oriented, he helped salvage and rehab the Vanderzicht pool.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">He’s running in part on a platform of lowering the city’s extremely high utility rates. While that is admirable, I’m wondering how deeply he has studied the issues underlying those rates and what can be done to provide the necessary services at lower cost. To his credit, his work on the Vanderzicht pool demonstrates precisely that ability. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">A lot of people I know and respect believe he’s right for the job. I have serious concerns about Joel Servatius, who does indeed seem to be representing a developer rather than the people, and who somehow couldn’t manage even to get a candidate statement into the Voter’s Guide.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">If I were voting in Oak Harbor, I would vote for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Shane Hoffmire</b></span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Oak Harbor City Council<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>position 7</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Bryan Stucky</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">www.votestucky.com</p><ol>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Why are you running for this particular position?</li>
</ol><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’m running for City Council because I believe I am well connected to the community</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">and have a knack for listening to people and building bridges. I do not come in with a</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">hard right or hard left agenda. I enjoy listening to people whose opinion is different from</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">my own, because I think by doing so new, creative solutions can be found.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have seen a lot of city council candidates in the past create really slick websites. It</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">seems they have a plan for everything. Then they get into the office and realize it is not in</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">their power to accomplish all those things. I am doing my best to make sure I focus on the</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">scope of what city council can and cannot do. In a nutshell city council acts as the policy</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">makers of the city to create policy on how to move forward. Their job is NOT to</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">micromanage the day-to-day operations of city hall, but to amplify the voice of the</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">people on what overall direction they would like to see our city take.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want those in our community to feel heard. I also want our citizens to feel that they</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">can pick up the phone and call their elected officials if they have questions. Most of all I</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">want those living here to feel that they have a voice on the issues and that decisions are</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">made collectively. It should not be an “Us vs them” when it comes to local government. I</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">can use my position within the council to amplify the voices of its citizens in city</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">decisions.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’m interested in improving economic development, affordable housing, and public</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">safety. This can be done by working with individuals and groups in our community who</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">have ideas and expertise to get the job done. For example, it would be very difficult for</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">the city to revitalize downtown by itself. But by working with Mainstreet and the business</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">owners on that street, I believe that goal can be accomplished. I also want to help with</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">problems that the community brings forward that may not have occurred to me.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.What relevant experience do you have?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> First and foremost I am a local business owner (Wallin-Stucky Funeral Home) so I am</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">very dialed into the business community. I am a past president of the North Whidbey</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Sunrise Rotary Club, Vice President of Help House, and currently serve on the Oak Harbor</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Planning commission. These opportunities have allowed me to connect with many</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">individuals in our community to learn about our local issues and different ways to address</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">them.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My philosophy is to work together with others to create solutions, and to that end to</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">be accessible to those that have ideas/thoughts/concerns. My contact information is easy</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">to find. I also welcome anyone who wishes to chat to stop by my office. I want everyone</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;">that brings issues forward to feel respected and heard, even if we do not always agree.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 1.4px;">I found a link to a short video. He runs the funeral home, which is also the morgue. Yes, suicides and drug overdoses have increased. He tells people to stand up for what they believe in, but with respect and kindness. He tells people to think twice before sending rude or nasty Facebook comments. He asks people to reach out to other people, and closes with “I want to meet everyone out there in the public, not here in the morgue.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><b>Andy Plumlee</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"><br /></p><ol>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1.Why are you running for this particular position?</li>
</ol><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 1px;">I believe there are people in our community whose concerns and interests could be better represented.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As a committee, the council uses majority vote to carry out the city’s business and operational objectives.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 1.5px;">3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Provide advocacy and representation for the “middle 80%” of our community.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We need more skilled labor and services for community members with special needs.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.What relevant experience do you have?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This would be my first public office.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.2px; text-indent: -0.3px;">6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.2px; text-indent: -0.3px;">What does the community want/need.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I want to be the voice on Oak Harbor City council that represents the average community member. I will be objective, reasoned, and focused on the needs and concerns of the community.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 1.4px;">Checking his Facebook page, I find “10 creative ideas to help the community with the $6.6 million ARPAfunds. I’m not at all sure what strings are attached to those funds, but his list of ideas would definitely benefit ordinary working people in and around Oak Harbor. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 0.5px;">While I’m not sure I agree with some of the ideas expressed, at least Mr Plumlee is expressing ideas. A refreshing change. His support for an independent redistricting commission and for ranked choice voting certainly resonate with me, as do a lot of his other posts.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do not know either of these candidates personally and have not had the opportunity to hear them at public events. I strongly suspect that either of them would make a good city council member. That said, since Bryan Stucky already sits on the Planning Commission, and Andy Plumlee expresses a great many ideas with which I agree, if I could vote in Oak Harbor, I would vote for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Andy Plumlee</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: -4.5px;"> </p><div><br /></div><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Oak Harbor School District</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Be aware that the very same people who brought you Q-Anon, Donald Trump, January 6, and Covid denial – along with the occasional race war – are organizing on a national basis to take over at the very bottom level, and their focus nationwide is on school boards. What is happening in Oak Harbor is also happening in Coupeville, South Whidbey, Stanwood-Camano, Washington State, and all of the US. In the South there are reports of outright violence against school boards, death threats, and mob scenes. Oak Harbor and South Whidbey have experienced some of those mob scenes. Word is that they were actually organized out of Stanwood-Camano and that these people are a traveling circus, picking up local supporters as they move about. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This is dangerous. Since people are smart enough at the national level not to let our democratic government be usurped by insurrectionists, the new plan is to indoctrinate our kids into believing their vision for the country. These are the people who deny human rights, history, science, and facts and base their actions on – what? rumor? demagoguery?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 4</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>John Diamond</b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/johnldiamondschoolboard/">https://www.instagram.com/johnldiamondschoolboard/</a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JohnLDiamondSchoolBoard/">https://www.facebook.com/JohnLDiamondSchoolBoard/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Diamond did not respond to my request for information, so I’ve had to dig it out for myself. I’ve pasted in excerpts from some items I found. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">1. John Diamond has been in Oak Harbor for over eight years. Prior to living on the island, John lived in Utah and Southern California. He has a daughter at the high school along with an Italian Exchange student. John worked in public safety for nine years and currently manages the computer public safety system for Island County 911 (ICOM911). In addition, John volunteers as a member of the North Whidbey Fire and Rescue on the Marines Search and Rescue Team. He’s also an active member of the Oak Harbor Kiwanis Club. John graduated from Grand Island Senior high in 1983 and attended Ricks College and Arizona State University. He earned his certificate in Computer Networking from the Computer Education Institute in 2002 and a diploma from Maric College in 2005. An avid boater, John and his wife, Nancy can be found on the water crabbing or enjoying time with their two grandchildren. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">“I believe in the principle of giving back where you can. We have a great opportunity to support the system that educates young minds and create great productive citizens for our future. This is where I believe I can contribute to our community.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. Although I don't live in the OH School district any longer, Ann works there and I'm dismayed by the direction a loud minority of people are trying to veer the school board. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">John Diamond and Erik Mann have worked tirelessly over their first term on the school board not only securing massive amounts of federal funding for new school buildings, but leading with a steady hand during the uncharted waters of the pandemic. They understand the big picture of how school boards work and how they interact with state and federal governments to secure the funding our schools need. I urge my Oak Harbor friends to vote for Erik Mann and John Diamond in the upcoming election.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Don Jacques, Jr.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">His Facebook page features public events at which all participants are masked. He takes safety seriously. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Long post for Oak Harbor Voters, by Mike Fisher</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Well that board meeting was even crazier than the last one. Full disclosure I left prior to the room being emptied as things progressed I felt giving the anti maskers an audience was a bad idea. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">At least tonight both sides were represented (pro mask/anti mask) and we even heard from two local pediatric doctors that said we need masks as a mitigation strategy in order to keep staff and students safe. However, two speakers (one running for school board) after the Doctors spoke accused them of being paid for their speech. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After the board recessed due to individuals not wearing masks and then going into executive session for the same reason the anti mask group that choose to not wear masks and stayed decided that they should do a “sit in” and began speaking to the crowd instead of leaving when asked. There were many phones taking videos that I'm sure will be posted in the next few days. But if you trust me and want more information of what exactly happened please let me know and I'll be happy to discuss the entire night. I will say there was a state politician that decided to come and stay for part of the meeting however, remained silent as the anti mask group hijacked the meeting. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I say again this is not who our community is, but if I'm wrong then things are going to get much worse before they get better.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So I'm asking you, honestly I'm begging you, when you get your ballot in a few weeks vote for <a href="https://www.facebook.com/john.diamond.735?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXr1HEcoYsJY9NrI4BSoTQbdlKArsxXIyL8lTBGUi3vzmqnoEZJqRDM_HDmTsYeUtIwUNqpO_Lm0h6KthbW7f3M6vth4WlyUJjjtzJlhZ5auaH5jXPGUTtRC2tZE1lsUPhfVmbtVNyxebDfDOuE47w7pyJ1Vx9NbYKDWB02tKO9CQ&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R"><span style="color: #0433ff;">John Diamond</span></a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/mann.erik?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZXr1HEcoYsJY9NrI4BSoTQbdlKArsxXIyL8lTBGUi3vzmqnoEZJqRDM_HDmTsYeUtIwUNqpO_Lm0h6KthbW7f3M6vth4WlyUJjjtzJlhZ5auaH5jXPGUTtRC2tZE1lsUPhfVmbtVNyxebDfDOuE47w7pyJ1Vx9NbYKDWB02tKO9CQ&__tn__=-%5dK-y-R"><span style="color: #0433ff;">Erik Mann</span></a> the last thing we need is for all the great things we've accomplished as a district to be undone by performative politics.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Jessica Thompson</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://jessicathompson201.com/</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://m.facebook.com/pg/Elect-Jessica-Thompson-108811381393160/posts/">https://m.facebook.com/pg/Elect-Jessica-Thompson-108811381393160/posts/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Speaking as an English teacher, it is not a good look when you’re running for School Board and you mis-spell the word Director on your front page. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her agenda:</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. I will advocate to remove Covid restrictions placed on our children.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. I will stop the vaccine clinics from coming to our schools.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. I will say NO to Comprehensive Sexual Education Curriculum.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4. I will push back against the teaching of Critical Race Theory.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She believes schools should teach “the fundamentals” (reading, writing, ‘rithmetic), vocational skills, phys ed, and less politics. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She home-schools her children. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She told the school board (about the mask mandate) “your motives are obvious, disgusting, and worthy of all public rebuke.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She co-authored a right-wing alarmist letter re "teaching socialism & black lives matter, anti-covid measures, etc" Her website is the classic mix of anti-vax, anti-sex ed, anti just about everything. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A post on her Facebook page claims the schools are enforcing mask mandates because they have received $10 million to do so. It got more toxic from there so I quit reading.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She’s been campaigning with fellow anti-masker Jason Uemoto. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I don’t know either of these people personally, but I see their social media posts. Even if Mr Diamond were not a really great school board member, I’d vote for him in order to keep this wing-nut out of the schools.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If I voted in Oak Harbor I would vote resoundingly for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>John Diamond</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 5</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Erik Mann</b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mann4schools/">https://www.facebook.com/mann4schools/</a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:campaignmann@gmail.com">campaignmann@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“He addresses real issues and is a Covid realist”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He’s involved all over the city, including with Habitat for Humanity and the Oak Harbor Planning Commission, among many others. He’s proud of the historically high graduation rates which he attributes to a lot of changes made during his 1<sup>st</sup> term. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have to quote this directly: “Teacher and staff compensation has been increased to reflect the professional level of work they do, and to provide targeted increases, providing equity to many classes of employees historically underpaid, and often occupied by women and people of color.” Gee, he thinks it’s a good thing to pay people what they’re worth. What a concept. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He worked with all parties for a safe early Covid re-opening. And he recognizes the big learning pit created by the time schools were closed. He’s working on bridging that gap. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">From his Facebook page-</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My top three priorities:</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Mitigate lost learning opportunities caused by Covid-19 challenges and expand opportunities for academic achievement.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. Build four new schools by replacing the expiring bond in February, leveraging $107 million from federal and state sources to reduce the burden to local taxpayers. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3. Hire a superintendent that will build upon our current successes and lead our district to even greater accomplishments.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Further from the Facebook page: I have been asked several times about my position on Critical Race Theory and the 1619 Project. As this is obviously a hot button issue with many people in our community, I thought I would share my views and a recent response to a voter.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">CRT is a manufactured issue, and is not something taught in schools. If you would like to explain what your specific concerns are surrounding CRT, I would be happy to address them as they relate to Oak Harbor. We have policies established that guide educators on the process of selecting curriculum, teaching controversial topics, and presentation of multiple views for such topics. The only CRT that exists in our schools is the Curriculum Review Team, made up of administrators, teachers and parents who review all core curriculum, and make recommendations to the board about which materials should be adopted and taught.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have listened to the New York Times 1619 project podcast. While obviously biased, it illuminates many things often suppressed and previously unknown to me, and is a perspective worth understanding to have a better context of historical events and the current divisive world we live in.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I like a man who can absorb information, think about it, and draw a reasonable conclusion, even if we differ politically.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Jason Uemoto</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.facebook.com/UemotoJP/photos</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/anti-maskers-interrupt-school-board-meeting-again/Jason Uemoto</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/anti-maskers-to-continue-protests-sunday-in-oak-harbor/">https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/anti-maskers-to-continue-protests-sunday-in-oak-harbor/</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">His Twitter account features Donald Trump and sports. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I found a series of questions and answers from Emily Gilbert at Sound Publishing. She had asked all candidates for interviews. Uemoto and Thompson set criteria Ms Gilbert could not agree to – that they be interviewed in person and together. So she sent questions instead. The responses were not particularly responsive. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He expressed frustration with the school board for implementing policy coming down from Olympia. He believes they should be completely independent. “They are not puppets of the Governor or State superintendent.” </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He claims on the one hand not to be anti-mask, but on the other hand excoriates the school district for requiring them, and participates in anti-mask events. He does not seem to be too concerned with Covid safety. “I applaud the district for not closing despite reported Covid cases.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He is unhappy with both the school board and legislators for going to on-line forums instead of continuing live meetings. “Online format is not good for public discourse and is only intended to silence the parents. This has nothing to do with public safety and everything to do with silencing the opposition.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He was asked about the proposal to replace a number of schools. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“I do not support funding for any replacement of schools. I believe our current schools are just fine. I believe that there are more pressing issues that our school board needs to focus.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He appears to believe that school boards are somehow independent of state law. “The policies are failing and there has been too much government overreach into the plenary rights of the parents to raise their children. Parents have noticed and now they are standing up.”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“I will not go along to get along. I will not rubber stamp whatever comes down from Olympia. I am not afraid to stand up for our children and our district and will fight for what is right!”</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He has participated in sit-ins and demonstrations demanding the right to unmask children in school. He does not seem to understand that children will become sick and some of them will die. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He questions the efficacy of masks and the constitutionality of the mask mandate.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He patently has no idea of the actual working of the school board, what it does, how it makes decisions, its relationship to the larger educational establishment, or its budgets and funding. His focus is on the dastardly deeds of the school board in doing its best to keep students and staff safe.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Given the choice between a competent, caring, science-based incumbent and what I consider an anti-science screamer, there really is no choice. If I voted in Oak Harbor I would absolutely vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Erik Mann</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p><br /></p><p> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px;">North Whidbey Pool, Parks, & Recreation Commission</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“The district operates one of the only off-leash dog parks on Whidbey and its playfields serve groups from Little League to adult softball.” And of course there’s the John Vanderzicht Memorial Pool. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Commissioner, position 4</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Steve McCaslin</b></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:nwprd.position4@gmail.com">nwprd.position4@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Owns & operates The Cobalt Group – professional consultant, business development resources, economic development</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Was hired as P&R director 11-10-15</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Speaks at Young Professional Speaker event on Adaptive Leadership (June 2021)</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Business Succession Planning – May 2021</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Developing Corporate Culture </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">January 2019 – leads Non-Profit network social</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://juleerudolfblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/cutting-the-pool-baby-in-half/">https://juleerudolfblog.wordpress.com/2018/02/27/cutting-the-pool-baby-in-half/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This post claims that Mr McCaslin, as executive director of the Parks district, recommended terminating his own position as the quickest way to save money. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There’s very little info on line, and of course he didn’t respond to my inquiries. He does not appear to have any campaign.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Brit Kraner</p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:britkraner@gmail.com">britkraner@gmail.com</a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/britkraner">www.facebook.com/britkraner</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://britkraner.squarespace.com/blog/why-me?fbclid=IwAR3g2Pex1nlI4E4GWVBl-cQjOs15-ZM_g6TJgbMRetbDdfimnwvwgw-MEYs</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Young, newcomer, works at Whidbey Health. She seems competent and sincere.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Well, this is frustrating. There is simply not enough information available on which to make a reasoned decision. Steve McCaslin has a fairly long history with the P&R district and the pool. Brit Kraner is young and enthusiastic. I dearly wish I could hear the two of them debate. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Knowing so little about either candidate, I don’t feel like I can make a choice. You’re going to have to make up your own minds on this one.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-62098112422997941512021-10-15T13:19:00.001-07:002021-10-18T17:16:20.505-07:00Coupeville School District, Coupeville Port District<p><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px;">Central Whidbey</b></p><p><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px;"><br /></b></p><p><b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px;">Coupeville School District</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 2</b></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://coupevillesports.com/2021/07/31/vote-for-passion-vote-for-pride/">https://coupevillesports.com/2021/07/31/vote-for-passion-vote-for-pride/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Here’s a review of the Coupeville School Board candidates. He says upfront that he is not impartial. Neither am I. He has ferreted out information about Nancy Conard and Morgan White that I have not. He has not really looked for information on their opponents, largely because he didn’t think they were worth his time. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Nancy Conard</b></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:nancyconard@aol.com">nancyconard@aol.com</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.whidbeyfoundation.org/</p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.whidbeylifemagazine.org/shes-retired-as-mayor-but-this-native-daughter-is-still-queen-of-coupeville/">https://www.whidbeylifemagazine.org/shes-retired-as-mayor-but-this-native-daughter-is-still-queen-of-coupeville/</a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">After 27 years as the Coupeville School District business manager, she served 20 years as Coupeville’s mayor. For the last 10 years she has been raising her granddaughter who is now entering Coupeville High School. Some of the very qualified board members are retiring, and she is stepping into the breach. She grew up in Coupeville. In her position as business manager she dealt with all the various aspects of the district’s operating systems. She is completely conversant with both policy and administration. In her time with the district she helped to balanced the budget, build a cash reserve, and build consensus. All of those skills will be useful as a school board member. She is interested in supporting school staff. She sees the pandemic as the least of the issues facing schools, compared with issues of equity, climate change, and developing a new normal. She is very interested in getting kids back to school. Of course they need to mask. Follow the science. True leaders explain why people need to take certain actions. She can help board members be more transparent. She wants to help people understand why certain choices are made at the policy level.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’ve known Nancy Conard at arm’s length for many years. She impressed me as a no-nonsense business woman who used those business skills to do the best for the people she was representing. Given her long history with the Coupeville school district, Nancy is a treasure trove of institutional memory. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My favorite interaction with Nancy happened in 1999 when we were hosting a “pot party” at the Greenbank Farm. We had many thousands of salvaged native plants that needed to be potted up. There were piles of pots and piles of plants and piles of topsoil. Nancy sailed right into the middle of this mess in a white suit. I couldn’t see how she could possibly do anything other than stand back and watch. Somehow she was able to be very efficient in potting up a whole lot of plants while never getting a single spot of soil on that white suit. Given that the rest of us were all well decorated, I was a bit in awe of her. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have not always agreed with Nancy’s decisions, but I saw that they were intended for the good of the community. I expect she will bring that same mindset to the school board. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Paul Rempa</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.facebook.com/Elect-Paul-Rempa-For-Coupeville-Schools-Position-2-100370542251806/</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">“This content isn’t available right now”</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">There are posts to the effect that his claims as a firefighter are manufactured. To quote “He is not a firefighter. He took the free training and very expensive gear and never did anything for Central Whidbey Fire. . . He is a self promoter who has repeatedly done things to undermine protection during the pandemic, e.g. encouraging maskless celebrations. He is a big bully and tried to push me around. . . school board material he is most definitely not.”</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He signed on to the somewhat hysterical anti-student, anti-free speech, anti-Covid protection, anti-everything letter authored by Oak Harbor school board candidate Jessica Thompson.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He appears to be endorsed by the Island County Republicans, based on the big image on their website. Word is that he is a Republican precinct committee officer.</p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://copblaster.com/blast/18899/paul-rempa-snitched-on-micheal%E2%80%99s-lawn-and-garden-in-coupeville">https://copblaster.com/blast/18899/paul-rempa-snitched-on-micheal%E2%80%99s-lawn-and-garden-in-coupeville</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">"As the governor has declared that all non essential businesses should remain closed, This company is putting me and my family at risk by continually coming to my house." - Paul Rempa</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The aforementioned complaint was filed by Paul Rempa in Coupeville, Washington on Tuesday April 7, 2020 with L&I covid19complaints@lni.wa.gov against Micheal’s lawn and garden saying Non-essential business is open. Email address given was paul.rempa@gmail.com and phone number given was 360-9291473.</p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://southwhidbeyfire-ems-blog.tumblr.com/post/63539867106/paul-rempa-from-defending-the-seas-to-protecting-the">https://southwhidbeyfire-ems-blog.tumblr.com/post/63539867106/paul-rempa-from-defending-the-seas-to-protecting-the</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">So it looks like he may have been a firefighter in Freeland in 2013. Hard to know how long he stuck with it. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://trellis.law/case/53029/13-2-00373-7/LVNV-FUNDING-LLC-VS-REMPA-PAUL</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Not able to read the case, so not sure what its about, but it looks like Mr Rempa has failed to repay a loan. It does tell us that the case outcome was a judgement and that this was a commercial case in Island County Superior Court. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">All in all one gets the impression of someone who plays fast and loose with the basic rules of good behavior. He turns in a non-essential business while advocating to reopen schools in the middle of the pandemic. Even giving him the benefit of a great many doubts, I do not believe he has the background or patience to learn required to be a good school board member.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">By contrast, Nancy Conard has been there and done that and demonstrated that she is very good at it – while keeping student and staff safety foremost.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If I voted in Coupeville, I would most gladly vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Nancy Conard</b></span>.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>position 5</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Morgan White</b></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electmorganwhite.com/">https://www.electmorganwhite.com/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.facebook.com/gregnmorgan.white</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">Why are you running for this particular position? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The primary reason I am running for school board is that I love Coupeville. My husband and I both graduated from Coupeville High School, and we have two children in the Coupeville school district. We are very invested in this community. After High School I served 8 years in the United States Air Force before I returned here to raise my children. I recognize and value the strengths of small towns. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">For the past 15 years I’ve been a very active volunteer in the lives of Coupeville youth. I have built strong relationships with students, families, staff and community members. However, last year was difficult. With school closures and isolation, I learned many heartbreaking stories about students who were hurting and suffering. As an active volunteer I felt helpless; I wanted to do more; I wanted to support our students more. That experience really challenged me to identify where I could best serve our students. I genuinely want to support Coupeville students in their education and in their well-being. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">School boards govern local districts under the umbrella of OSPI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction) and SBE (State Board of Education). They set vision/mission/goals for our school and they adopt policies while overseeing the resources available to our school. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">The powers of this position are based on successful teamwork. A school director holds no power as an individual but with healthy teamwork; a school board can be a place of tremendous influence. A successful team recognizes each other’s strengths and weakness and works together towards accomplishing specific goals and visions for our school. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> What do you hope to accomplish in this position? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">My primary focus is student achievement. This should be the key focus in decision making for our schools. Are we governing in a way to support high expectations for learning and are we being good stewards of the finances and resources that have been given to us to accomplish these goals? Are we building an environment where our students and staff can flourish and succeed? And are we engaging our community in this process? I hope to ask some thoughtful questions and do a lot of listening, so that as a team we can provide our students with a successful environment for growth and achievement</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">During this election 2 of the 5 board members will be new. This transition is a great opportunity for our school board to reexamine priorities and goals for our district. I would like to work on improving communication and community engagement. I would like to see an increase in school board workshops, meetings, trainings and study sessions. I believe this will help increase community access to information, and increase participation in the district’s decision-making process.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">This past year was difficult for students and staff, and it was also difficult for our school board. Meetings have been online and annual board retreats have been cancelled. I want to refocus our efforts towards rebuilding the school board team cohesion, and looking at our communication methods. Diversity of strengths and perspectives is important to any good team. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">This past year highlighted how many different opinions and ideas exist within the students and families that we serve. Creating opportunities for those conversations and being very transparent with decision-making will be important to building community trust and equipping our students for the future. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> What relevant experience do you have? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I have been dedicated to volunteering and caring for youth in Coupeville for the last 15 years. Here is a glimpse what that has looked like: I was president of the Central Whidbey Cooperative Preschool for several years. I organized and ran Popcorn Fridays at Coupeville Elementary School (CES) for several years. I created logos and designs for the high school basketball team, baseball team and tennis team, as well as the PTA at CES. I’ve been maintaining the website for Race the Reserve (a senior class fundraiser event). I’ve spent countless hours in the classroom and on field trips. I was the co-director of the drama club at CES for two years. I have helped take photographs and chaperoned several ASB functions and I have been invited to serve on several hiring committees and a district advisory committee. Last year I helped students access food and community resources to support them during the time of school closures. As an active volunteer I have a unique perspective. I am able to see and understand the challenges and functions of many different facets of school operations. I’ve built many strong relationships and those relationships help me lead from a place of compassion and bring a strong sense of community to our district. I value the impact that our school has on the lives of children and I am grateful to be a part of such a caring and connected community.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> What will be your operating philosophy in office? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">There are little red signs all around Coupeville with these hearts on them and they have the saying “Kindness is Contagious”. That is the operating philosophy that I want to move forward with. As a nation we are being divided over so many issues and there is a great deal of anger and shame. If you turn on the news or look at social media we are a very divided people. I believe that when we come together with respect and kindness we can have much greater success. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">What message would you like to convey to voters? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">That I care, and I have proven that I care by dedicating the last 15 years to serving and investing in Coupeville School District. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> How will you address pandemic safety?<b> </b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">I applaud the measures and steps that our school is currently taking in regard to the safety and well being of students and staff. They are utilizing masks and vaccines, they are utilizing outside space and multiple common areas in the school buildings to encourage social distancing during lunch. They have replaced and updated the HVAC systems in the buildings and classrooms and some teachers are even utilizing outdoor classroom options when possible. They are offering COVID-19 rapid testing at school for students who are having symptoms and they are working hard at educating families about safety practices for this school year. Our district has organized a healthy youth task force to address some of the negative issues that have arisen from the challenges of this pandemic such as childhood obesity and mental health. I personally would just continue to support the work that is happening in our district in regard to health and safety during the pandemic so that our children can continue to have their education delivered in-person with their teacher and a really wonderful support network.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Ward Sparacio</b></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.wardsparacio.com/">https://www.wardsparacio.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://islandcountyfreepress.com/red-dawn-rises-in-island-county-elections/">https://islandcountyfreepress.com/red-dawn-rises-in-island-county-elections/</a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A post showing that many Republicans won in the November 2020 elections.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">While Mr Sparacio claims to be out in the world advocating for children, there is very little evidence of that on social media. There’s plenty of medical device information. That seems to be his field. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">He has recently retired as the Island County Republican treasurer but appears to continue as a precinct committee officer. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A friend bumped into Mr Sparacio in a public place and tried to question him. </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>1. Why no response to my many efforts over several weeks of phone messages?</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">answer: The person responsible has been ill. I’ll look into it.”</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Several days later my friend had a call from a woman who identified herself as Mr Sparacio’s campaign manager. She apologized for failing to return calls, but said she had been ill and her husband had been in the hospital. It seems they both had Covid and neither was vaccinated.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>2. You say you have 30 years of experience. In what?</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">answer: The medical field. Ultrasound & imaging.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>3. What’s your degree in?</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">answer: biology</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>4. But ultrasound and nuclear imaging require certification.</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">answer: Oh, I never said I worked in the field. I worked and owned companies which provide medical technology. I worked for GE and was CEO of a smaller company in Boston. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>5. What are your political connections?</b> He initially denied any, until reminded that he was treasurer of IC GOP.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Answer: I’m not currently associated with them.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>6. His opinion on students and Critical Race Theory.</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">answer: I think students should not be confronted with divisive issues. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>7. But you tell people that you favor critical thinking.</b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">answer: I’m a libertarian.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Sparacio has gone to some lengths to make himself and his agenda unavailable to the voters of Coupeville. Its hard to take him seriously as a candidate.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Given that Morgan White has a long and very visible history of working with and advocating for students and schools in Coupeville, and Ward Sparacio states that he does not believe children should be confronted with divisive issues, it is clear that Morgan White is by far the more qualified candidate.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If I voted in Coupeville, I would vote enthusiastically for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Morgan White</b></span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Coupeville Port District</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Commissioner</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Michael Seraphinoff</b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:mjseraph@whidbey.net">mjseraph@whidbey.net</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Why are you running for this particular position? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">No one even applied during the regular filing period for the Port Commission position, so I thought it my civic duty. Fortunately, another very able candidate has also stepped forward.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The port has responsibility for several properties in public ownership. There are open public meetings to achieve this management.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Serve the interests of my community.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Consider the ideas and opinions of others and all facts and figures presented to the port commissioners, and then add my own two cents to the discussion and decision making.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I would like to, after a period of initial learning of port operations and functions, have the port consider a few things that concern me. These include consideration of providing decent access parking on the farm for those wishing to use the public beach access adjoining the Greenbank Farm; look at ways the port property at the farm might help provide (minimal tent, at least) camping opportunities since the South Whidbey state park no longer offers this; and consider ways the port might begin a conversation with the Navy over their eventual turning of the Coupeville OLF over to the port for management as a county airfield. (It is my understanding that the Coupeville Port was initially formed back in the 1960s when it was believed that such a hand-over of the property to the port was likely and that the community needed a port commission to manage this property as a county air field.) Just some ideas that have occurred to me. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.What relevant experience do you have? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Board membership experience on several community nonprofits, including South Whidbey Tilth and the Opportunity Council. I was also for two years a Chair of the Greenbank Community Council.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6.What will be your operating philosophy in office? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Open and frank discussion of community needs and priorities.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It is important to pay attention to practical day-to-day operations and pay careful attention to fiscal responsibilities (something I understand that my able opponent may be quite well prepared for as a fiscal advisor to the Whidbey Camano Land Trust), but it is also important to envision ways the port might better serve the community. For example, the Coupeville OLF is mostly thought of as a permanent operation of the Navy, but nothing is permanent. Witness the break up of the Soviet Empire and the tearing down of the Berlin Wall. We thought that those were quite permanent too. And the times they are a changing, as a songster poet once wisely told us.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. How will you address pandemic safety? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The port presently holds zoom meetings.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Patrick Kennedy</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Kennedy did not respond to a request for information, and provided no contact information.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Kennedy is relatively new to the island, having bought land at Greenbank about 6 years ago. He is a consultant to large financial institutions, and is involved with Goosefoot Foundation and the Economic Development Council. He is a past board member of Whidbey Camano Land Trust. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do not know Mr Kennedy at all, except that under one of my other hats I came across a Forest Practices permit to log his property at Greenbank. His familiarity with high finance makes me more than a little nervous. After all, the business of a port district is to promote commerce. I fear national scale ambitions imposed on local scale Greenbank and Coupeville.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have considered Michael Seraphinoff a friend and advisor for something more than 40 years. We worked together in 1995 to prevent conversion of the Greenbank Farm into a 500 unit housing development. We were co-founders, back in 1982, of South Whidbey Tilth. We worked together in 1988-89 to prevent and then reduce the impact of Trillium Corp’s attempts to log 10% of south Whidbey in one fell swoop. I know Michael and I know he would/will take the Port’s business seriously.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I voted in Coupeville, I would vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Michael Seraphinoff</b></span> – in spite of his modesty.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-6768168136908267382021-10-15T13:11:00.008-07:002021-10-18T17:18:44.227-07:00Langley City Council, South Whidbey School District, South Whidbey Fire/EMS<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><u><span style="font-size: large;">South Whidbey</span></u></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Langley City Council</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">position 1</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Harolynne Bobis</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">HB4Langley1@gmail.com</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Affordable housing coupled with living wages is something a small city like Langley should be able to handle. Our homeless problems are growing due to rising rents and costs and loss of income. I am a first- time political candidate and felt this is the position in which I can make the most<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> </span>difference.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. I know that City Councils, being the closest government body to the people, have the most impact on their lives. Having spent years working in Seattle (for the Library and the Mayor’s Offices), and watching <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">Langley’s </span>Council on Zoom, I have seen this in<span style="letter-spacing: 3.4px;"> </span>action.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12.7px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. I hope to help bring some understanding of what people in Langley are doing and what they need to assist them live their best lives.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">4. I expect to work with my colleagues to find ways to alleviate some of the disparities facing Langley residents. I also expect to make inroads in <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">Langley’s </span>consciousness of different peoples and how they<span style="letter-spacing: 2.5px;"> </span>live.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12.7px 0px 0px 4.8px;"><span style="font-size: large;">5. I have served on Boards and Commissions, including national level ones like the Environmental Grantmakers Association and several nonprofits in our state. I currently serve on the board of the Hub and Dismantling Systemic Racism Advisory Group in <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px;">Langley. </span>I am an environmentalist in that I know we have no planet B and must care for this<span style="letter-spacing: 1.1px;"> </span>one.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12.6px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">6. Living the Golden Rule is one of my <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px;">life’s </span>philosophies. I am also an active listener and a strong believer in <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">democracy. </span>I can talk to anyone and believe if we talk to each <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">other, </span>we can find common ground. I also feel we can have more fun and enjoyment in our lives, including<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"> </span>work.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12.6px 0px 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">7. Things are changing quickly in <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px;">Langley, </span>our region, and the state and we should be prepared. When I moved here in 2012, my rent was $700/month. It is now $1,000. My husband and I can afford to live here; but can all our residents? All of our residents who moved here 30 or 40 years ago and were unable to purchase a home, are now being forced out because of higher rents. As a member of the City Council I want to help Langley retain its small town charm. It is easy to say Shop Local; but can we afford to if we can’t make a living wage<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"> </span>here?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12.6px 0px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Kay Kenneweg</span></b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:kikenneweg@gmail.com">kikenneweg@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Why are you running for this particular position? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I read it needed to be filled and we need to RUN FOR SOMETHING in this political climate and I wanted to throw in my hat as I believe I would be a great city council member.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">office/board/commission accomplish its work? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I have gone to city council meetings (before ZOOM), observed the proceedings and asked questions for citizens’ comments. I read Robert’s Rules of Order and became enlightened. I have in the past years assisted other people running and listened to their comments and read their statements and watched them on the council in action. The duties of city council are listed on the Langley City Hall website. Five Council members are elected at-large to staggered four-year terms. The Council enacts ordinances and resolutions, holds public hearings, approves development plans, receives citizen suggestions and complaints, authorizes payment of City funds, approves contracts, creates committees and boards to assist in the operation of city government, and much more. I have attended city council meetings and made citizens comments.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">By working with the other city council members and mayor to continue to strive for the future of Langley civilly. Serving on committees that need to be continued like the climate committee that P.M. chairs with the students, and to increase communication with businesses and community members who do not have access to newspapers or electronic media and need to be informed what is happening in city government. I would like to address accessibility and make sure sidewalks are clear for people who are mobility challenged to negotiate and ways of aging in place for community members. Affordability of housing and finding rentals is important. Creating a better infrastructure, fixing roads, sewers, water lines, and converting to solar if possible.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Serving on committees, reviewing ordinances, funding sources that will achieve the goals.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Having transparency in government. Being honest and ethical and open to committee members,</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">the mayor and citizens of Langley. Working with county and state departments to coordinate</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">services. Getting students involved with city government.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate? Any specific problem?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hope to once again have public meetings, as for now keeping zoom going when electricity</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">is out. Having citizens and businesses maintain interest in city government. Keeping the city government going and paying for services and budgeting approvals is important. Public input is important. Keeping city employees safe is important. I hope everyone continues to be civil to one another.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Experience:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Teacher, Practical Nurse, LMT, EMT-B, Red Cross DAT, Jefferson County Search and</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rescue, Volunteer FireFighter Fallen Leaf Lake, CA Advocate for people with different </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">abilities. Activist for the environment. Fundraising for organizations and nonprofits, Langley Community club, Skagit Student Nurse Club, Wild Olympic Salmon, Girl Scouts, Abundant Life Seed Foundation, Friends of Middlepoint in Port Townsend, assisted in getting non profit status to raise money to hire lawyer to keep developer from clear cutting property. A success! </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Listen, Learn, Be Fiscally responsible, Be honest and trustworthy, Listen to citizens' concerns and assist with getting solved or referred. Be compassionate. Keep our gardens and trees and green spaces for wildlife. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Vote, our Democracy needs you! Vote your future!</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is a hard one. I don’t know Harolynne personally, but certainly know many in her circle of friends and fellow activists. We share political opinions. I’ve known Kay peripherally for years. She spends time keeping an eye on the rag-tag lost souls who wander around Langley, making sure they’re fed and sheltered. That is a very good and necessary function and I respect her for doing it. I did ask her about what the council does and how it does its work and she was a bit vague. It looks like she’s done a fair amount of homework since then. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You could do worse than vote for either of these two candidates. So how come the good ones seem always to end up running against each other? What tips my scales in favor of Harolynne is her experience in grant writing. I’ve sat on the Langley Parks & Open Space Commission for years, and every time a great opportunity arises, there’s no one in city government able to write the grant application to make that opportunity a reality. It’s a rather specialized field and Langley would be lucky indeed to have someone well versed in that field on the council. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I could vote in Langley, I would vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Harolynne Bobis. </b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12.6px 0px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Langley City Council<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>position 2</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Rhonda Salerno</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.rhondasalerno.com">www.rhondasalerno.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> 1. Why are you running for this particular position?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">To use my experience, skills and passion to help lead Langley into its next phase of evolution.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> 2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I know the Washington law that governs a mayor/council plan of government like we have in Langley. The Langley Municipal Code specifies its laws regarding council member duties.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">A council member’s powers and duties include attendance at City Council meetings where Robert’s Rules of Order and the Open Public Meetings Act apply and they will deliberate on all of the budgetary and other business of the city as reported by department heads, committees, staff, city attorneys and the mayor and make decisions by motions as needed. They should be well prepared and have studied the agenda, meeting minutes and council packet prior to the meetings, taking seriously the citizens’ comments and act responsibly by voting on resolutions and ordinances that impact the workings of the city. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">In short, they should be prepared to defend what is right for the people and the environment of the city!</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I will use my powers as a Langley Council member to consider new and review existing rules and procedures of the City, taking into consideration reports from boards and commissions and improve the efficiency of the workings of the City. I will accomplish this by studying existing codes and offering changes and new ordinances to be included in the Langley Municipal Code, with the input of the mayor, fellow council members, staff, boards, commissions, experts in the field and the residents of Langley.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Specifically, I hope to improve our critical area ordinance and tree ordinance along with any other environmental codes and policies. I hope to help identify systemic racism and classism that exists in our code and eliminate it. I will continue to identify strategies to address our need for affordable housing and impact real change in that direction.<br />
</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Budgetary shortfalls, (particularly in having a rainy-day fund and matching grant money for projects and land acquisitions for preserving green spaces, etc.) infrastructure needs and improved public records requests procedures</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 5.What relevant experience do you have?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I have worked on Comprehensive Plan Updates since 2007, have been on the Planning Advisory Board for several years, where I now sit as chair and am currently serving on the Langley Climate Crisis Action Committee. I have advocated for many issues throughout the years and have learned a great deal about effecting change.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Through collaboration and hard work, I hope to effect positive change with my fellow council members and mayor. I am going to be an active listener, research areas I am not familiar with and speak up for what is right! </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</p><p style="color: #3f4040; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I hope that voters will support me in continuing to lead Langley into an environmentally sound, affordable and racially equitable community by getting involved and making their voices heard.</p><p style="color: #3f4040; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #3f4040; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Since Rhonda is running unopposed, no need to compare or recommend. Indeed, I usually don’t even list people running unopposed. But Rhonda is my friend and I think she’s one of the better things to happen to Langley in a while. A vote for her should be considered a vote of confidence. If I could vote in Langley I would definitely vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Rhonda Salerno</b></span>, even if she is unopposed.</p><p style="color: #3f4040; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Position 5</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Gail Fleming</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">fleming@whidbey.com</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">We are at a critical point for our planet, our country and our town. I intend to do all I can at the local level to address climate change, social and racial equity and the affordable housing crisis. I would like to make a real difference in Langley; hopefully policies we put in place in our town could become a model for other jurisdictions. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Regarding my experience: after many years of involvement in Langley city government (citizen activist for environmental issues since 2005, on the Planning Advisory Board for seven years and the Parks and Open Space Commission for twelve - the last five years as chair), I want to put my public service to the best possible use. Working hard on an advisory board - doing extensive research and coming up with creative proposals - is rewarding in its way. But the actual decision-making for all ordinances, resolutions and city policies happens in the council. I'm ready to have a real impact on the future of our community. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Other relevant experience includes communication skills gained through many years as a group facilitator, and financial understanding from decades working as a bookkeeper. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">As I have done on the Langley boards upon which I've served, I will come well prepared to meetings and workshops. I will listen to the concerns of the community at large, as broader issues bleed into what comes before the council even if there is not a specific decision to be made about them. And I look forward to being a liaison to one of Langley's boards or commissions. I think it's very important that there be good communication between the hard working volunteer boards and the council and I believe that their work should be taken into account in all decision-making.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I will work with my fellow council members, with substantive input from the public, to come up with creative solutions to the affordable housing crisis in our city, as well as addressing the challenges of climate change as it affects us here on our island. I also want to work with the community and my fellow council members on social justice issues. Environmental protection is very important to me and I would like to ensure that all wetlands are mapped - a project directly related to the stability of our bluffs. All development in our city needs to take the constraints of critical and sensitive areas into account and I would work to make sure that enforcement of critical area ordinances actually takes place.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> I will work towards putting in place ordinances that mandate a certain percentage of affordable housing in all new development, as well as other mechanisms and incentives to ensure that all who want to live in Langley can afford to do so. On the Parks and Open Space Commission we have been working on an interconnecting trail system in and around Langley and I will continue to support that effort. I also intend to make our local government more transparent. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> My operating philosophy is to become as informed as possible on the issues before me and to <span style="text-decoration: underline;">listen</span> to all sides as they are presented. I'm a proactive team player. I intend to work collaboratively with my fellow council members and city staff to get things done.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I will listen to all of my constituents and represent them to the best of my ability. In order for contentious issues to be resolved satisfactorily, everyone needs to feel heard. Preconceived positions and/or polarizing into "us" and "them" are not conducive to healthy governance.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tony Gill</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.tonylgill4office.com">www.tonylgill4office.com</a></span> tonylgill@gmail.com</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Mr Gill did not respond to my Politiblog questions, so I’ve had to do some searching. I do wonder a little about the question of nepotism, since his son Thomas sits on the city council. This question came up when Tim Callison was first elected mayor and his wife was elected to the council. That was settled when she resigned her council position. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I watched the League of Women Voters’ (big shout out, thank you LWV) candidate night 10-7-21. I was able to glean a bit, but not a whole lot. Mr Gill believes the city’s infrastructure is in bad shape. Yep. He agrees that we really need affordable housing. Yep. His response on climate change and sea level rise was a bit murky. He agrees its real, but offers less than optimal solutions. He sees lack of parking as an impediment to tourism, which implies to me that he has not considered alternative means of transportation. He believes that nature, people, and business can thrive and coexist in Langley. He makes all the right sounds, so why am I so skeptical?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Given that his son, Thomas, has been the tech whiz for Langley (and much appreciated for keeping it all going), I find a certain irony in the fact that dad Tony’s website is dysfunctional. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Scott Chaplin</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Every Langley voter needs to be aware that Scott, even though his name is on the ballot, is <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>NOT</b></span> actually a candidate. After he filed for the position, Mayor Tim resigned and Scott was appointed the new mayor. It was too late by then to remove his name from the ballot. A vote for Scott would be a vote wasted. Please don’t waste your vote.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">It was a bit of a foregone conclusion that I would support Gail Fleming. We’ve been friends for decades, and have worked together on critical area and development issues in Langley for much of that time. We both sit on the Parks and Open Space Commission, which Gail chairs. If I had to come up with a criticism of Gail I would say that she is too modest. It took a lot to convince her to run and it took a lot to convince her that running meant putting herself out there in front of people. I think she’s gotten that message. Thoughtful, well-spoken, working for years to find the right balance between the needs of people and the environment on which they depend. Langley will be well served with Gail on the council.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Just remember, you have to <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>WRITE IN </b></span><span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Gail Fleming</b></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"> under Council, Position 5</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">If I could vote in Langley I would <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>WRITE IN </b></span><span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Gail Flemin</b></span><span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>g</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>South Whidbey School District</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Not sure if any of the 3 challengers were directly involved in the filing of a complaint with the Educational Service District, but certainly all 3 support it. The complaint is against the current school board and the superintendent for supporting the United Student Leaders at South Whidbey High School. If you don’t know about USL, these kids exemplify everything that is right and smart about South Whidbey. They see their world disintegrating around them, both environmentally and socially, and are working to do something about it. They did the research, came up with a plan, and presented to the administration and school board a proposal to add 2 classes to the high school curriculum, one in environmental science and one in ethnic studies. The anti-everything crowd came completely unglued and held a demonstration outside the high school. The superintendent and the school board supported the students in holding a counter demonstration (which, incidentally, completely swamped the anti-everything demo) and in fact have added those 2 classes to the curriculum. The complaint asserts that supporting the students was an impermissible political act. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Check out the link in the Politiblog intro to a story about the national Koch Bros supported group that is organizing these challenges to school boards all over the country. Since the insurrection didn’t work on the national scale, they’re taking it local. Their underlying agenda appears to be to keep all schools open and unmasked, to prevent the teaching of environmental science, to prevent discussion of social equity – essentially to keep people stupid.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">We’re super lucky to have the high-powered group of incumbents in the South Whidbey School District and we would be utter fools not to re-elect all of them. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>School Board, position 2</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>Andrea Downs</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.facebook.com/andrea.sweerus</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:electandreadowns@gmail.com">electandreadowns@gmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Why are you running for this particular<span style="letter-spacing: 1.1px;"> </span>position?</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">I am currently seeking re-election to the South Whidbey School Board (District #2) in hopes of continuing the work and momentum my first term has created. Coming from an education background, I am keenly aware of the challenges both students and districts face in providing a quality education to all students. I have found that by serving as the policy representative on the board, I am in a position where I can meaningfully impact and dismantle these barriers.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 33.8px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its<span style="letter-spacing: 2px;"> </span>work?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The school board exists to provide direction to the district, oversee the fiscal health, and evaluate/supervise the Superintendent. No one member has any individual power, we operate as a whole. We work together through critical conversations and knowing each person’s strengths to bring a well rounded perspective to the table. Our board typically has two meetings a month, a workshop and a business meeting.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.1px 0px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.1px 0px 0px;">What do you hope to accomplish in this position? If an incumbent, what have you accomplished? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> </span>goals?</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 3.5px 0px 0px;">Continuing the work around bias awareness and moving<span style="letter-spacing: 4px;"> </span>SWSD towards being an anti-racist school district. I would accomplish this by setting meaningful equity centered goals for the superintendent and creating systems of accountability around those goals. This is done through thoughtful policy analysis and meaningful discussion with district leadership. Initiating restorative conversations with the community.</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 3.5px 0px 0px;">Centering the board’s focus on student need</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.3px 0px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Continuing to meet with student leaders and expanding their voice at board meetings.</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0.3px 0px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Continue strong fiscal oversight of the district to ensure and provide high quality educational services.</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 3.5px 0px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Continue to engage with and deeply understand district finances. This understanding allows one to set responsible limits on bargaining and negotiations which provides financial <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">stability. </span>This stability is critical to the successful recruitment and retention of high quality staff in a small district, where revenue is often fluid. This also requires a positive relationship with the district's various union leadership groups. During my first term, we have been able to demonstrate solid relationships with the union that <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">honors </span>and respects them as<span style="letter-spacing: 0.5px;"> </span>professionals.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 3.5px 0px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What problems do you see that you expect to correct or<span style="letter-spacing: 4px;"> </span>alleviate?</p><p style="color: #070000; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">We </span>have worked hard as a district to bring issues around equity to the center of all of our work. I have led this work through developing the equity policy and revising the curriculum policy to screen for bias. I <span style="letter-spacing: -0.4px;">am </span>worried that this work will be undone. If re-elected, I would continue to keep the spotlight on these issues and would like to initiate restorative conversations with community members who have been harmed by the presence of bias in the school<span style="letter-spacing: 0.8px;"> </span>district.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What relevant experience do you<span style="letter-spacing: 0.6px;"> </span>have? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Professionally, I am the Assistant Director of Special Programs and Services at an Educational Service District. This work entails me supporting the leadership operations of the schools designed to support students with social/emotional and behavioral needs and <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">three </span>juvenile detention centers in the region. My work<span style="letter-spacing: 2.4px;"> </span>encompasses supporting 35 school districts as they work to support Special Education students at all levels. Before I moved to this role, I served as a Special Services Director where I oversaw Special Education, English Learning programs, Highly Capable programs, Title Services, McKinney Vento Supports (students experiencing homelessness), Para educators, Nursing staff, Migrant Services, and Professional Development. Prior to that work, I was a Behavior Specialist, Special Education Facilitator, and a Special Education teacher working with students with behavioral challenges.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Elected Experience: South Whidbey School Board 2017-Present</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Education: Master of Arts in Policy Studies (University of Washington).</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Master of Education: Curriculum and Instruction (Arizona <span style="letter-spacing: -0.2px;">State </span>University).</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Master of Education: Educational Leadership (Western Governors University).</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Bachelor of Arts in History. Minor in Secondary Education (Saint Martin’s University).</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">What will be (or is, if you are an incumbent) your operating philosophy in<span style="letter-spacing: 0.1px;"> </span>office?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Excellence: Provide access to a high quality education with the intimacy of a small district.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Integrity: I put the needs of the students at the forefront of the conversation and engage in the conversation even when it is not easy or popular.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px;">Equity: A commitment to dismantling systemic barriers that students outside of the dominant culture navigate. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 33.8px; text-indent: -28.7px;">What message would you like to convey to<span style="letter-spacing: 1.2px;"> </span>voters? </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">My career and educational experiences have always focused on serving students at the edges of our system. These students are where my heart is and these students are why I ran for school board <span style="letter-spacing: -0.4px;">in </span>the first place. I have spent the last four years doing my best to protect all of our students and ensuring that school is a safe place to land no matter who you are. I have done my best to listen to, and protect, our students. It is my hope that we, as a <span style="letter-spacing: -0.1px;">community, </span>can continue to protect our students and give every student a safe place to receive an exceptional<span style="letter-spacing: 0.2px;"> </span>education.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>Dawn Tarantino</b></p><p style="font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">ejdctarantino@hotmail.com</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/dawn.tarantino.3">https://www.facebook.com/dawn.tarantino.3</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Unfortunately, her FB page does not address her candidacy. The focus there is on her work as a manicurist and the military exploits of family & friends. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">The Voters’ Guide tells us that she has “some college” and she’s been involved in youth sports. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">She reports that her son suffered during the Covid shutdown. Join the crowd (oh, no, keep social distance!). She wants to get schools open again. Well, they’re open. She says she will advocate for students, but doesn’t say what that will look like. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">She chose not to respond to my inquiries, nor to participate in the League of Women Voters’ candidate nights. Rather, she accepted an invitation to speak to the Old Goats, a group organized by far-right Rufus Rose. The news story reported very few of her opinions, but she was definitely against the teaching of Critical Race Theory (which of course is not actually taught). She particularly lamented the loss of shop and keyboarding classes – except those classes are actually offered and some are even required. This tells me this is someone who does not do her homework – a bad look for someone who wants to oversee schools.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Its hard to know how much of the vituperation and hysteria can be attributed to Ms Tarantino, since she is keeping an extremely low profile. Supporters of her slate, on the other hand, are happy to participate in childish vandalism (theft of the Black Lives Matter banner, defacing of the graduation banner, theft of opposition candidates’ yard signs, arranging those signs into an offensive message) and commit acts of civil disobedience with potentially severe health impacts. Being put on the spot by the Whidbey press, Ms Tarantino, along with her slate-mates, expressed disapproval of the sign thefts, and then complained that some of her own signs had been removed or run down. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Missing from all this is any coherent plan or proposal or agenda for what she intends to do on the school board or how she expects to accomplish it. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">For about a zillion reasons, including that I like seeing thoughtful, intelligent, competent people in charge of our schools, I will be voting resoundingly for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Andrea Downs</b></span>.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>School Board, position 4</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>Farrah Manning Davis</b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://electfarrahmanningdavis.com/">https://electfarrahmanningdavis.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">https://electfarrahmanningdavis.com/f/the-appearance-of-our-schools?fbclid=IwAR2lKNSqcEO0WmCYtFCuopNu5iHWomuQHdsgYH2w6vTea6E2zWBeYW8msvQ</p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">https://www.facebook.com/electfarrahmanningdavis</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:farrahdavis25@gmail.com">farrahdavis25@gmail.com<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I found a screenshot on a Trump promoting website: “Keep up the fight. You are still my president” – Farrah Davis.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The first link above is to her blog. The only post was in June, when she complained about the appearance of the high school. There is a quite thorough story in the Whidbey Record in response to those complaints, detailing the situation and the district’s plans for dealing with it. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her son attends Island Christian Academy. She asserts children are abandoning the public school in droves. She is not clear about why that would be, and according to the Whidbey Record, neither are the private schools. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She is very clearly the leader of the opposition slate. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Her campaign website features an image of small children, all unmasked. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">She makes a whole lot of unsupported assertions concerning her perception that the school buildings are deteriorating, teachers are leaving, and the quality of education is being reduced by “programs that do nothing to prepare our children for the road ahead.” She has no background in education and does not articulate any plans, program, or agenda. All that one can read between the lines is that she is against masks, environmental education, and social equity. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>Marnie Jackson</b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/didgery">https://www.facebook.com/didgery</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Why are you running for this particular position?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I was appointed to a seat on the South Whidbey School District Board of Directors in 2020 and I am running for election so that I may continue to serve our district’s students and families. I believe the district is making great strides in creating a safer, more equitable, and more nurturing learning environment for all students, and I believe continued progress to remove systemic barriers to student success and provide relevant curriculum that helps every student succeed as described in our district’s vision: as a lifelong learner who is multi-culturally engaged, literate, and an active community member able to meet the challenges of our global society.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To put it simply, the board makes policy and the administration, beginning with the superintendent, makes and implements procedure. The power of the board comes from acting in unison, by majority vote, which means the ability to integrate perspectives and arrive collaboratively at the best course of action, vitally necessary in this volunteer role.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">The superintendent is the board’s primary employee, and much of the board’s power rests in setting her goals and evaluating her performance in her role. Our current working relationship with the superintendent is collaborative and mutually supportive. We also set the district’s strategic goals and revise and adopt policies to reflect our evolving work of improving excellence in education.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What do you hope to accomplish in this position? If an incumbent, what have you accomplished? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I’m proud of our adoption of Ethnic Studies and Environmental Science curriculum, being rolled out for students at South Whidbey High School for the first time this year, as well as our management of the delicate balance between students’ social-emotional and academic learning needs and students’ safety during a global pandemic. During my service, the board, alongside our dedicated administrators and staff, has been nimble, adaptive, and thoughtful in how we deliver a more relevant education to our students and families in ways that center health and wellbeing.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Tremendous polarization in our society, inflamed by disinformation and politicization of public health matters, has brought us to a scenario where many school board races are bitterly embattled. My commitment to students’ wellbeing, including their right to learn in an environment where they feel valued regardless of race, culture, background, or ability, means that I stay in the tough conversations and advocate tirelessly for better student outcomes. We live in a time of climate consequences and social-economic inequities, and our students deserve a relevant education that grounds them in their own self-worth and equips them with 21<sup>st</sup> century skills.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What relevant experience do you have?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I am the co-executive director of the Whidbey Institute, a 501©3 educational nonprofit organization on Whidbey Island. My past experience includes teaching Journalism and English Literature through the Mount Baker Academy, a parent partnership program of the Mt Baker School District. In my time on the school board, I have served as the District’s Legislative Representative, liaising virtually with legislators during the 2021 Washington State legislative session. I have developed good working relationships with administrators, board members, community members, and student leaders, and have supported the district in its goals of safely returning to in-person education and continuing to support movement toward equity in education.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What will be (or is, if you are an incumbent) your operating philosophy in office?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I believe that every student deserves a safe, nurturing learning environment and a relevant education that prepares them for the challenges of today.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What message would you like to convey to voters?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">This school board election matters dearly – to our students, our families, and our future. I’m asking for your vote so that I may continue to advance excellence in education and support every student to access a safe, nurturing learning environment that prepares them for life in a global society.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">What becomes clear is that Marnie Jackson has a huge amount of education, training, and history in public schools. She lays out a coherent program. She knows the job and how to do it. And she’s been doing it rather well, from all I’ve been seeing. Her opponent, by contrast, comes across as a small child screaming NO, stamping her feet, and holding her breath until she turns blue. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">I like seeing thoughtful, intelligent, competent people in charge of our schools. I will be voting gladly for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Marnie Jackson</b></span>. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 11px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 53.1px; min-height: 12px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>School Board, position 5</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>Ann Johnson</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100009884675963</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">annmjohnsonforswsd@gmail.comBree Kramer-Nelson</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;">1. Why are you running for this particular position?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have loved school since I was in Kindergarten. Though I don't work directly inside schools anymore, I always consider the first day of school as my official calendar reset, and I think that is true for so many citizens of and past school age. Schools are a cornerstone of our communities and must offer a rich, robust blend of academic rigor and safe haven. Schools are a laboratory for social learning and stretching the minds of our students in a setting that encourages comfortable risk-taking and building community. Our society suffers when our schools, and the students they house, aren't tended with the utmost care. I want to continue in my position (currently appointed) as someone who speaks proudly and advocates strongly for the students, staff, families and community we serve, and plays a distinct part in keeping our local schools agile, focused, and able to meet the needs of all students who enter our doors. </p><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> 2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thank you for positing this question. As a school board member, I work as part of the school board team on behalf of our community, to provide oversight to South Whidbey School District. This work, broadly, includes setting the vision, mission and major district goals (and then monitoring goal progress,) budget oversight, adoption, review, and revision of district policies, and hiring, supervising and evaluating the superintendent. Board members have a wholistic duty to all of their constituents, in that we work as a collective of five, and speak to all board and school district matters with "one voice" after discussion has been completed and a vote or other agreement has been cast. This assures that work progresses, communication is intentional and dedicated to the craft at hand, and goals become fixed, achievable targets. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Lastly, and among my favorite board work, is as a school district ambassador to the greater community. Attending sporting, music, arts and other events and activities sponsored by the district, advocating for and celebrating students in their learning, and watching our community thrive as a result of our youngest contributors’ achievements is amazing work. In our currently drafted working goals as a board, we recognized the importance of the board practicing intentional observation, participation and communication directly in schools, at school activities, and with the folks that are most clearly affected by school infrastructure and culture - our students and staff. This work was in its infancy when Covid hit in March of 2020, and we each hope to re-build opportunities to be more-often in schools as curious visitors as it becomes safer in future months. Concurrently, we will continue to lean in to our commitment to the vision and mission of the district - a global education for every student. This can be accomplished with a variety of mediums - textbook learning, workshops, practicing and modeling behaviors, and creating relationships with similar districts. These methods will assist in us finding tested and best-practice models that inspire and encourage us. Each board member comes to their position with a unique background and scope of understanding, which can serve us well as we discuss and decision-make. As a group, it is up to each of us to be willing to flex our skills in listening and engaging with authenticity and dedication to the work at hand, to promote best outcomes for our students. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> 3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? If an incumbent, what have you accomplished? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been in my position five seat for one year.<span style="color: #641363;"> </span>My goals during that time were to engage in the state and local trainings necessary to guide my behaviors and expectations as a public servant on this level, to use my understanding and appreciation for education and community as ballast for my ongoing communications and actions, and to foster camaraderie and teamwork with fellow board members, the students and community we serve, school administration teams, staff and support people. Moving forward and using the accomplished goals above as building blocks, I see myself as a confident, strong voice for students, using the following platform as my guide: </p><ul>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Centering social and educational justice, emotional wellness, and basic needs supports as cornerstones for student learning</li>
</ul><ul>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Providing comprehensive educational opportunities at all grade levels using research and best practices for decision-making</li>
</ul><ul>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Raising up the voices of individuals and groups who have historically been unrepresented and ignored</li>
</ul><ul>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Recognizing the value of the competent and caring educators, support staff, coaches, instructors, mentors and programs that are unique to South Whidbey Island and keep our standards for excellence high</li>
</ul><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 4. What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Our challenge together as a citizenry is deep and wide; our response as a board must be to work for our students as if their lives depended upon it, because they do. Climate change makes our late summer dangerous with smoke and the perpetual potential of fire in our beautiful tree stands. Black, brown, indigenous, neurodivergent and physically divergent, and LBGTQIA+ children and youth are still being "othered," under-represented, ignored, and harmed by systems that don't and can't serve them. Masking, vaccinations and other methods for mitigating Covid are being questioned or outright denied by citizens and leaders who have the generational and financial privilege to be role models. This puts strain on already taxed medical systems and personnel, puts vulnerable people (and currently young children) in a precarious limbo of unnecessary stress, and allows almost half of our population to consciously avoid their duties to public health, their neighbors, and their communities, all in the name of sovereignty without accepting consequences. Each of these issues is wrapped in the patriarchal and racist language, action and engagement that has plagued our nation since before its inception. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My role as a school board member is to think, learn and understand from a global perspective, and act on behalf of our local students with an anti-racist, inclusive lens that fosters equity, belonging, and change. This includes insisting that board meetings are safe and accessible for all, including our student leaders. It means actively encouraging and mentoring any student who wishes to raise their voice and become a driver of their own education. It means respecting the name, selected pronouns, gender and presentation of every human being. It means actively speaking out against racism, othering, and other violence against students and adult community members. It means engaging with community members who are willfully uninformed in a thoughtful but clear way that adds to and does not subtract from the district's message of anti-racism, inclusion and belonging. It means engaging in and accepting only quality research and best practice in working on behalf of students, staff, and families. The South Whidbey School Board alone cannot solve our nation's problems. What we can do is practice decision making at a local level that promotes and protects an academically rigorous, emotionally healthy and physically safe environment for students to do their best work. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 5.What relevant experience do you have?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been working with children and youth professionally for 25 years in both academic and non-profit mediums, with specialties in human services and alternative education. As an undergrad at Washington State University, I spent summers as Hall Director and Academic Tutor Lead at Big Bend Community College's summer high school residential "College Bound" program, for students 9th-12th grade who would be first generation college students after high school graduation. I taught as a classroom teacher at the Middle School and High School levels for seven years at the beginning of my professional career, and was selected to teach in a collaboration with Kent School District and Kent Parks and Recreation in a Work-Study program, with an emphasis in outdoor education through a rigorous Language Arts and Science lens. I also worked with Special Education and other specialists to assure inclusion and proper education for their students, and was on the Gates Foundation Grant Leadership Team in my school to re-format our aging policies, protocols and strategies to create a warm, equitable academic environment for our 1200 students in the eldest and most diverse campus in the Kent school system. After my family's move to Whidbey Island in 2004, I worked as a substitute in all South Whidbey schools, and remained engaged in the school district through a non-profit lens, first as an instructor for the Learning and Community Engagement Program (LACEP,) a three year state-based educational grant to target learning in leadership, prevention, and outdoor education for students who may not have seen themselves as leaders. From there I moved into a Development Coordinator position with Readiness to Learn, engaging in various ways with local children, youth and families who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, or had other barriers to their education. Currently, I work as the Executive Director at Whidbey Children's Theatre. In the last eight years since moving to our home on the South Whidbey Community Center campus, my team has ensured that our heritage as a 40 year old beloved institution has been honored, while building systems and programs that ensure a solid future for our non-profit organization as a whole. </p><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"> 6.What will be (or is, if you are an incumbent) your operating philosophy in office?</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Listen, research, engage, review, adapt, repeat. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> </p><p style="color: #641363; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> 7.What message would you like to convey to voters?<span style="color: black;"> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>These challenging times make it more important than ever to provide the right balance of academic rigor and emotional support to our local students. Your vote for me ensures continued advocacy for South Whidbey School District’s mission to provide a global education, while still celebrating the wonderful, rich history and culture that makes our community so very unique. I pledge to keep our schools and community strong by working with you and for you in my tenure on the board.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have been educating and advocating for children and youth for 25 years, and I believe that our local young people are the key to a vibrant future here on our beautiful Island. As a parent active in South Whidbey Schools with my husband and children for the last 13 years, I have been privileged to see my daughters splash, roar, and soar to great heights as Orcas, then Cougars, and finally Falcons! As a community leader who takes great pride in our school district’s accomplishments, I want every child to see themselves like we see them - smart, capable, kind and caring, and willing to stretch and grow into future leaders, protectors, scientists, creatives, vocational specialists, caregivers and contributors to their own families, their communities, their nation and their world. You can make that happen when you vote for me for School Board member, Position #5. I believe in the power of progress for South Whidbey Schools, and I know you do too. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b></b><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><b>Bree Kramer-Nelson</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100068907429343<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:breenelson@hotmail.com">breenelson@hotmail.com</a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">She says she’s running because there is a need for people who have children on the school board. But all 3 incumbents have children, some of them currently in South Whidbey schools. And in contrast to fellow candidate Farrah whose son goes to the Christian school. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">She quotes almost verbatim the arguments of Farrah Manning-Davis, with whom she appears to be joined at the hip and the brain. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">She does the obligatory disavowal of the stolen signs/rude comment incident, but then goes on to complain that she and her slate are being singled out as culprits. Actually, I haven’t seen or heard anyone say any such thing. She believes surveillance cameras are the solution. Hmm.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">Her Voter Guide statement is, to put it generously, rather short on substance. It is essentially a rewrite of her slate-mate Farrah Manning-Davis.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">As with her fellow slate-mates, I see no understanding of the position, no comprehension of actual issues, and no educational background. Their bottom line appears to be the same semi-coherent rage against masks, environmental education, and social equity. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">Wow. What can I say? Ann is part of a trio of powerful women all with huge amounts of knowledge and understanding of how schools work (and how they don’t), and a great deal of dedication to making our schools work right. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;">As with her two fellow school board incumbents, the choice is between experience, competence, and empathy - and a juvenile snit. No contest. I will happily vote for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Ann Johnson.</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 3.3px 0px 0px 33.8px; min-height: 15px;"><b style="text-indent: 4.3px;">South Whidbey Fire/EMS</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Commissioner – position 3</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Savannah Erickson</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1.Why are you running for this particular position?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Since I graduated from college in 2006, I have been committed to serving others. I was a substitute teacher for the local school district I attended growing up when I wasn’t deployed with FEMA. FEMA became my full-time job in 2010. Because of the nature of federal disaster response, I could spend weeks to months deployed across the nation, from Alaska to New York, from Puerto Rico to California. I responded to earthquakes, floods, hurricanes and wildfires. That life meant I wasn’t in a position to run for office, which is something that I have always been interested in doing. Now that I have put my FEMA career behind me, and I live in Langley full-time, I have the time and attention to devote to being a South Whidbey Fire/EMS commissioner. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>The South Whidbey Fire/EMS Board of Commissioners oversees the department by holding the fire chief accountable for their actions, and serves as the voice of the South Whidbey Fire District community. Presently, this work is accomplished through monthly board meetings and other engagement with the department. Commissioners have the opportunity to be prominent community members through participating at public events and hosting events to provide opportunities to hear from community members about their concerns and desires for the department. It is also important that commissioners are available to listen, whether over the phone, via e-mail or at Covid-safe, in-person meetings.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>As commissioner for South Whidbey Fire/EMS, I hope to improve the quality of life for paid and volunteer members of the department. I want the members to feel empowered to do their best work for their own sense of pride, and so that they can deliver the best services possible to the people who need them. I plan to accomplish this by continuing to do what I have been doing during my campaign - being a good listener. The process is a dialogue, and there is always more to learn. Being commissioner requires being well informed, and asking tough questions. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>One of the biggest problems facing the South Whidbey Fire/EMS department is retention of volunteers. This isn’t unique to our department as volunteer numbers have been falling across the nation, but I do believe that there is room to improve how the volunteers are managed so that they feel like they belong and have something to contribute. There is a rift between paid and volunteer members of the department that needs to be addressed. We need to hold everyone accountable for this, but especially leadership. Internal and external communication need to improve. Just as you have an incident action plan for how to respond to an incident, everyone needs to be on the same page for how the department is run. Everyone doesn't have to agree, but there should be some degree of at least understanding, if not consensus. One suggestion recently brought to the current board was to implement a survey among the members of the department to help better understand the discord and identify ways to fix it, and I strongly believe that is a good route to take.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.What relevant experience do you have?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>My relevant experience comes from working in emergency management for more than a decade. During that time, I served in many different roles. My primary role was that of a communicator during both steady states and disasters. I taught classes to colleagues on disaster deployments, state partners who asked me to share my knowledge, and at the Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland, where the National Fire Academy is colocated. I helped coordinate the FEMA administrator interview "The Big One" that ran in the New Yorker and won a Pulitzer Prize, and subsequently worked with Vice to do another interview. (You may recall the most famous line from the article about toast.) I coordinated a Blackhawk tour of earthquake damage in Alaska for Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan. I led communication efforts for a youth preparedness camp in 2019 which brought together 40 high schoolers from Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington to learn about how to help in emergencies and disasters. I spent a month in Scotland with Rotary International studying emergency management. This broad experience brings a unique perspective to managing our local fire and emergency medical services.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6.What will be your operating philosophy in office?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>My operating philosophy in office is to be a compassionate listener and a tactful decision maker. I believe that when you work for others, they will work for you. I want the community of the South Whidbey Fire district, and the members of the South Whidbey Fire/EMS department to know that I intend to work for you all. As a resident of this community, I want there to be great pride in the fire and emergency medical services we have, as well as a good insurance rating.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>I want the voters in the South Whidbey fire district to know that my experience with FEMA is something that I am very proud of. It was an honor to serve at the federal level. I saw so many local responders, and I was always in awe of their work. It will be my honor to serve as commissioner for South Whidbey Fire/EMS. If you want to know more about me and my campaign, please visit <a href="http://www.EricksonForCommissioner.com"><span style="color: #0433ff;">www.EricksonForCommissioner.com</span></a>.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. How will you address pandemic safety?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Comic Sans MS"; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>The members of South Whidbey Fire/EMS have protocols to adhere to that ensure their safety and that of the public they serve. To lead by example, I personally have been vaccinated and wear a mask when indoors in public places, and in crowded outdoor settings. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Jim Towers</b></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">1. Why are you running for this particular position?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After 35 years with the Department, I am keen to stay engaged. The next few years will be challenging as the Department transitions. Both Commissioners with Fire Department service are leaving, and it is important that the Board have a member with insight of the inner workings of the Department and the community we serve.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">2. What do you know about the powers and duties of this position? How does this office/board/commission accomplish its work? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Board is the link between the taxpayers of South Whidbey and the Fire Department. Taking input from the Fire Chief and the citizens, it formulates long term policy, appoints and supervises the Chief. It approves the budget and monitors expenditure and performance.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">3.What do you hope to accomplish in this position? </p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To provide good fire and medical response without repeated tax levies. We just had a tax levy, and the population density is too low to support a largely paid Department at this time. I would hope to see a successful combination of paid and volunteer Department membership for the next few years.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;"> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>How do you use the powers of this office to accomplish your goals?</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">4.What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I would like to see the rebuilding of the volunteer force. This had been around 60 volunteers in 2015 but it has shrunk to around 30 today, by far the lowest number since the Department was formed 1950. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 18px;">I would hope to see the camaraderie restored.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">5.What relevant experience do you have?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>35 years as a volunteer firefighter with SWFE. As a Professional Engineer I have been a part of the senior management at both Nichols Bros Boat Builders and Kvichak Marine Industries. I am currently employed by Elliott Bay Design Group where I am a part-owner and serve on the Board of Directors. I well understand the role of a Board.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">6. What will be your operating philosophy in office?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To be a good listener to the taxpayers and to gauge their appetite for expenditure and service.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">To treat all parties fairly and maintain pleasant relationships even when we disagree.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">7.What message would you like to convey to voters?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Pay careful attention. Fire Department operating costs could easily jump by $2.5 million or more if the Board and next Chief are not successful in rebuilding the volunteer force. It’s also important to keep our paid firefighters so that we do not become a training ground for other Departments. Promotion paths within SWFE should be clearly identified.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">8. How will you address pandemic safety?</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>SWFE has been successful in protecting both the personnel and patients during the pandemic. I am well positioned to continue oversight of pandemic safety efforts. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have listened to the League of Women Voters (shout out to those good people) event at which both candidates spoke. Both have responded to my questions. Good on ‘em. I think we have two well qualified candidates here. Mr Towers is a fireman’s fireman. He’s been doing the job for many years. Ms Erickson has a broader view, having dealt with disasters and calamities of many sorts in many parts of the country and world. So how to choose? Well, several of my prejudices come into play here. I like seeing women taking on responsibility and authority. And I believe that the fire/EMS district is bigger than just putting out fires. There’s a good deal of bureaucracy, management, and public relations involved.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Now here’s the real kicker: I have it on good authority that there will soon be another opening on the Fire/EMS district, and that whoever loses this particular election will almost certainly be appointed to fill that new opening. So I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Savannah Erickson</b></span>, and waiting for Jim Towers to be appointed not long afterward.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p> </p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-52773492284147851722021-10-15T13:07:00.001-07:002021-10-18T17:19:12.067-07:00Stanwood Camano School District<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Stanwood Camano School District</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> director<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>position 1</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 495.0px;">
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Albert Schreiber<br />
</b><a href="mailto:aschreiber@stanwood.wednet.edu"><b>aschreiber@stanwood.wednet.edu</b></a></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Mr Schreiber did not respond to my request for information, so I’ve had to piece together what I could find.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From the school district website:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Al Schreiber was re-elected in November 2017. He received his BS in Business Administration from Trine University in 1972 and his Masters from Willamette University’s Atkinson Graduate School of Management in 1977. He is retired after 36 years in law enforcement. As a Senior Special Agent his duties included adult education/training and his last 9 years were spent at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and assignments to the International Law Enforcement Academy. For the past 19 years he served as an instructor teaching “Leadership” around the world. Al lives in the Warm Beach area with his wife, JoAnne (a teacher/administrator), and their triplets.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.pdc.wa.gov/browse/cases/59685"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.pdc.wa.gov/browse/cases/59685</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It looks like the righties have been after him for a long time. They filed a complaint about violation of campaign laws with the Public Disclosure Commission. Disposition: case closed with no evidence of violations. Resolved 12-16-19.</span></p>
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</table><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.goskagit.com/scnews/news/election-2021-schreiber-forslund-layout-their-visions-for-school-board/article_294c8332-660c-5be5-9f38-a4125d9b86ca.html?fbclid=IwAR2ukyfHxVNBQ517yzIFplmiIaIngX4fLuvcpAuHLBQ36rK_5JnS4qo3Vfo#utm_campaign=blox&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“There’s quite a learning curve to learning how to help manage the district. The biggest thing we do is manage the taxpayers' dollars and making sure they’re well invested.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Schreiber said he’s proud of district accomplishments during his tenure, such as overseeing the construction of new school buildings and upgrades to existing schools. “But one of our biggest accomplishments is that we’ve been able to do all these things without a raise in the local tax rate,” he said. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why did you run for office? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To help our children graduate from school ready for further education, careers, and a successful future and that they would reflect our community values including work ethic, persistence, integrity, fiscal responsibility, creativity, problem-solving abilities, and a desire to give back to their community.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b></b><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is a major issue facing the Stanwood-Camano School Board and how would you address that issue? <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Recovering from Covid-19 and maintaining our local control over our schools while those in Olympia (Governor, Attorney General, Superintendent of Public Instruction and legislature) seek to mandate unpopular/controversial requirements, programs and curriculum. I will continue to fight for what is best for our kids and use my experience on the board and in the community to ensure our children receive an education and not an indoctrination.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why should voters choose you? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I'm asking voters to keep the vision going and re-elect me because experience is important and I have more board experience than most of our directors. With the retirement this summer of the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent, the new superintendent (Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh) will need the support of an experienced board, the one that hired her. Experience in providing a safe learning environment is critical today and I am the only director or candidate with an extensive background in Public Safety. I also have experience advocating/supporting marginalized groups and those most vulnerable including special education. We now provide full-time kindergarten in all elementary schools, a principal in every school (no more shared administrators) and most recently our current board completed the new Stanwood High School, new Church Creek Campus (Lincoln Hill High School, Lincoln Academy, Saratoga School homeschool parent-partnership), Maintenance/Technology building, and the stadium renovations without any increase in local property tax rates as promised.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m not exactly thrilled with Mr Schreiber and his complaints about the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction. Nor am I thrilled with his definition of “public safety.” But he does take Covid seriously, which I appreciate. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Gary Forslund</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/Gary-Forslund-for-Stanwood-Camano-School-Board-100310355669564/ </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">gforslund4shools@gmail.com</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I struggle with the School Board’s means of communication with the community,” Forslund said. “I don’t feel like the community trusts them.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He actually responded to my information request.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I want to serve on the Stanwood-Camano School Board to improve our school district for our students. Our schools are good. They can be great. The School Board has been run the same way for a long time. Times and issues are changing. These changes need to be met with fresh ideas and insight if our district is to move forward and our students are to be successful.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>The School Board’s main objectives are to give direction to the District Superintendent, establish general district policy, and adopt an annual budget. Many issues (ie. sex education, mask and vaccine mandates, Critical Race Theory) are set by the State of Washington. I would hope the board would give direction on implementation. And when the board is in disagreement with state rules, they would push back and/or question state officials concerning motivation and how well they serve the needs of our students.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I want all students to reach their greatest learning potential. None of us learn the same way, and students need to know that is normal. Providing students with only a median education denies the diversity inherent in people. It is essential to meet the varied needs of students in order to help them reach their full potential. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I believe our schools should concentrate on quality fundamental education: reading, writing, math, science, etc. While many school districts are prioritizing trending ideologies, my goal is to support and promote teaching and learning of core foundational subjects. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I am the father of 5 grown children who attended Stanwood Schools. I have worked in the district as a custodian, supporting the teaching staff. I have firsthand knowledge of how the school system operates. I also was the Public School Employees union president for 1 ½ years representing the non-certificated staff of the district. I am well aware of their issues and concerns.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I want to provide appropriate direction to the superintendent, listen to and respond to the voice of parents, and always keep the success and welfare of our students in the forefront. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>I believe parents and families have a pivotal role in guiding their children through the pitfalls and ramifications of the societal and political challenges of our nation. When educators impart factual information without bias while promoting life skills like integrity, leadership, kindness, and teamwork, students and families will have the freedom to work through their meanings.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I believe students benefit most when families and educators partner together in the learning process. When parents are involved, students receive more quality support and personalized attention. I want to continue to foster policies that promote parental involvement and positive communication between educators and families. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Occupation: I am the Lead Pastor at New View Church in Stanwood.Education background<b>:</b> I have a BA degree in Christian Education.Elected offices held<b>:</b> None listed</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Elected office sought<b>:</b> I am running for position 1 on the Stanwood-Camano School Board. I spent 6 years working at Cedarhome Elementary School as a custodian. I spent a year and a half as president of the PSE (Public School Employees) union for the Stanwood-Camano School District. I worked for the US Postal Service in Stanwood for 16 years. I have lived in Stanwood for 38 years. My wife and I raised our 5 children here.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why did you run for office? I am committed to the students of the Stanwood-Camano area. I believe our schools should concentrate on providing students with a quality education that transcends the trending ideologies of our time. I want all students to achieve their greatest learning potential regardless of their social status or intellectual capabilities. I believe families should have the pivotal role of guiding their students through the societal and political challenges of our nation. I believe students benefit most when families and educators partner together in the learning process. We have a good school district. It can be great.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why should voters choose you? Our school district can meet the challenges of the future. Together with our new Superintendent, Dr. Deborah Rumbaugh, we can guide our students through an education process that will promote independent thinking, creative problem solving, and productive living. Our students deserve the best opportunity to succeed in life. A quality education will give them a good start to achieve their highest potential. I want to be a part of that process.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve not been able to find any more about the good reverend. I am a firm believer in the constitutional separation of church and state. If for no other reason, I would not support a purveyor of religion on a school board.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He is supported by fellow candidate Tracy Abuhl.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Truth to tell, I’m not overly impressed by either of these candidates, and I suspect that I’m missing a whole lot, since word is that it was the anti-mask, anti-equity crowd from Stanwood-Camano that invaded the 3 Whidbey school boards and screamed their way into shutting down those meetings. On South Whidbey this involved a high volume recitation of the pledge of allegiance.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>If I voted in Stanwood-Camano, I would vote unenthusiastically for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Albert Schreiber.</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Director<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>position 2</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Charlotte Murry</span></b></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Charlotte-Murry-Stanwood-Camano-School-Board/100057654926553/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/people/Charlotte-Murry-Stanwood-Camano-School-Board/100057654926553/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:cmurry74@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">cmurry74@gmail.com</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #424242; font-family: Tahoma; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:cmurry@stanwood.wednet.edu">cmurry@stanwood.wednet.edu</a></span><span style="color: black;"><b><br />
</b></span>Charlotte Murry was elected to the Board in November 2019. She is a 20-year resident of Camano Island and life long Washington resident. Charlotte currently works as an Executive Administrator for the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council. She has been a very active volunteer in the community while raising her three children in the school district; her youngest currently attends the high school. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ms Murry answered my blog questions when she first ran for office. I would love to have updated information, but lacking that, I figured I’d re-run what she had to say then:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Why are you running for this particular position?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am running for office for several reasons. I come from a long line of family that believes in civic service, growing up around in that environment, it is part of who I am. I also believe that if you find problems with something, that you should try and be part of the solution, not just complain about it and hope someone else will fix it. I have 3 children that have been through the Stanwood Camano School district; two that have graduated and one that is still at the high school. Over the years, I have seen really great things and some not so great things. When elected, I would like to move our school district forward; giving all students the best opportunities for a successful future and hopefully fix something of the things that are broken along the way. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What do you hope to accomplish in this position? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I would like to have a healthier environment for all of our students and teachers to learn and work in. For our students to feel physically and emotionally safe and appreciated for their individual learning styles and our teachers, who are our eyes and ears, to feel comfortable bringing concerns to administration and working together to find the best solutions for all those involved. Today's schools are very different than anything we have seen in history, having to tackle issues that previous generations would have never ever considered; mass shootings, suicide, cyber-bullying, discrimination, etc. The common theme in many of these issues is mental health. It has to be at the forefront.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What problems do you see that you expect to correct or alleviate?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I believe we have not been compliant in coming up with out of the box solutions to issues, making excuses that we don't have the financial resources or other cop outs. There are many state & federal grants and other resources in the community that I feel we don't take advantage of that could help us with these shortfalls. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">4.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What relevant experience do you have?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have worked in many fields over the years. I have extensive background in information technology, construction, healthcare, finance and accounting. Over the years I have been blessed to be in leadership of groups that got together and solve problems for the likes of Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, Weyerhaeuser, REI and many other organizations in the Puget Sound region. As a member of the Snohomish County Labor Council, I also very familiar with what it means to bargain in good faith when it comes to our teachers and support staff. As my children have grown, I have been an art docent, PTA member, soccer coach, and the Stanwood High Band Booster President; these experiences have giving me a good insight into our schools and our students. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">5.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What will be your operating philosophy in office?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have a very strong work ethic and I am very serious about working to find solutions to our school district’s issues. Being a school board member is very important and there is a lot at stake for the future of our students, teachers and community.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6.<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>What message would you like to convey to voters?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I would like the voters to know that I want what is best for our students, teachers and district from an educational and fiscal prospective. We have a very special multi-generational community full of heritage; where people come back to raise their families. I don't want to loose that. I want to help us build on that and give our students the best education and keys to financial success so they can come back to our area to raise the next generation. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her FB pages supports and advocates for music programs as well as vocational programs. And she is super focused on Covid safety. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I found a great piece about music on her FB page, and agree wholeheartedly:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why Music?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I. Music is a Science</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">II. Music is Mathematical</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">III. Music is a Foreign Language</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">IV. Music is History</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">V. Music is Physical Education</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">VI. Music Develops Insight and Demands Research</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">VII. Music is all these things, but most of all, Music is Art</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That is why we teach music: Not because we expect you to major in music; not because we expect you to play or sing all your life but so you will be human; so you will recognize beauty; so you will be closer to an infinite beyond this world; so you will have something to cling to; so you will have more love, more compassion, more gentleness, more good – in short, more LIFE.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now how you could you not support someone who loves both music and students?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her Voter’s Guide statement is focused on Covid protection and recovery, both physical and mental. She intends to continue to work on district communications and helping overcome the lag caused by so many months of distance learning.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tracy Abuhl</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendsforTracy/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/friendsforTracy/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">she lists a website but that did not seem to be functional.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Of course she didn’t respond to my request for information. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s up front: No more masks. No more mandates. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“With your support I will encourage a love for America to be brought back into our classrooms.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She seems to imply without saying so that districts were paid to enforce mask mandates. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She touts “Save The Children *Project Veritas*”. Project Veritas is the political bottom feeder group that doctors video to make all manner of false claims about progressive and democratic politicians and organizations. To quote from the New Jersey Education Association: “Project Veritas is a political organization with a long history of releasing deceptively edited videos that later prove to have been dishonest and misleading. The founder pled guilty in 2010 and was sentenced to 3 years’ probation. Project Veritas sends secret operatives, using false identities, to lie to other individuals while secretly recording them. . . Their false allegations are entirely fabricated for the purpose of creating a false narrative.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She touts the “Silent Majority Foundation”, which says its cause is to protect American communities and families from the degradation of our constitutionally protected rights. They will “always focus on God and Country as the core of our mission.” They have filed suit against “Dictator Inslee” over the various Covid mandates. This is “a fight to retain our freedom of choice and, more importantly, protect the great gift of free will given to us by God.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She touts “Turning Point USA” – “We play offense with a sense of urgency to win America’s culture war” Their stated mission is “to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government. Turning Point USA believes that every young person can be enlightened to true free market values.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She touts “Fear Unmasked. Discover the Truth About the Coronavirus Shutdown”. Evidently this is a Covid denial gang pushing an “Awaken America” tour featuring your favorite election fraudsters and Covid deniers. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She touts “Pacific Justice Institute.” The Southern Poverty Law Center rates this as an anti-LGBT hate group. PJI says it is “a legal organization specializing in the defense of religious freedom, parental rights, and other civil liberties.” They advocated for Prop 8 in California, to ban gay marriage. They testified before congress against anti-hate crime legislation. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s plenty more, mainly to the effect that masks are ineffective, they harm kids, health departments are taking kids from their parents, and nobody’s dying anyway so what’s the fuss.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And of course she signed that hysterical anti-student, anti-science, anti-schools letter (see Oak Harbor School District candidate Jessica Thompson).</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This woman scares me right out of my underwear. She is everything I oppose. She hates what I love and loves what I hate. She believes all manner of long since debunked conspiracy theories and wild claims. She has absolutely no knowledge of or, as far as I can tell, interest in actually running a school district. She has her agenda and that is what she will push while all those other functions are handled by someone else - or not. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Even if her opponent were a rag doll, I would prefer that option. But in fact her opponent is a level-headed intelligent, competent sitting school board member who is doing her best to do what’s right for students and staff at Stanwood Camano schools.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If I voted in the Stanwood Camano School District I would vote strongly for <span style="color: #ff2600; text-decoration: underline;"><b>Charlotte Murry.</b></span> </span></p><div><br /></div><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-62524551628294397082020-09-04T18:59:00.005-07:002020-10-30T14:10:49.178-07:002020 General Election introduction - YES, READ ME!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-indent: 4.5px;">2020 General Election</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-indent: 4.5px; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-indent: 4.5px;">Politiblog</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Well folks, this is it, the election which (if everyone is allowed to vote, if all ballots are counted, if the election is not stolen, if . . .) will literally determine whether this country continues to be a Constitutional democracy or devolves into a mob run dictatorship. Sounds melodramatic, but its painfully true. While Washington state rarely counts at the presidential level, thanks to the leftover anachronism of the Electoral College, all those other positions are also important. We’re discovering just how important it is to have a governor and attorney general who represent the people rather than certain $pecial interests. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Likewise, I’m discovering the impact of having a Secretary of State who is less than passionate about elections. I’ve been in regular contact with that office and have been assured time and again that there will be no problem with mailed in ballots, the post office is just fine, they’re on top of it, etc. Then I asked what I thought was a simple question: could they please provide me with a list of all the candidates who will appear on the November ballot? Well, no. I was told that the final “voter’s guide” would not be available until “late September” and that they couldn’t give me that information before then. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"> So now its late September and we have the sample ballot. We also have some problems. Yes, the would-be dictator has openly announced that he intends to steal the election, and not to accept any result other than his own victory. One way that is happening here in Washington is some strange goings-on with voter registrations. CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION by going to </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0079cd;"><a href="https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/%22%20%5Cl%20%22/login">https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login </a> </span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0079cd;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 3.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've had a complaint/query from one person who voted in the primary but somehow was no longer registered to vote in the general. Upon inquiry she was informed that she had died. Having assured the appropriate parties that she is in fact very much alive and wanting to </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-indent: 3.4px;">vote, she was assured by Island County Elections that her registration had been restored - </span><span style="text-indent: 3.4px;">but VoteWA still does not record her as registered. So I just checked my own voter registration and am informed that my ballot was mailed on September 16. Really? I've checked into this, and there is a little problem with VoteWA. To repeat: CHECK YOUR REGISTRATION, including the "ballot status" button on the left.</span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0079cd;"><br /></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I've also been asked to include the following:</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="-webkit-font-kerning: none; font-kerning: none;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Vote THE SECOND you can. Do not wait even a day. By voting, it frees up GOTV (that's Get Out The Vote) efforts to focus on people who might otherwise not vote, as opposed to </span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">people who will vote, eventually. In Washington, voter rolls are updated daily, and campaigns can see within a day or two if you've been credited with casting a ballot, and then stop wasting time and money contacting you, trying to turn out your vote. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Here, once again, are the basics:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to <a href="https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/%22%20%5Cl%20%22/login"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login </span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Military and overseas ballots were mailed 9-19-20 </span></p>
<p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">Ballots for the rest of us will drop on 10-13-20. If you don't have a ballot in hand by <span> <span> </span></span>+/- 10-17-20, contact Island County Elections office (see below) and ask for one.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Deadline for new voter registrations and address changes is 10-26-20.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The big day/deadline is Tuesday, November 3. If you put your ballot in one of the county’s drop boxes you have until 8:00 pm to get it done.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For any questions, contact the Elections office at 360-679-7366 or <a href="mailto:elections@islandcountywa.gov"><span style="color: #0079cd;">elections@islandcountywa.gov</span></a>. Because they’re not open to the public right now you need to deal with them electronically or via phone. I am told you can still change your address or register right up to election day by filling in the necessary paperwork and dropping it into the ballot box in front of the elections office in Coupeville. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, to make your vote count,</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1. Get your ballot in the mail by Tuesday, October 27 or earlier. Yes, eagle eyes, that’s a whole week before November 3. Given the problems with the post office, it is imperative that people vote as early as possible. And as mentioned above, the sooner the better.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2. If you really can’t get that ballot filled out by October 27, then you’ve got until Tuesday, November 3, 8:00 pm to get it done and into one of the ballot drop boxes conveniently located around the county. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">3. If you never did get that ballot, you can download and print one by going to </span><span style="color: #0079cd;"><a href="https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/%22%20%5Cl%20%22/login">https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login </a> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ballot drop boxes are located at:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Island County Elections Office</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 400 N Main Street Coupeville</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> out front in the parking lot</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Trinity Lutheran Church</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 18341 Hwy 525 Freeland</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> around the side of the church in the parking lot</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Ken’s Corner Shopping Center</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road) Clinton</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> along the road in front of the shops</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Island County Camano Annex</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 121 N East Camano Drive Camano Island</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> looks like its near the front entrance</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Langley Post Office</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 115 2nd Street Langley</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> on the front patio</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> Oak Harbor City Hall</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> 865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span> </span>at the front entrance</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For a map of those locations, check out <a href="%22">https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx</a> and scroll down. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And 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 and why. You can make your own decisions from there.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Once again, whatever you do, VOTE. And make sure everyone you know votes as well. Feel free to share this information widely. We have all learned from painful experience these last 4 years what happens when the wrong people are in positions of power. And, for that matter, here in Washington, what happens when the right people are in power at a difficult time. Imagine our death rate with a COVID denier as governor. </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">I'll go one step further. Contact everyone you know in other parts of the country and ask them to vote too. Unless we absolutely swamp the polls, we're going to see this election and our country stolen right out from under us. Lets not let that happen. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-29621146356176260612020-09-04T18:50:00.003-07:002020-09-29T14:09:32.029-07:00Ballot Issues<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are the statewide issues which will be on the ballot:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Referendum 90</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subject: Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5395 concerning comprehensive sexual health education.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Concise description: This bill would require school districts to adopt or develop, consistent with state standards, comprehensive age-appropriate sexual health education, as defined, for all student, and excuse students if their parents request.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Should this bill be:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Approved<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rejected</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There is a great deal of heat around this referendum. Basically, the referendum authors (and a whole lot of candidates) are convinced that SB 5395 mandates teaching babies what to do in bed and perverting all of our children. Actually, the law requires that any public school which offers sexual health education must meet the following standards:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- medically and scientifically accurate</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- age appropriate</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, disability status, or sexual orientation</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- includes information about abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These standards are worded broadly to allow for local decision-making.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you really want all the gory details, check out the August 4 Politiblog. Its in the intro section. I don’t want to repeat all of that so will keep this (relatively) short and sweet. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Parents or legal guardians may excuse their children from such instruction by submitting a written request to the school. Parents and guardians may review the curriculum on request.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In 2019, legislation provided that Social-Emotional Learning help students build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions. The legislation directed OSPI to adopt standards and benchmarks and revise as appropriate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The major focus of this education will be on “Affirmative Consent”, teaching children that they have a right to say no to unwanted advances, as well as something they call ‘bystander training,’ which in this context seems to mean “see something, say something.” </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For grades K-3 the content will be Social-Emotional Learning.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For grades 4 -12, the curriculum must include</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- physiological, psychological, and sociological development processes</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to communicate, respectfully and effectively, to reduce health risk, and to choose healthy behaviors and relationships based on mutual respect and affection, free from violence, coercion, or intimidation.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- health care and prevention resources</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- understanding the influence of family, peers, community, and the media</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- affirmative consent and recognizing and responding safely and effectively when violence or a risk of violence is or may be present, with strategies that include bystander training.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What I take away from all of this is that the schools have figured out that children are being confronted with situations they do not understand. For their safety, they need a certain level of awareness at an early age, about saying no or telling a trusted grownup when something untoward happens. And as they grow older they do need to learn about peer pressure, dealing with one another in a respectful manner, and all the other points raised. It seems to me an unfortunate choice of terms to call this ‘comprehensive sex education.’ Rather, this is education in growing up safely and decently. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So of course there’s a whole gang yammering about debauchery of small children. One wonders how many of them have read the actual language of the bill.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I checked with the Secretary of State’s office just to be sure. They affirm that a yes vote means you want to keep the existing legislation in place.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Approved</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>And here we have Tim Eyman’s odious advisory votes again</b>. They have no legislative effect. They’re expensive. They’re a pain in the underwear. Eyman’s intent was to alarm us all about the legislature “imposing taxes without a vote of the people.” Do we really need to have a statewide election on every single issue? Isn’t that why we elect legislators? </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Ok, here’s the latest crop:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Advisory Vote 32, ESSB 5323</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, a retail sales tax on pass-through charges retail establishments collect for specified carryout bags, costing $32,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This tax increase should be:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repealed</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maintained</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We’re all familiar with those single use plastic carry-out bags offered by grocery stores. You can find them littering highways and city streets, and accumulating in the guts of sea birds, fish, orcas, and others. The legislature has finally agreed to ban those. The ban begins 1-1-21 and phases in slowly. Stores will be required to charge a “pass through” of 8¢/bag until 2025, when theoretically they won’t be allowed at all. People who use WIC or SNAP will be exempt from that 8¢ charge. Is it really that big a deal to bring your own grocery bags? The legislation specifically excludes the bags you use for produce, bulk foods, prepared foods – basically anything other than the big grocery bags. I am pleased to report that this legislation is the work of South Whidbey's own Sego Jackson. Way to go, Sego.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">This is nowhere near enough in the battle to rid ourselves of plastic film, but it’s a step in the right direction. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting to </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Maintain</b></span><span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>.</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Advisory Vote 33, SSB 5628</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The legislature imposed, without a vote of the people, a tax on heavy equipment rentals to consumers by heavy equipment rental property dealers, costing $103,000,000 in it first ten years, for government spending.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This tax increase should be:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repealed</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maintained</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">This one gets pretty murky. Anyone who owns property pays property tax. We assume this applies only to land and houses. In fact, it also applies to “personal property” (its not nailed down) if you use it in the course of business. There has until now been an exemption for heavy equipment rented for construction purposes. This bill closes that loophole, charging a 1.25% tax on the rental of that equipment. Proceeds from the tax will be split 50/50 between the Motor Vehicle Fund and the Multimodal Transportation Account. I’m not altogether clear on the nexus between a tax on heavy equipment and transportation, but I do recognize the need and don’t see why equipment rentals should get to skate. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting to </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Maintain.</b></span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Advisory Vote 34, ESSB 6492</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The legislature increased, without a vote of the people, the business and occupation tax rate for certain businesses, while reducing certain surcharges, costing $843,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This tax increase should be:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repealed</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maintained</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>All of us in business know about the B&O tax. It is part of Washington’s super regressive tax structure. It taxes all the $ that goes through a business’s books rather than the profit of that business. A whole lot of the biggest businesses in the state are somehow exempt from B&O. This bill closes at least some of those loopholes. The funds are specifically designated for workforce education. While they don’t name names, see if you can guess who they mean by: “advanced computing businesses that have worldwide gross revenue of more than $25 billion but less than $100 billion”. They (can you say Microsoft?) will pay a 1/3 surcharge. For “advanced computing companies” with worldwide gross revenues of more than $100 billion, they will pay a 2/3 surcharge. The total amount of surcharge will range between $4 million and $7 million/year. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This took effect 4-1-20.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Given that we, the people of Washington, have been mightily generous to Microsoft, Amazon, and other huge companies, I have no problem at all with asking them to kick back at least as much as we little folk do.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Maintain.</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Advisory Vote 35, ESB 6690</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The legislature increased, without a vote of the people, the business and occupation tax on manufacturers of commercial airplanes, including components or tooling, costing $1,024,000,000 in its first ten years, for government spending.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This tax increase should be:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Repealed</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Maintained</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And here’s the Boeing B&O tax. The title is “Concerning aerospace business and occupation taxes and World Trade Organization compliance.” It seems that back in 2004 Boeing scored a 40% break on its B&O taxes, along with a bunch of other bennies – like property tax and sales tax exemptions. Every session the legislature then expanded and extended these exemptions. If you remember, Boeing was threatening to pull out of Washington. The last round of major exemptions was in 2014, and it extended the increased exemptions out to 2040. You may also be aware that Boeing and Airbus have been involved in a trade war all these years. On behalf of Airbus the European Union filed a grievance with the World Trade Organization, which found that the world’s two largest aerospace companies received billions of dollars of unfair subsidies. In order to settle the case, Boeing agreed to eliminate its B&O exemptions. That went into effect 4-1-20. Meanwhile, there are negotiations in process to reinstate at least some of the exemptions, as long as Airbus gets a similar favor. There’s more, but this is the gist of it. Since Boeing and the WTO asked to cut back the exemption, </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting to <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Maintain</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ff2600;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Engrossed Senate Joint Resolution 8212</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Subject: a constitutional amendment on investment of public funds.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Concise description: would allow public money held in a fund for long-term care services and supports to be invested by governments as authorized by state law, including investments in private stocks.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Should this amendment be:</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Approved<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Rejected</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For the most part, the state is required to invest any long-term funds in fixed-income securities such as government and corporate bonds and certificates of deposit. There is, of course, a reason for these limitations. The stock market goes up, and the stock market goes down. And of course there is the temptation for public servants to invest public funds to their personal advantage. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At present several major funds are exempt from these limitations: any public pension or retirement fund, the industrial insurance trust fund, and funds held for people with developmental disabilities. Now we have a new fund, for long term care. This legislation would add that long-term care fund to the exempt list.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #ff2600;"></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s not a whole lot of information out there, but the other funds seem to be managed appropriately, and this new fund falls into the same category, so </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I’ll be voting </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Approved.</b></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div><span style="color: #ff2600; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-47661971302086681522020-09-04T18:45:00.007-07:002020-10-30T14:05:46.079-07:00Federal Offices<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b style="font-family: "times new roman"; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 4.5px;">President/Vice President</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Donald Trump/Mike Pence</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can one say? Here’s an aspiring “president for life” who is now leading his followers in chants of “another 12 years” and announcing that he will not accept any election results that don't favor him. By then there will be no country to reclaim. As it is he and his mob pals have hollowed out and reversed every agency and department of the government, violated every law – with evident impunity – and created a mob culture of stealing even those things that are nailed down. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lately this mobster has taken to glorifying the right wing mobs who are openly gunning down Black Lives Matter protesters in the streets, occupying cities, and terrorizing citizens. That’s his idea of “Law & Order.”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>No, this administration was not responsible for COVID-19 reaching our shores. But they very much are responsible for having shut down the agencies created by the Obama administration to deal with exactly this kind of emergency. The net result is 200k dead bodies and counting, a country shut down, lives trashed, people hurting. The response? “Its happening in blue states. Let them rot.” and “I don’t take any responsibility” along with the subversion of the CDC so their word can no longer be trusted. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The latest move is an Executive Order to stop collecting Social Security and Medicare payroll taxes. The cover is that this will help poor people. Well, no. Poor people aren’t working so aren’t paying payroll taxes. What this <span style="text-decoration: underline;">will</span> do is bankrupt Social Security in about 3 years. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Every day there’s a new outrage. As of 9-3-20 he was calling wounded veterans “suckers” and "losers." Really?</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">And now we have the revelations from the New York Times about the great grifter’s income taxes and how he does not pay them. He’s incredibly good at losing money and exploiting loopholes. I’m not even sure its about the money itself, but rather about his ability to abuse the system, his way of coming out on top - and of hiding his obligations to foreign countries and their banks. Having a president in office who has upward of $400 mil in personal loans coming due in the next 4 years does not sound very good for making decisions on behalf of the country. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It is already glaringly, blatantly obvious that the intent is to steal the election, as evidenced by the deliberate destruction of the US Postal Service – on top of the voter suppression, gerrymandering, shutting down of polling places, his open direction that people should vote twice “to test the system” - and his insistence that he will not accept any result but winning. The painful reality is that the mob has moved in on our government and is turning our country into mob turf fascist fiefdoms. There is no more rule of law.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jo Jorgensen/ Jeremy “Spike Cohen”</b> Libertarian Party<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://jo20.com/about/" style="color: #954f72;">https://jo20.com/about/</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"> https://www.lpallegheny.org/blog/our-blog-1/post/meet-jeremy-spike-cohen-2020-lp-candidate-for-vice-president-42<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Don’t waste your vote on Trump or Biden”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Your classic libertarians. Not gonna waste a lot of time on this. “Also ran”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: red;"><b>10-30-20 hot new update. </b></span>It seems that Cohen is aligned with the Boogaloo movement and is using Boogaloo Bois as "security" at appearances. So, not so classic libertarians but rather fascists. The story reports that these two are on the ballot in all 50 states and are apparently actually polling at around 5% of the vote. </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.rightwingwatch.org/post/libertarian-vp-candidate-seen-with-boogaloo-group-claiming-to-work-security-for-him/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=rww&utm_campaign=bestof</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Howie Hawkins/ Angela Walker </b> Green Party<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://howiehawkins.us/" style="color: #954f72;">https://howiehawkins.us/</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m actually furious with the Green Party, whose underlying platform I support, for very deliberately and with malice aforethought siphoning desperately needed votes away from Biden/Harris. Their stated purpose is not to win but to “grow the party.” If the current criminal administration</span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; text-indent: 4.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 4.5pt;">is allowed to stay in power there will be no room for</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 4.5pt;"> </span><u style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 4.5pt;">any</u><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 4.5pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; text-indent: 4.5pt;">party. If we want to retain the tattered remnants of a Constitutional democracy, we need every single vote for Biden/ Harris. “Also ran.”</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gloria La Riva/ Sunil Freeman</b> Socialism & Liberation party<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://www.lariva2020.org/meet_the_candidates" style="color: #954f72;">https://www.lariva2020.org/meet_the_candidates</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s another party whose underlying platform I support, but whose candidacy I cannot support in the current circumstances. Yes, I agree with their 10 points, but unless we remove the current criminal administration (are you beginning to catch a refrain here?) there will be no room to argue any of those points. “Also ran.”<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Alyson Kennedy/ Malcolm Jarrett</b> Socialist Workers’ Party<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="http://www.chronline.com/northwest_regional_news/socialist-workers-party-candidates-say-they-hope-to-bring-alternatives-to-presidential-race-in-washington/article_4380f7fa-d9ab-11ea-b99d-d3300c2a7fcc.html" style="color: #954f72;">http://www.chronline.com/northwest_regional_news/socialist-workers-party-candidates-say-they-hope-to-bring-alternatives-to-presidential-race-in-washington/article_4380f7fa-d9ab-11ea-b99d-d3300c2a7fcc.html</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="MsoHyperlink" style="color: #0563c1; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><a href="https://themilitant.com/2020/02/01/the-swp-candidates/" style="color: #954f72;">https://themilitant.com/2020/02/01/the-swp-candidates/</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; text-indent: 4.5pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: medium;">These are the classic splinter group, the Trotskyites. They’re still fighting the old union wars from the 1940s and 50s. Even if this were not such a vital election, I would not be voting for these well intentioned but rather out of touch people. “Also ran”.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Joe Biden/Kamala Harris,</b> D</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Its hard to get excited about Joe Biden. I was all for a co-presidency of Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren. Imagine all the good we could accomplish with those two in charge. Sadly, the worst enemies of progressive thought are the mainstream Democrats. Joe is a nice guy. Its being emphasized that he is a decent guy – in sharp contrast to the current incumbent. He has empathy for people who hurt, and that is a laudable trait. He’s just not an exciting guy.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I did have one revelation during the Dem convention. The young man who credited Biden with helping him get over his stutter made me think about what it would be like to be in a position of public exposure and have the words just not come out of your mouth. So I’ll give Joe some leeway in his presentation. He may be working to get words out whole. But that doesn’t affect the ideas he is expressing, which for the most part are mainstream, pedestrian, and supportive of the corporate powers that be. He won’t even support Medicare for All and is just now beginning to warm to the Green New Deal. Good start.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And now we have Kamala Harris on the ticket. She is well to the left of Joe Biden, which is good. She is far to the right of where I would like to see our government. How on earth can she not support universal health care? She’s made her way all the way toward the Green New Deal, but that has been, from day one, a tiny first step in the right direction. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I do enjoy watching her use her cross-examination skills on the likes of Louis DeJoy.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: times new roman;"> A bit of time has passed since I wrote the above, and I'm seeing more spine and spunk in Biden. Good. I want to see him riled up and hitting back. As you may have noticed from the fires all up and down the west coast, the icy winds in the midwest, and the whole parade of hurricanes in the southeast, climate really is an issue, and the Green New Deal is a start in acknowledging that reality. I like my politicians to acknowledge realty. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bottom line: while I am not particularly inspired by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, I am terrified of Donald Trump and Mike Pence and their stated intent to end our democracy. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I <span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Joe Biden and Kamala Harris</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Congressional District 2, US Representative</span></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Tim Hazelo</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">aircraft simulator operator, retired Navy vet</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">lives in Oak Harbor</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.timhazeloforcongress.com/">https://www.timhazeloforcongress.com/</a></span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He complains about anti-American activism, burning and looting, destruction of our history (if this sounds racist, that’s only because it is). Democrats are allowing this mayhem.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(hard to read because he is not particularly literate)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He complains that the silent majority goes unheard. I love this one. I do not hear how we are to discern the voice of the silent majority. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He name calls “Absent Rick” and “Nasty Nancy”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His platform:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Economy, debt, & budget</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>government v economy - get government out of the way of free enterprise</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">support constituents hurt by COVID </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">end pork in bills, cut pet projects</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">lean government, balance budget, end deficits</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">bring manufacturing back to the US</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is the classic right wing mantra. He wants government to provide services but does not want it to collect taxes to be able to provide the services. Free enterprise will do it, right? I’m sure the health care industry will be happy to provide services to COVID patients without demanding payment. Right? And of course getting out of the way of free enterprise will cause manufacturing to come back to the US – just as soon as we do away with the minimum wage and environmental protections which get in the way of profit. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Healthcare & Drug Costs</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>America has the best health care in the world. Reduce unnecessary regulations to make it affordable. Prevent frivolous litigation.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Open health insurance across state lines. Free the capitalist market.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Competition brings more accountability, better service, lower prices.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Private insurance brings choice.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Allow drug companies to shop at the lowest production costs on non-emergency drugs.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reduce regulations to free up the marketplace and create lower prices.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Critical drug production should stay in US. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This one is a classic. Get government out of the way of corporations. All those fussy regulations about making sure drugs don’t kill patients. And those claims about “best health care in the world” are looking just a tad thin right now. And lets not forget to prevent all that frivolous litigation – like holding drug companies and health care insurers accountable. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Immigration & Reform</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>legal immigrants are great</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the system is broken & being abused, which overwhelms resources</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he wants a merit based immigration permit system. Gee, he’s in luck there. The current resident of the White House has mandated just that. Employers are freaked out because they can’t get the workers under that merit system, which truly amounts to who can offer the biggest bribes. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And of course he hates Black Lives Matter. Those are all just rioters and looters who are waking people in the middle of the night and demanding to occupy their homes. Huh? This man has drunk the Trump kool-aide – by the gallon. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Rick Larsen</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ricklarsen.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.ricklarsen.org/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here’s the current report on Rick:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">538.com reports that he votes in favor of Trump 20.5% of the time. That’s too much by my lights. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His ratings by various organizations:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">NARAL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span> <span> <span> </span> </span></span></span>abortion rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">ACLU<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span> </span></span>civil rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span><span> </span></span>92%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> <span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;">human rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 85%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Children’s Defense Fund <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>children<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">League of Conservation Voters <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>environment<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AFL-CIO<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>labor<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 91%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">AFSCME<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>education<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>100%</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Council for a Livable World <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>defense <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> <span> <span> </span></span></span>62%<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We pretty much all know Rick Larsen and where he stands on issues of concern to us. I did a lot of research 2 years ago and find that most of that is still relevant. Here it is:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And then the coup of 2016 happened and suddenly Rick is a new man. He voted against the Trump budget, against many of the insane and egregious proposals coming out of the fascist right. And he now believes in dealing with climate change, including cap & trade as one means to limit CO2. One has the distinct impression that the farther right the fascists push, the farther left Rick leans.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the environment</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He now cites his voting record of trying to eliminate subsidies for the oil industry.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He co-sponsored a bill to rejoin the Paris Agreement.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He fought to keep transit/light rail funds in the federal budget, and sponsored a bill to fund zero-emissions buses and ferries.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He supports salmon habitat restoration, protecting critical habitat areas, and conserving open space.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> ~ He worked to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has now been re-funded. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He signed a joint letter to NOAA fisheries and Army Corps asking them to deal with the Atlantic salmon fish farm disaster by not permitting any new or refurbishment of existing pens.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He voted to prevent logging of the Tongass Roadless Area in Alaska.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He supports keeping our public lands (Bears’ Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante) public.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On economic development</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He claims to have secured impact aid for schools with children of active military.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He’s against the Trump tariffs, as they hurt US workers and businesses. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On people issues</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He supports Medicare and the Affordable Care Act, and is fighting to prevent the destruction of both.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He cosponsored the DREAM act.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He objected vehemently to the Trump policy of breaking up families and imprisoning children and participated in Keep Families Together rallies in Mt Vernon & Bellingham.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He co-signed a petition to his fellow congress members to fund rebuilding of Puerto Rico.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He added an amendment to the Defense Spending Act to address Growler noise.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Now here’s an interesting one: He issued a press release demanding that the Navy explain why it is insisting on putting all its Growlers in the Whidbey basket and expressing his concerns for Whidbey communities. Aw shucks and golly gee. We didn’t know you cared. There is some question about how this translates to his support for NAS Whidbey.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Here's the 2020 update:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He believes COVID is real, and offers Dept of Health info. He has supported the various relief bills in congress. He asks that people give blood to help out.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He works to provide PPEs and emergency child care to health care workers.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He voted for impeachment.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There are several trends which seem to be crossing here. There is the rightward drift of the “mainstream” Dems, who seem to believe that the only way they can hold onto what little power they still have is to emulate the repugnant Republicans. As the Rs pull farther to the right, the Ds, who should by rights be countering with equal or greater energy toward the left, are in fact simply shifting the center farther right. This then gave rise to the progressive wing, who are trying mightily to pull the Dems back to what used to be mainstream Dem thinking and is now seen as somehow far left. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This raises the question of whether Rick Larsen is part of that rightward leaning ‘mainstream’ or not. 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.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is endorsed by a long list of civic organizations, representing human rights, environmental, pro-choice, anti-gun, and LGBT, and an even longer list of unions. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I was really looking forward to a genuine debate between progressive Jason Call and Rick Larsen. Should’ve known that wouldn’t happen. I don’t consider there to be much to debate between a slightly left Rick and a loony R. </span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Rick Larsen.</b></span></span></p><div><span style="color: #ff2600; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-91234679323288338722020-09-04T18:41:00.003-07:002020-09-29T15:16:58.360-07:00State Offices<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <b style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; text-decoration: underline; text-indent: 4.5px;">State offices</b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Governor</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Loren Culp</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.culpforgovernor.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.culpforgovernor.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">from his website:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Personal history: US Army, drill sergeant school, non-com school, 101<sup>st</sup> Airborne, 2<sup>nd</sup> Infantry. Currently police chief in Republic, former narcotics detective.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Against gun restrictions of I-639.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: taxation</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>stop spending – freeze spending and expansion of any programs</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>make it permanent – amend constitution to permanently ban a state income tax</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reevaluation – review and simplify the tax code</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: homelessness, drug addiction, & crime</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>zero tolerance</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>empowerment – empower law enforcement to “take dealers & addicts off the streets”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>partnership – community funded rehab</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: protection of citizen rights</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>principle based leadership – require all bills to:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ be constitutional</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ demonstrably benefit citizens of WA</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ not require any new tax</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>public accountability – promote citizen involvement and awareness</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>courage – encourage legislators, local leaders, & law enforcement to challenge every initiative or bill which infringes on federal or state constitutional rights. (this from the cop who refuses to enforce the law the people passed by initiative to curb gun violence)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: transportation & infrastructure</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>accountability – set benchmarks & monitor progress</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>partnerships – public/private, streamline permitting (one has to ask, why would a private party invest in public transportation infrastructure? How to they recoup their investment?)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cost reduction – those “artificial” costs caused by “government corruption, ridiculous and unnecessary regulations, and time delays.” Right. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: education</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He insists that Washington schools are NOT underfunded (never mind that the Supreme Court said there were)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>job skills – re-introduce CTE (trades & ag) training in high schools</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>parental choice – let them enroll their children in what school they like, public or private</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>back to basics – reading, writing, ‘rithmetic, and vocational tech. He proposes separate tracks for college prep and trades. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: fish wildlife, environment, & natural resources</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">pro-actively manage state lands by logging and thinning and cleaning up the forest floor; increase road access.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increase output of state hatcheries to 100%. Build more hatcheries. Reinstitute hunting of sea lions & seals. Deal with silt buildup on salmon spawning grounds. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: reducing government over-regulation</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>elimination of 2 regulations for every new one adopted</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>accountability. remove “strong-arm enforcement tactics” and start working with affected businesses</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>purpose. require clear evidence-based explanation of the problem the regulation solves.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Solutions: state budget and budget process</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>stop spending. freeze all current spending at current levels for at least 3 years</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expertise – department heads will have better budgetary experience. “activist” department heads will be replaced.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>start from scratch. Implement a “zero based budget”</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.courierherald.com/news/gop-gubernatorial-hopefuls-aim-to-oust-inslee-amid-covid-19/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.courierherald.com/news/gop-gubernatorial-hopefuls-aim-to-oust-inslee-amid-covid-19/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Loren Culp, the police chief of Republic who rose to fame after refusing to enforce I-1639 gun </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">laws;</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/05/washington-governor-candidate-loren-culp-faces-law/?utm_source=Crosscut%20Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Crosscut+Daily+20200706+-+READY"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/05/washington-governor-candidate-loren-culp-faces-law/?utm_source=Crosscut%20Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Crosscut+Daily+20200706+-+READY</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">New news to the effect that Mr Culp and two other law enforcement officers intimidated the victim in a long-running case of child sexual abuse, threatening to charge her with ‘false claims’ and that they failed to report her allegations to child welfare authorities as required by law. He participated in initial interviews with the victim and concluded that she was lying, so did not arrest the accused. The victim was then directed to spend the night with one of the investigating officers – who had sex with her. Obviously that was not reported either. Culp denies it all, says he was peripheral to the case, and none of it has anything to do with his run for governor.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This man is downright dangerous. I don’t even want to begin challenging his many misapprehensions and miscalculations above. Suffice it to say he is full of __it and should not even be police chief (note that he is the only policeman in Republic) if he is not willing to uphold the law. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some choice tidbits:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">→ He compared himself to Rosa Parks because he took on the "civil rights" of 2nd Amendment activists by refusing to enforce a law passed by a majority of voters.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">→ He compared officers who did enforce that law to Nazi military officers.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">→ He called the state-mandated mask requirement "unconstitutional and ridiculous."</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"Culp urges students to return to school, with or without masks" - <i>The Spokesman-Review</i></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An August 13 story in Crosscut reports that the Ferry County sheriff is asking the taxpayers for $138k to cover the costs of filling in for Loren Culp who is spending his time campaigning instead of being on the beat. The sheriff is actually concerned that covering for Mr Culp amounts to supporting a candidate. He’s right. Culp, of course, claims the county would have to cover for him whether he went fishing or campaigning. “Its all the same.” Which tells me that the man has serious trouble with the finer points. But then, that is demonstrated by his claims above. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jay Inslee</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.jayinslee.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">www.jayinslee.com</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His new motto: “Early to bed, early to rise, work like hell, and organize.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">From the 2016 blog:<b> Jay Inslee</b> is the Democratic incumbent governor and for the most part he has done a reasonably good job. He is touted in the press as the country’s “most environmental governor” – which mainly shows how bad things are elsewhere. On the other hand, he appointed one of my favorite environmental attorneys to the State Court of Appeals. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, what has changed in 4 years? Well, now we’re all sitting at home sheltering from COVID. Checking Inslee’s campaign website, the first thing I find is: COVID update. You think maybe this is on everybody’s mind right now? Inslee’s focus has been on stopping the spread of the virus, getting PPEs to those who need them, and providing economic relief to those who need that. There’s an official Washington State Coronavirus Response website <a href="https://covid19.wa.gov/"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://covid19.wa.gov/</span></a> </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I went to that old fallback, Wikipedia <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Inslee"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Inslee</span></a> , which tells us that “as governor, Inslee has emphasized climate change, education, and drug policy reform. He joined AG Ferguson in suing Trump over the anti-Muslim travel ban – and won.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Our experience with Inslee was that he was somewhat intransigent in his support of salmon net pens – until the Cooke Aquaculture disaster, after which he ordered a ban on the net pens. Now we want to see how he responds to Cooke’s application to modify those same deteriorating pens to raise native steelhead. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">We were altogether delighted with Inslee’s Quixotic run for the Democratic presidential nomination. He did in fact achieve his goal of raising environmental issues in the debates and making all the candidates address them. Thanks for that.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In 2019 Inslee came to Whidbey to learn about and celebrate our whales, and to help with orca recovery. He stated a priority to remove hundreds of fish blocking culverts statewide and to publicize his environmental action plan. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He lists his progressive accomplishments for Washington:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ first carbon cap in the country</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ investment in education</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ best paid family leave in the country</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ increased minimum wage</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ investment in infrastructure</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ ensuring net neutrality</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ expanded voting rights</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ legalizing marijuana</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ expanding gun background checks and banning bump stocks</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And in spite of Tim Eyman’s lawsuit over the order to wear masks, Jay Inslee has done a really good job with the virus. Yes, the shutdown could have been more nuanced. Absolutely. On the other hand, when the train is roaring at you at a zillion mph, that’s not the time to stand on ceremony. You shove your friends out of the way and deal with the fact that some of them fell down later. We’re now in that ‘later’ phase, and it looks like he’s doing his best to help those people who fell down. Of course he is having to fight the evil in the White House which evidently takes great pleasure in causing and then watching the pain of others. So Inslee, along with other governors, had to use subterfuge to get PPEs. He continues to be the target of vituperation from the tweeter in chief.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It is instructive to look at where the various states are in their COVID responses. Inslee shut down Washington very early on, and was slow and careful in reopening in stages. Those states with Republican governors failed to respond and the result is millions of infections and, at last count, upward of 200,000 deaths, and up to 1000 people dying every day. Numbers in Washington are at the low end of the scale. Recently Inslee told Trump that his threats were ‘hogwash’ and that Washington would do what it needed to do to protect its citizens. It would not open its schools to satisfy Trump but only when the state was sure that would be safe. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am glad we have someone with a level head and a genuine wish to do what is best for all the people and the environment of Washington as our governor. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Jay Inslee.</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Lieutenant Governor</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Denny Heck</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">congressman, ex-state rep, businessman, ex gubernatorial aide</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://dennyheck.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://dennyheck.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Retiring from US House of Reps</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“These times urgently call out for public service. As Lieutenant Governor I will provide stability and work to ensure fairness and civility”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Why Denny?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>civility, decency, experience – the Lieutenant governor “sets the tone” for debate and decorum in the legislature.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He will fight for a fair budget that protects the vulnerable and strengthens public schools. He will fight for progressive policies.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He will fight for tax reform, leading to ‘a more progressive tax system.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He will fight to increase access to reproductive health care.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">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.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I get the impression of a good hearted mainstream Dem with enviro leanings.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 4.5px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">tps://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Heck has picked up endorsements from more than 230 current and former elected officials, including former governors Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke. He is clearly the favorite of the ‘mainstream’ Dems.</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Read more here: <a href="https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html%22%20%5Cl%20%22storylink=cpy">https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html#storylink=cpy</a></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All in all, not a bad fit. At least he acknowledges some of the issues that matter to me and is not allergic to the term ‘progressive.’</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Marko Liias</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">state senator, ex state rep, ex Mukilteo city councilman, 2016 state treasurer candidate</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://markoforwa.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://markoforwa.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Liias"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Liias</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is Finnish, speaks the language, and is openly gay.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has worked his way up from Mukilteo city council to state legislature, state senate, and is now running for Lieutenant governor. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In his emails he expresses concern re COVID and how both federal and state governments are responding. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He calls himself a Bold Progressive. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has stopped fundraising and instead asks people to support Black and Brown voices fighting for change, and includes a list. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“As white people of privilege it is essential we be useful in this struggle to ensure Black lives always matter.”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, the work we did on passing I-940 has placed Washington state at the forefront of rigorous standards for community-focused law enforcement. These standards include annual training for officers on implicit bias, de-escalation tactics, mental health, and alternatives to the use of lethal tactics.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While I’m proud of the role I played to help bring about these overdue changes, it has been abundantly clear over the last week there is still much more to do.</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">And this week, I returned a contribution we received from the State Troopers Association.</span></b></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I want to be clear, I respect collective bargaining. But at this critical moment in our history, police unions too often stand in the way of progress and meaningful reforms.<br />
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Additionally, I am deeply concerned to learn about the political pressure being placed on members of Congress by the Fraternal Order of Police to water down or even withdraw the racial justice bills being introduced by House and Senate Democrats.<br />
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Among a wide range of reforms, these bills hold the police accountable for their actions, but the Fraternal Order of Police is opposed.<br />
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<b>Only through real reform in law enforcement and addressing economic, housing, and education inequities can we achieve overdue change.</b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And, as for me, whether it’s gun safety laws, policing reform, or working to end discrimination in housing, education, the workplace, or wherever it may be found, I’m going to keep using my position of privilege to help make our state better.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He supports increasing opportunities and eligibility to vote.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has been very productive in congress, passing 45 bills. He claims his (unnamed) opponent has passed 3, one of which renamed a post office. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is endorsed by retiring Lieutenant governor Cyrus Habib</span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Read more here: <a href="https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html%22%20%5Cl%20%22storylink=cpy">https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html#storylink=cpy</a></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As mentioned above, with the advent of COVID-19 and the Black Lives Matter uprising he suspended fundraising to put his energies toward helping people in need. That goes a long way with me.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve looked closely at the voting records and endorsements of both candidates. It takes a while to figure it out, but Denny Heck is a nice ‘mainstream’ Dem and Marko Liias is a progressive. While I won’t cry too hard if we end up with Denny Heck, I far prefer Marko Liias. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Marko Liias.</b></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Secretary of State</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Kim Wyman</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.kimwyman.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.kimwyman.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>she is finishing her 2<sup>nd</sup> term</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>she praises herself for improved voter access and turnout</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>she made many state permit and license applications available on line</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has evidently been quite busy publishing letters and op eds about the benefits of voting by mail.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I found a “stipulation and agreed judgment” from the Thurston County Superior Court dated January 2017, in which Wyman and her campaign agreed to pay a fine, with attorney’s fees and 3 years probation, in the matter of the Public Disclosure Commission finding her to have committed a campaign fund violation. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has not responded to Gael Tarleton’s challenge concerning the candidate filing process going south during the one week registration period. There is no evidence that she takes the threat to voting by mail seriously. She has co-authored articles in national outlets about its desirability and efficacy. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’ve been in fairly regular contact with the Sect of State’s Elections office and am becoming less and less impressed. As of August 24 I was not able to get the information I needed to write this blog. There are a number of candidates and issues not seen in the primary. I wanted to inform you about those. I was told that information will be available “in late September.” It is now late September and I am finally able to see the sample ballot and finish this blog. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have been asking the Sect of State’s office what they’re doing to guarantee the safety of our ballots, what with the Post Office becoming less and less reliable. They answer time and again that its all good, not to worry. Ms Wyman repeated this in a recent press interview. I’m still worried. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the primary I said she wouldn’t be awful, but I prefer someone I think would be a whole lot better. I am revising that opinion. She is actively supporting voter suppression in other states. She actively supports the current federal administration. All of which might explain why she does not appear to be taking the threat to our mailed ballot election very seriously. In fact, she has no particular plan to assure election integrity because she doesn’t see that there is any problem. I do. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Gael Tarleton</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">state rep, ex Seattle port commissioner, ex university official</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.voteforgael.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.voteforgael.org/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“It’s time we had a Secretary of State who is not only prepared for the current threats to our elections, both foreign and domestic, but also supports and leads efforts to expand voter participation and engagement. I’m committed to protecting every voter and every vote.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has been challenging the incumbent to defend Washington’s vote by mail system in the face of attacks by Trump. She asserts that a failure to defend our elections will only embolden further strikes.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As State Rep she has called for “an immediate audit of the VoteWA system.” PCOs and candidates have been complaining of problems with that system. I am beginning to see problems with VoteWA myself. Check my discussion in the intro for details. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She raises the issue of incumbent Wyman providing voter data to Trump’s bogus commission on voter fraud after the 2016 election. Most states refused and the commission was disbanded. One does wonder what happened to the Washington voter information Wyman provided to that commission. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She reports that incumbent Wyman testified against the federal bill, HR 1, the For the People Act of 2019, a bill to increase cyber security in electronic voting and vote counting. HR 1 would also have implemented an automatic voter registration program, prohibitions on foreign nationals advertising on social media, and a national strategy for election protection. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She reports that Wyman donated to the election of Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger, the man who rather deliberately botched the Georgia primary and will most likely do the same to the November general election.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is a member of the Northwest Progressive Institute.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is a national security and defense intelligence expert. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofGaelTarleton/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofGaelTarleton/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Endorsed by:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Washington Conservation Voters</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Washington State Labor Council </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">WA State Federation of State Employees.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://demcastusa.com/2020/08/22/saving-the-usps-with-sec-of-state-candidate-gael-tarleton-key-wa-2020-races/?fbclid=IwAR0FdlN5bA0l39Tnn_VmUQ9Jx_uO6R7NmQpKfSyPx0AbHgAHLeHRgKg7N5c"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://demcastusa.com/2020/08/22/saving-the-usps-with-sec-of-state-candidate-gael-tarleton-key-wa-2020-races/?fbclid=IwAR0FdlN5bA0l39Tnn_VmUQ9Jx_uO6R7NmQpKfSyPx0AbHgAHLeHRgKg7N5c</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a podcast interview on the issue of the USPS and voting. This woman is passionate about the right of <span style="text-decoration: underline;">all</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">people, regardless of party, to vote and have their vote counted. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has been calling out the criminal Postmaster General, Louis DeJoy, for his sabotage of the Postal Service, both to enrich himself and to sabotage the election. While DeJoy has agreed to stop removing mail boxes and sorting machines, he refuses to replace any of them or even to reverse his mandate cutting overtime. Ms Tarleton continues to push. I am proud to report that postal centers in Tacoma and Wenatchee have defied orders and plugged their sorting machines back in. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">As is obvious from reading this blog, I have some very intense feelings about the sanctity of elections and voting. I want to see the integrity of the election process restored and protected. In that regard, I very much like what I see.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Gael Tarleton</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Treasurer</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Duane Davidson</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://davidsonforwa.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://davidsonforwa.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">he worries about the state’s Rainy Day fund, saying the legislature keeps raiding it.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has created a funding directory to help local governments find state funding.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He wants to amend federal law to allow for state banks to finance the cannabis industry.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His website provided the usual warm & fuzzy, although it did include a statement that his challenger is an “extreme progressive lawyer who will say anything to join his boss, Attorney General Bob Ferguson, in statewide office.” Which makes sense in the context of his opponent charging him with supporting Trump. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The PDC report shows him receiving $ from lots of business and banking PACs. No surprise there.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The man may well be a reasonably responsible manager of our money. I just think we can do better. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mike Pellicciotti</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">state representative, attorney, ex Gonzaga U regent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.electmikep.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.electmikep.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He has never accepted campaign contributions from corporations</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He will stop the practice of state treasurers investing tax dollars in the very corporations that fund their campaigns.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He says the incumbent supports Trump.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He passed legislation to </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- get dark money out of politics </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increase financial penalties for corporate crime </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- require greater campaign finance transparency by PACs</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He has called on the legislature to obey the open public records act and has disclosed his own records.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He introduced legislation to fix property valuations re property tax.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He advocated (and won) an end to corporate tax breaks.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He has served as assistant attorney general, managed the unit of financial examiners, auditors, & analysts. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He has recovered $30 mil from financial fraud & government waste.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He chairs the equal justice coalition re: renters, mortgagees, vets, and predatory loan victims.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He earned a Fulbright scholarship in economic development, an MA in rural development, and a law degree from Gonzaga.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He led a national initiative to reduce student debt for public service grads.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is endorsed by just about everybody – except Rs</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His biggest campaign contributions come from unions, tribes, and teachers.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I like what I see and will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Mike Pelliccciotti</b></span>.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Auditor</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chris Leyba</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">police officer, grad student</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.leybaaudits.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.leybaaudits.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">introduces himself as an 11 year police detective, law enforcement auditor, animal rescue operator, & 21<sup>st</sup> century Republican. Mission: bring balance back to the assessment of our state financial oversight.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- certified law enforcement auditor</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- proud Republican</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- 11 years of criminal investigations experience</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- experience in financial & performance management administration </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- BS, molecular biology, working on MA in business finance at WSU</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- law enforcement trainer, former state contractor</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He claims that the auditor is no longer non-partisan/neutral. Faults McCarthy for focusing on IT audits, saying it shows a lack of balance.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He wants to increase public transparency, and wants the public to have direct input into what is investigated.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He wants to audit the hours worked in various government agencies, i.e. state government, representatives and senators, to assure the mental health of decisionmakers. (huh?)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He wants to audit traffic and toll camera contracts.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He cites to an auditor’s report of major irregularities in child welfare programs, SNAP, etc and claims that proves his point that the current auditor is biased and not doing the job. (again, huh?)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ He claims the unions have bought the current auditor. “Are you ready to take back your government agency oversight from the unions?”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He sees everything as criminal misconduct rather than actually auditing the agencies. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That includes backed up sexual assault testing. He claims that the auditor’s reports will help the legislature allocate funds. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s quite upset by the disrespect shown for police in the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He claims that Dems raise far more campaign funds by hustling major non-profits and party organizations, while Republicans have to raise $ from individuals. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He wants to change the office from auditor to inspector general. This shows that he is really running for the wrong office and wants to change what the office does. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He appears to believe that there is a conspiracy involving state governors to require face masks. He doesn’t want cops to have to enforce facemask orders, and says to leave that to public health officers and leave cops to deal with violent crime.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He wants to abolish the Growth Management Act. “Team Washington. Revise and restrict GMA.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If/when he becomes auditor he will begin by auditing the office of the governor, dept of health, and emergency management.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He comes across as a classic cop right-wing Republican conspiracy theorist. I just checked out his accusation that Dems are hustling organizational $ while Rs are stuck hitting up individuals. That is not the case for most of the candidates I have checked. It is true for Mr Leyba, who should be glad he has so many relatives. They’re his major donors. I then checked on Pat McCarthy. She does have a few organizational donations, and you’ll find them listed in the entry for her.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I don’t believe Mr Leyba understands the job, and it appears that he would approach it as a cop rather than an auditor. We’re seeing enough of that on the streets. We really don’t need it in the halls of government. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Pat McCarthy</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McCarthy_(politician)"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McCarthy_(politician)</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">currently state auditor, previously Tacoma School Board 1987 – 1999, Pierce Co Executive</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/state-auditor-pat-mccarthy/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/state-auditor-pat-mccarthy/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Pat is dedicated to shining a brighter light on government operations for the public. She believes audits increase public trust in government.”</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jul/13/editorial-mccarthy-is-safe-choice-for-auditor/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jul/13/editorial-mccarthy-is-safe-choice-for-auditor/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">McCarthy was elected to replace a Republican fraud in that position (he resigned. I think he was arrested). She ran on restoring trust in government. She has been honored for changing policy re: email. It was previously kept only 2 weeks. She changed that to 6 years. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.awb.org/olympia-business-watch?bid=20156"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.awb.org/olympia-business-watch?bid=20156</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Helping local governments move into the digital record keeping age. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Making that information available to the public.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/state-auditor-investigates-employment-security-department/DKT4LCX3AVGQTCZ2FTV745DWPI/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/state-auditor-investigates-employment-security-department/DKT4LCX3AVGQTCZ2FTV745DWPI/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">McCarthy announced investigations into WA Employment Security after significant fraud and loss of state funds. Needed benefits were stolen and/or delayed. Criminals in Nigeria stole $500 million in unemployment benefits. WA has recovered $333 million. She’s not blaming Employment Security. She just wants to recover funds and prevent a repeat. </span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here’s a story on how it happened <a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/may/25/how-missed-red-flags-helped-nigerian-fraud-ring-sc/">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/may/25/how-missed-red-flags-helped-nigerian-fraud-ring-sc/</a></span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">6-25-20 Tacoma News-Tribune story. McCarthy donates pay raise to charity. Can’t get the story because of a paywall.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBvT6mzOvrmDt5PZGj80k8IS5selNH08C"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBvT6mzOvrmDt5PZGj80k8IS5selNH08C</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Introducing a report re Alternative Learning Experiences. I’ve not checked out the report, in part because I had trouble finding it on the Auditor’s website. There are a LOT of reports dealing with all sorts of questions and issues. The Auditor does a whole lot more than I ever knew.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.knkx.org/post/lesson-learned-state-auditor-shines-light-big-issues-small-central-washington-city"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.knkx.org/post/lesson-learned-state-auditor-shines-light-big-issues-small-central-washington-city</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In 2019 she discovered and dealt with shenanigans in the Wapato city council/mayor/city manager offices, including misappropriation of funds, missing funds, and nepotism, among other things. She blew the whistle on the city, which has theoretically cleaned up its act. 10 citizens of Wapato complained via the auditor’s citizen hotline. “I feel strongly that if you have a problem you’re better off embracing it, owning it, and trying to turn it around.”</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/state-audit-uncovers-69-million-stolen-from-pierce-county-housing-authority/281-523acfed-413c-49c5-b3c5-5639c952a086"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/state-audit-uncovers-69-million-stolen-from-pierce-county-housing-authority/281-523acfed-413c-49c5-b3c5-5639c952a086</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">State auditor’s office reports more than $6.9 mil stolen from Pierce Co Housing Authority by its former finance director, from 2016 to the end of 2019. And this is precisely what the Auditor’s job is about. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I just checked out her challenger’s accusation that Dems are hustling organizational $ while Rs are stuck hitting up individuals. That is not the case for most of the candidates I have checked. It is true for Mr Leyba, who should be glad he has so many relatives. They’re his major donors. I then checked on Pat McCarthy. She does have a few organizational donations: WA Education Assoc PAC, Boeing PAC, Iron Workers District Council, Justice for All PAC, Citizens for Better Government, and the Hospitality Association. None of these are particularly large donations. This is an unfortunately low key race. I think it deserves a lot more attention.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This job is far bigger than I realized, and I think we are lucky to have Pat McCarthy covering it. </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting to re-elect </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Pat McCarthy</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Attorney General</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Matt Larkin</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">attorney, ex GW Bush White House aide</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">former Spokane and Pierce county prosecutor</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“worked across the aisle”</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.mattlarkinforag.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.mattlarkinforag.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He worked in Bush’s White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, “empowering private charities to obtain federal aid.”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He was also Associate Director of Presidential Speechwriting.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is currently chief corporate legal counsel for his family manufacturing business in Bothell.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His website features a 30 second ad full of vehicles on fire and people running in the streets, with the claim that the current administration is tolerating rioting and mob rule. “Its time to enforce the law.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Washington cannot afford another 4 years in the wrong direction. We need a fresh perspective and real solutions to homelessness, drug abuse, and crime.” </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He proposes a plan for “Crime Relief Support for Local Prosecutors.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His agenda:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ clean up our streets</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ hope for the homeless</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ reclaim our city parks</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His issues:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ enforce the laws, especially the second amendment</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ crack down on drug abuse</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ support police</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ provide real solutions to homelessness</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ lower taxes</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ make government accountable </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ run the state like a business</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has a lot of east side endorsements, especially east side sheriffs.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Under COVID-19 he talks about governor Inslee’s response being proper, but that the AG could and should be doing more. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What I see is someone who wants to be the state’s top cop, prosecuting people who demonstrate and ignoring the systemic problems which precipitated the demonstrations. He does not recognize the role of the attorney general as representing the people of the state of Washington against infringements on our state’s rights by that other Washington. He specifically wants to end all those lawsuits by Bob Ferguson – like the one against the Navy requiring them to do a real genuine valid examination of the impacts of Growler noise on the people of central Whidbey. He has stated “you should never be suing a sitting president.” Instead, he wants to change the law to allow the Attorney General to insert himself in local prosecutions while ignoring broader issues. On the other hand, he “can see a lot of reasons” to join those R AGs who are suing to kill the Affordable Care Act. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bob Ferguson</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electbobferguson.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.electbobferguson.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Experienced lawyer, independent leader, 4<sup>th</sup> generation Skagitonian, internationally rated chess master.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has filed more than 80 lawsuits against the Trump administration. He has won all but one of those which have come to trial. 31-1. 12 of those are final and unappealable.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- defeated the original Muslim travel ban</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- blocked the decision to rescind DACA</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- blocked allowance for 3D printed gun plans on the net</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">18 enviro & climate change cases<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>14/0</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8 immigrant protection cases<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4/0</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7 health care, reproductive care cases 3/0</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2 consumer protection for student borrower cases 1/0</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2 LGBT cases 1/0</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1 firearm access case 1/0</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 net neutrality case</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">WA is lead plaintiff in 14 cases, 7/0</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Agenda:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ protect the Constitution</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ protect civil rights</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ protect consumer rights</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ protect environment</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ fair elections</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ open government</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ protect veterans</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ protect seniors</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ protect workers</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 36px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ end human trafficking, stop sexually violent predators, end sexual assault</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">independent leader</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">lots of national recognition</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Note that the focus is on protecting the land, the people, and their rights. That is refreshing.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Incidentally, he has filed a case against the US Navy over the Growler noise and its impacts on the people of central Whidbey. That was a politically risky thing for him to do, but all of us on the island appreciate his considerable support. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/AG-Ferguson-Require-police-report-use-of-deadly-15377612.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=spi_itsintheseattlepi"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/AG-Ferguson-Require-police-report-use-of-deadly-15377612.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=spi_itsintheseattlepi</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a very recent report to the effect that Ferguson has asked the legislature to pass a bill that law enforcement statewide be required to disclose all use of deadly force, and that such information should be available to the public on a website. This would be consistent with the intent of 2018’s I-940 to hold police more accountable. There is already an FBI reporting system which could easily be applied to Washington. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">7-23-20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Filed a challenge to the administration policy of allowing discrimination against LGBTQ+ people in health insurance.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Co-led a challenge to EPA’s diluting/reversing the Clean Water Act. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8-21-20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Filed the leading lawsuit against Louis DeJoy for trying to dismantle the USPS. 6 hours later DeJoy agreed to stop destroying sorting machines and mailboxes. As of late September the judge in Yakima and judges in 3 other states have ordered DeJoy to reverse all of his mail-stopping activities.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">8-27-20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another win, this one for Hanford workers, requiring the federal government to install safety protections for workers at risk of exposure to toxic fumes, and to assure access to healthcare and other benefits for those who do become ill. The Trump administration has appealed. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">9-4-20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bulletin: “we won our 32<sup>nd</sup> case against the administration”, which rolled back penalties against automakers for failing to meet fuel efficiency standards. The rollback is declared illegal.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">9-14-20<span> Another win, this one against the administration's attempt to change the definition of "employer," which would have exempted them from the Fair Labor Standards Act. Chalk up another one for workers. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">10-10-20 This is the date on which the Affordable Care Act will be argued before the Supreme Court - with our without newly appointed Justice Amy Coney Barrett - and Bob Ferguson will be arguing for Washington State and our health care.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This man is exactly the right person in exactly the right place to protect Washington’s land and people from the thrashing and trashing coming out of the White House. We need him to keep doing what he’s doing. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting enthusiastically for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Bob Ferguson</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Commissioner of Public Lands</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Sue Kuehl Pederson</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">research scientist, fisheries biologist, 2016 state senate candidate</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://citizensforsue.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://citizensforsue.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">former chair, Grays Harbor Republican Party</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> fisheries biologist at UW, NOAA Fisheries, Army Corps of Engineers</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">power manager, Gray’s Harbor PUD</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">senior power analyst, Seattle City Light</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">senior environmental analyst, Seattle City Light</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">research scientist/publications manager, Biosonics Inc</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“Its time to bring new leadership for our public lands.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She believes improved timber management can reduce disease and excess fuel in our forests, leading to a reduction in wildfires. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She believes that salmon and hydropower can coexist.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We deserve good resource management and a keen understanding of the balance needed between the natural world and humanity.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Commissioner of Public Lands has a constitutional duty to responsibly manage timber harvests in a way that will improve forest health, reduce forest fires, provide living wage jobs, and support our public schools. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her focus is on generating income from the forests, increasing the rate of harvest to do so. The blog post on her website demonstrates a fundamental lack of ecological understanding of forests and how they grow. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her Facebook page reports her going to the Spokane GOP Lincoln Day Dinner on June 9. Really? This looks like the Republican machine candidate.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The fact that she can talk about salmon and hydro co-existing tells me she is not a serious scientist. The idea of a “balance between the natural world and humanity” tells me that she does not consider humans as part of the ecosystem but somehow apart from it. That is an outdated and dangerous point of view. While there actually is a need to thin our overcrowded forests, this must be done from the standpoint of forest health rather than generating income. We’ve seen all too many “forest health” cuts that ended up being either high-grades of all the best timber or just flat out clearcuts. The increased rate of logging she proposes would do very little to reduce the fires she claims are the result of failure to log rather than climate change. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px 9px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am by no means enamored of Hilary Franz. But I don’t think Ms Pederson is a very good replacement. I would not vote for her.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Hilary Franz<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.hilaryfranz.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.hilaryfranz.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ supporting our schools and communities</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ protecting our communities and firefighters</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ growing our rural economies and clean energy</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ conserving our lands and waters</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have my gripes with Hilary. We’ve known her peripherally for years and years, as she was executive director of Futurewise, a statewide environmental protection organization. We thought all our troubles would be over when Hilary was elected in 2016. Oh, come on. How naïve. Actually, she’s doing great things on all fronts – except my particular focus, forest practices in the “area likely to convert” to a use other than forestry. We’ve brought up our problems to her several times and she has seemed absent. I should not have to explain the Forest Practices Act to her.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ok, crab session over. The fact is, as I said, that on all other fronts she is doing a really great job. By way of explanation, the Commissioner of Public Lands oversees the operation of the Department of Natural Resources. DNR has kind of a mixed bag mandate. On the one hand, it manages millions of acres of public land for the specific purpose of generating capital for the state schools. On the other hand, it oversees resource extraction – logging, mining, shoreline uses – on private lands. That’s a lot of bases to cover, so I suppose I should cut her some slack for covering all but the one that interests me the most. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Hilary Franz.</b></span> </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Superintendent of Public Instruction</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Maia Espinoza<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></b></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">non-profit group executive, 2018 state rep candidate</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s an R, but this is a non-partisan office</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.maiaforus.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.maiaforus.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is involved in a lot of educational committees, a member of Catholic Daughter Association, Executive director and founder of Center for Latino Leadership. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s an Army brat, an active member of Military Order of the World Wars.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Issues</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- schools that work</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- life long learners</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- essential skills</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- fresh is best, provide fresh local foods</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- innovative classrooms</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- stop mandatory sex ed</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/northwest/as-covid-19-changes-education-systems-state-school-superintendent-candidates-push-for-local-control/article_e968571b-f51b-5296-947b-950d38ade2df.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/northwest/as-covid-19-changes-education-systems-state-school-superintendent-candidates-push-for-local-control/article_e968571b-f51b-5296-947b-950d38ade2df.html</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">- covid response, schools were ill prepared for distance learning</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This one is a mixed bag. I certainly agree that kids should be provided fresh local (preferably organic) food at school. And she’s probably right that the schools were ill prepared for distance learning. Who knew? This was not exactly on anybody’s agenda. I’m sure some are coping surprisingly well and others depressingly poorly. What I’m not seeing is any constructive suggestion as to how to improve the situation.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And her main issue is that “mandatory sex ed.” She, like so many of her fellow candidates, is totally focused on this issue without having done the homework. Which is why I went to the trouble to summarize the legislation for you (see the discussion of R-90). Turns out she claimed in her voter’s guide statement that incumbent Chris Reykdal wanted to teach sex positions to 4<sup>th</sup> graders. He sued, and was overturned by the state supreme court, which said basically that its ok to lie in the voter’s guide because it contains a disclaimer that statements have not been fact-checked. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nope. Even if she has some good ideas, she has more really bad ones.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chris Reykdal</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">this is a non-partisan position, but Chris is a D</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/superintendent-chris-reykdal"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/superintendent-chris-reykdal</span></a></span></p>
<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Reykdal"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Reykdal</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>served 3 terms in WA legislature</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>was one of 13 no votes on the $8.7 billion tax break to Boeing</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.chrisreykdal.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.chrisreykdal.org/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- led with transparency and integrity, even in the face of the pandemic</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- developed a new school accountability system</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- ensured local timber revenue stays in the local school district</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increased k-12 investments by over $4 billion/year (=$3500/student)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increased educator salaries to attract and retain our amazing educators</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- expanded health care to tens of thousands of school employees</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- de-linked high stakes testing from graduation</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- added career and tech ed pathways to graduation</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- returned civics classes to our schools</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- enhanced formula funding for students with disabilities at a record rate</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increased graduation rates to a record high</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- secured record high funding levels for school construction</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- raised WA to a top 15 state level in English language arts & math</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">priorities/ goals</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- provide full education, in various forms, beyond high school, to all</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-100% high school completion</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- closing the opportunity gap to close the achievement gap (Black Lives Matter)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- teacher excellence, have increased teacher pay 24%, need to do more</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- expanding dual credit options (running start)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- recommitting to career and tech ed</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- high standards with local control, minimize federal intrusion into WA schools</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- early learning </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- capital budgets, local bond funding is inequitable, he’s working to fix that.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chris.reykdal"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/chris.reykdal</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He objects to the term “alternative”, seeing it as tainting students. All are individual and diverse.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s being hammered by the “no sex-ed” crowd, who are calling him all sorts of names, mostly things like pedophile. (see the discussion of R-90)</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mynorthwest.com/1728148/dori-reykdal-sex-ed-curriculum/">https://mynorthwest.com/1728148/dori-reykdal-sex-ed-curriculum/</a></span><span style="color: black;">?</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chris explains that each school district determines its own curriculum and sex ed content, that younger children are primarily intended to learn that their bodies are their own and not to be touched without their consent. There is also a parental opt-out. When asked if he would consider an opt-in instead, he said that was very interesting. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/sexual-education-washington-public-schools/281-abfdc1c0-b6e3-4774-b3f8-7c6ba9f08e6c"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/sexual-education-washington-public-schools/281-abfdc1c0-b6e3-4774-b3f8-7c6ba9f08e6c</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It seems the bill is rather mis-named, based on this report. Young children would be taught concern for their friends and how to stand up for themselves. In elementary schools the class would amount to 1 hr/school year. Much of this relates to sexual abuse prevention. And as mentioned over and over, see the review of the actual bill in the discussion of R-90.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: Calibri; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/sexual-health-education/instructional-materials-review-reports-and-tools"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/sexual-health-education/instructional-materials-review-reports-and-tools<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All in all, in spite of the hysteria and ugliness, Chris Reykdal has been doing a good job in a difficult time. Given that his challenger seems to be a single issue (sex!) candidate, and given the fact that he is actually doing a good job for our schools, </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Chris Reykdal</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">.</span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Insurance Commissioner</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Chirayu Avinash Patel</b>, R</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">insurance agent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirayu-patel-177b8115"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirayu-patel-177b8115</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">account executive at Goel Payment Solutions since 2013</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">insurance agent at All-in-One Insurance since 2013</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Couldn’t find a website or even a Facebook page. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/14/insurance-commissioner-race-pits-20-year-veteran-a/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/14/insurance-commissioner-race-pits-20-year-veteran-a/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This story reports that Mr Patel is a University of Washington biochemistry student who describes himself as an “autistic savant” who can channel the thoughts of former Presidents Ronald Reagan and Thomas Jefferson.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If elected, he said, he’d like to occupy the office for about 60% of the time, and invite Kreidler and Welti (a primary contestant) each to run it for 20% of the time. “I don’t see them as my opponents. I see them as my allies,” he said, although he hasn’t discussed the shared work arrangement with them.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Patel describes himself as being “on the autism scale” but high functioning, which he said allows him to use a part of his brain that most people don’t. With it, he said he can put himself in the mind of Reagan and Jefferson, to whom he believes he is biologically related through Genghis Khan.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He describes the Affordable Care Act as a Hamiltonian federalist action and wants to start a Jeffersonian counterbalance to stabilize it. He said he’s willing to work with the federal government regardless of whether Donald Trump or Joe Biden is in the White House.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I can appreciate the man’s dealing with Autism. I don’t believe he has a realistic understanding of the job.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Mike Kreidler</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mikekreidler.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://mikekreidler.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Priorities:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Protect health care coverage for all Washington residents</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He supports ACA and wants to assure people are protected during the pandemic</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Strengthen the law to protect consumers from surprise medical bills</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The law passed in 2019, went into effect 1-1-20. Lets doctors and insurance duke it out without hitting on the patient.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Make insurance companies honor their commitments</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He is a watchdog for consumers</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Maintain a healthy business climate for the insurance industry</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insurance is a $43 billion industry in WA, employs over 50k people. He works to be fair to both business and consumers.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Connect insurance with the environment to help protect all citizens</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He chairs the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Climate Risk & Resilience Working Group. He also leads the WA Disaster Resiliency Work Group, which makes recommendations to the governor on how the state can better prepare itself for climate change. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The huge international re-insurers are looking at the impacts of climate change and realizing that they are on the hook for multiple billions and probably even trillions of dollars. They are looking for ways to reduce their risk, so they form work groups to find relatively easy steps to do that. I’m quite happy to see Mr Kreidler involved in such a work group. We are already seeing some pretty whopping bills from such climate change effects as flooded highways and homes, fires burning whole towns, and storms causing landslides which take whole neighborhoods. I hope they come up with some “ounce of prevention” proposals for us.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He enacted emergency rules requiring that all health insurances operating in Washington waive co-pays and deductibles for clients requiring COVID testing. And then he extended it for another 30 days to the end of July.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kreidler has in fact been doing a very good job of protecting the people of Washington from the insurance industry. Since I have had help from the Insurance Commissioner’s office under the incumbent,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting to retain </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Mike Kreidler</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">. </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-13629766527027036532020-09-04T18:33:00.004-07:002020-10-14T15:57:52.515-07:00Legislative District 10<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Legislative District 10</span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b></b></span><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Senator</span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Ron Muzzall</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> <a href="%22">https://www.ronmuzzall.com/</a></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>For starters, I have known Ron Muzzall since 1990, when we worked together on an initiative to provide funding for a major Conservation Futures type program. Even though we were working toward the same goal, I was not favorably impressed then and my opinion has not changed in the intervening decades. We are on the opposite side of just about every issue. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He was appointed to fill out the term of ALEC member former state senator Barbara Bailey. He has expressed his admiration for Bailey and his intent to continue her policies. Thus far he has been doing exactly that. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has pushed back on premature release of nearly 1000 prison inmates. Inslee and Corrections officials devised a plan after the Supreme Court ordered action to prevent COVID outbreaks in state prisons. He believes the state has other options but doesn’t tell us what they are.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has said that COVID response was not his business, and to check with our federal delegation. Gee, I thought the head fed said this was the responsibility of individual states. On the other hand, he is unhappy with governor Inslee for the shut down order, complaining about inconsistencies and unfairness. I have yet to see him with a mask.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I just checked his website and there is a page with COVID information and a short statement from Ron. Mainly he says this is a scary time but we’ll get through it. No mention of masks, and none on his face.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has claimed that the proposed low carbon fuel standard would increase the cost of fuel dramatically and would not improve roads. He claimed the idea is expensive, regressive, and ineffective. He voted against the bill.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His voting record shows where his heart is. I’ve broken it down into some broad categories.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He really does not like people in the prison system. He voted against restoring voting rights for felons who had not paid their court debts; against creation of alternatives to total confinement for persons with minor children; against granting judges leeway in sentencing minors tried as adults; against a ban on private for-profit prisons; against certifying corrections officers; against a bill to prevent arrest of people on their way to court; against loosening parole conditions; and against allowing people to explain their failure to appear in court. He has spoken out in favor of the death penalty.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nor does he particularly like poor people. He voted against expanding child care for homeless families; against expanding unemployment benefits; against allowing additional marijuana retail licenses for social equity purposes in “disproportionately affected areas” (read slums) or by people who have had a misdemeanor possession conviction; against allowing tenants to pay certain sums in installments; against protecting employee information from public disclosure; and against a bill of rights concerning the census. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His record on public health and welfare speaks for itself. He voted against requiring the Insurance Commissioner to look into excess profits of health insurance companies; against establishing a prescription drug affordability board; against prohibiting discrimination in health care coverage; against ‘mitigating inequity in the health insurance market caused by health plans that exclude certain mandated benefits’; against updates to the new Paid Family and Medical Leave program; against ‘studying barriers to use of the Death with Dignity act’; against improving access to TANF (welfare); and against updating laws around treatment of AIDS.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nor does he seem to like kids or schools very much. He voted against the “comprehensive sex ed” bill. (See the whole long rundown in the discussion of R-90); against ‘nurturing positive social and emotional school and classroom climates’; against supporting access to child care for high school student parents; and against bilingual early learning in K-12.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He does seem to love guns, but not any controls on them. He voted against creating a Washington Office of Firearm Violence Prevention; against restricting possession of weapons in certain locations – like jails, courtrooms, mental health facilities, taverns, and airports; against ensuring compliance with court orders to surrender firearms, weapons, and concealed pistol licenses; and against background check requirements for firearms classified as “other” under federal law.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His environmental record is not exactly stellar. He voted against requiring a minimum recycled content of some plastic containers; against banning styrofoam packaging; against amending the state greenhouse gas emission limits for consistency with the most recent climate change science; against prioritizing natural beach protections; against limiting aerial herbicide applications in forest lands; against prohibiting water withdrawals for commercial bottling; against testing public water systems for PFAS; and against recovering costs of inspection, monitoring, and compliance of aquaculture/fish farms. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s not so hot on public participation. He voted against measures to increase election participation by young voters – motor voter, student engagement hubs at colleges, civics materials in high schools. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And for someone who rails about open government, he shows his inconsistency. He voted against accountability and transparency in government contracting; against creating a state office of equity; against using traffic safety cameras for congestion reduction and increased safety; and of course against the supplemental operating budget.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Late breaking news. I have now seen video of Ron Muzzall at a July 4 weekend campaign event hosted by Oak Harbor developer Scott Thompson. Nary a mask or distancing to be seen. On Ron’s shirt is a sticker that says “$30.00.” That would be Eyman’s initiative to destroy public transportation. Someone who was not a Republican had the temerity to attend the event and try to record it. He was attacked, ended up in Harborview with a concussion, and his camera taken from him and damaged. Ron was by no means the only R politico in attendance. None of them made a move to intervene. I think it gives us a painfully accurate picture of Ron’s real beliefs. Since then Ron has been seen at quite a few large gatherings without mask or social distancing.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Most telling is his statement that he does not expect to be particularly effective in office, but rather will act as backup and cheering section for others who are effective. Really?</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">But he did pass a bill to introduce “Celebrating Navy Day.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Needless to say, Ron Muzzall and I are not friends.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Helen Price-Johnson</b>, D </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://helenpricejohnson.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://helenpricejohnson.org/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">For people outside of Island County, Helen has been a county commissioner for the last 12 years, and it is in that context that I have known her and arm wrestled with her. We definitely have our differences. Those pale in the face of the present danger. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">issues:</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Housing – decent and affordable housing is a basic human need.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Environment – climate change is here and we must act NOW. Protect our clean water, shorelines, forests, and natural habitats. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Health care – invest in mental health and addiction treatment. Work on a plan to lower prescription costs.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Education – increase community college and apprenticeship programs, provide free early childhood education.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Transportation & infrastructure –increase multi-modal options: trails, park & rides, bus terminals, ferries, train, <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>light rail. Replace aging infrastructure. Integrate transportation needs.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Veterans – all deserve respect and dignity. Improve veterans’ services & remove red tape.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">While I have lots of niggly differences with Helen, they are differences on the same page. We can argue about how we deal with climate change, but we don’t disagree on the basic reality.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Among other things, note that Helen models the safety behavior of wearing a mask. That speaks to me of respect for the people she represents. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I checked out my blog post about Helen from her last campaign for county commissioner and guess what? She has the same underlying issues now as she had then. Sure, specifics change. But she still wants to do the right thing for all the people. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m not going to go into a whole long rap. Bottom line: if we expect to accomplish anything positive in the legislature in the coming years, we need Helen and not Ron Muzzall in the state senate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Helen Price-Johnson</b></span> for state senate.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Representative, position 1</span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Greg Gilday</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://greggilday.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://greggilday.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">issues:</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Healthy families need us to defeat COVID and reopen our economy. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We can both fight the virus and restart our economy. Other states & countries have demonstrated that. Greg is an honest leader. We can trust him.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Better schools, better roads, better government</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>After this emergency we need good people to ensure we have a better government. Our state budget will be a mess. Greg has the intelligence and character we need.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s a dad, local small business owner, trusted attorney, and our best choice to represent our community in the legislature.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">It’s a surprisingly sparse website, and he mentions only the two issues shown above. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/electgreggilday/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/electgreggilday/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the focus here is on announcing campaign events and volunteer training – in person – in Oak Harbor. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An image posted September 1 shows what I presume are a bunch of supporters, all posed together without masks. And an entry from late August about his visit with Ron Muzzall (see Senate race), unmasked. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An image of Gilday, Bill Bruch (see house position 2), Ron Muzzall, and another house candidate, literally with arms around each other, and of course no masks. An August 16 post about how great it was to speak to so many people in Oak Harbor while doorbelling – without mask. What I conclude from all of this is that he does not take COVID seriously, and appears to share the Trump attitude that its over, lets move on.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s very proud of having overseen creation of the Rotary Adventure Playground at Freedom Park on Camano. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s a post about “growing and widespread resentment of the Governor’s use of emergency powers” and an admonition to elect more “common sense” (read: Republican) legislators to thwart such uses. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In June he was tracking COVID cases, and claiming that our area was doing better than the rest of the country, so we must be doing something right. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And he wishes us all a Happy Juneteenth. A refreshing surprise that he even considers it. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the other hand, his biggest supporter appears to blame Inslee for just about everything, particularly “favoritism” in “allowing” the Seattle demonstrations but keeping churches shut down.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And his Facebook page warmly supports R-90, that anti-sex-ed referendum.(check out the rap on this at R-90)</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.stanwoodlaw.net/Attorney"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.stanwoodlaw.net/Attorney</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ltco.com/staff-members/greg-gilday/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://ltco.com/staff-members/greg-gilday/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Land Title & Escrow President / Chairman of the Board</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My impression from the limited information available is that Mr Gilday tries to look like one of the old style relatively responsible Republicans. He talks a lot about being fiscally conservative and how the legislature should be rewriting the budget to reflect the foreseeable shortages coming. There may be some point to that, but I see nothing about what he considers essential and what he would be willing to jettison. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I hold very much against him his support for R-90. As an attorney I would expect him to have read the legislation, that damned comprehensive sex-ed again. And if he has read it he knows that it is not the evil the R-90 promoters make it out to be. So I have to conclude that he is pandering to the rabble.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">On the one hand he is exquisitely aware of COVID and what is needed to prevent deaths. On the other hand he and his campaign are busily planning and attending large indoor and outdoor events. One post on his Facebook page is by a tavern which refuses to require masks. Maybe the man is too much of a lawyer, talking out of all sides of his rather mobile mouth. I’m not particularly liking what I see. And the more I see, the less I like.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Angie Homola<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.angieforall.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://www.angieforall.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">priorities:</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">A. Environmental protection and action on climate change</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ A just transition to clean energy</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Transportation and land use planning</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Farming, forestry, and aquaculture</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">B. Honest government and the rule of law vs politics and special interests</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ campaign finance reform</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ fair taxation and balanced budgets</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">C. Social Justice </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ support of treaty rights</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Veteran’s services</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Public safety</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ living wage jobs, childcare, and economic vitality</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ education and vocational training</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ affordable housing and housing the homeless</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ public and mental healthcare </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ ending opioid addiction</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Angie’s philosophy:</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Govern for the common good and respect the rule of law</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Leave things as good as or better than you found them</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Treat others with dignity and respect your elders</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Collaboration and compromise work better than isolation and oppression<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Take good care of the Earth and all that share it</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Work hard, play hard, do your best</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Inspire a love of learning and support for science</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Plan for tomorrow when making decisions today</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Transparent government of the people, by the people, for the people</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I could go on at great length, since Angie and I have worked together for a long time. She is notoriously detail oriented. I told her some time ago that while others talk about god, mom, and apple pie, Angie presents a dissertation on comparative religions, a plan for a support program for new mothers, and a recipe for organic, gluten free apple pie. That kind of attention to detail makes her very good at just about everything she does. It was that attention to detail that put her in the position of becoming a whistle-blower. The people at the other end of that whistle blowing have never forgiven her for pointing out their misconduct. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Angie served as an Island County Commissioner. She had great plans, only to find, when she took office, that the cupboard was bare and the first order of the day was to cut jobs and programs. It was wrenching, but her attention to detail served us all well in figuring out how to pinch every penny at least two or three times before letting it go. She also donated back 20% of her salary to help balance the budget. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>One of the constant refrains of Republicans is that they are fiscal conservatives and therefore they want to cut budgets and services. A true fiscal conservative looks at the long range economic impacts of any particular action to determine the costs and benefits. There are times when spending now will prevent huge future costs. That old “ounce of prevention.” It was with that in mind that Angie worked on the county’s budgets during her time in office. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She has served as a state legislative liaison, studying bills to determine the effects of their passage, potential unintended consequences, fiscal impacts, and whether they serve the intended purpose. I have learned about more issues than I can remember from discussions with Angie on legislative bills. All of which means that she knows her way around Olympia, knows who is on first and what needs to happen to reach second, third, and home base with any particular issue. She is effective. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And now we are dealing with COVID-19 with active sabotage by the federal government. Note that Angie has redesigned her entire campaign so that, unlike her opponent, she is not endangering anyone. Her supporters and campaign workers wear masks, maintain distance, and use electronic tools. They also don't knock on doors when delivering literature to doorsteps. In my book that gives her major points. Her virus denying opponent is fine with knocking on doors and gathering in large groups, all without masks. We need leaders who understand the seriousness of this pandemic.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-size: medium;">I want someone in the legislature who represents my interests and knows how to do the right thing even under very difficult circumstances. That’s Angie.</span><span style="font-size: large; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Angie Homola</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">. </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 16px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">State Representative, position 2</span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Bill Bruch</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://billbruchforhouse.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://billbruchforhouse.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">former LaConner Town Councilmember</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Chair, Skagit Co Republicans</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">property and project manager</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“My opponent has thrown in with the Seattle Democrats and I am running for office because the excessive taxation, over-regulation and government mandates coming out of Olympia are hurting families and businesses." </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Issues:</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ less taxes and regulations/ more fiscal responsibility</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ no state government mandated k – 12 sex-ed (see the discussion at R-90)</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ preserve property and water rights</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ address the homelessness and addiction epidemics</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I fully support NAS Whidbey, including OLF Coupeville. . . a necessary and vital economic driver. . . we must do all that we can to keep it in full operation.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“We must be open to a variety of solutions (to homelessness, addiction, etc.) and recognize that many private sector non-profits and community faith-based organizations can be far more effective at helping people through challenging times than government programs.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He attacks Dave Paul for voting in favor of the updated HIV bill.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He lauds the fact that R-90, the referendum to reverse the sex-ed bill, will be on the November ballot. (again, see R-90 for the full rundown). And of course he blames Dave Paul for voting in favor of the sex-ed bill. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s got several large diatribes against “contract” tracing and how unconstitutional that is. “The true data and study after study shows there is NO Covid emergency and it is time to fully open up the state.” </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">(Obviously he's not particularly concerned with the 200k+ people who have already died, or the many thousands more if Washington opens up too soon.)</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is virulently against any regulations or controls to stop the spread of COVID. This includes objections to any financial relief – because it would take money from corporations and give it to “illegal aliens.” He calls COVID a plot by Bill Gates and Dr Fauci, and that wearing a mask can cause heart attacks, so advocates against their use. He thanks the hundreds of people who attended the “Re-Open Washington” rally at the Snohomish County courthouse in Everett. (this was late May)</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“When our government lets you go out for groceries and hardware but demands a mail-in vote, you can be certain they’re not really concerned about keeping you safe from a virus.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He wholeheartedly supports a class action lawsuit which claims that federal law does not allow for the guaranteeing of healthy people.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And he blames China for the virus, with various false claims.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And here’s a major diatribe against the sex-ed bill, claiming it requires showing kids pornography, and ‘graphic sex lessons as early as 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> grades.” It further accuses the bill of promoting abortion and teaching high risk behaviors. “This is a coordinated indoctrination of our youth. Planned Parenthood is backing this as it promotes abortion.” Oh, and “one of the largest pornography sites is offering sex ed.” This is why I checked out the bill. You will see that it does none of these things. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And its all a Communist plot. Really. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Some really interesting (and a bit nauseating) conspiracy ranting about how George Soros is really behind the censorship on Amazon. Etc. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In fall 2019 The Skagit County Republican Party and its chair, Bill Bruch, which have strongly supported Donald Trump, both recently joined We Speak, a right-wing Christian alternative to Facebook.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Questions posed in a telephone poll. Would the facts below change your opinion of Bill Bruch?</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Bruch has been sued multiple times for mismanaging other people’s money</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ In at least one instance Bruch failed to appear in court on one of those charges</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Bruch supports Trump and Trump’s wall</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Bruch calls COVID a plot by Bill Gates and Dr Fauci, and that wearing a mask can cause heart attacks, so advocates against their use.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Bruch wants to roll back Medicare and coverage for pre-existing conditions</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Bruch wants to institute an “age tax” on older people to pay for their medical coverage</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Bruch supports Spokane’s proud Nazi legislator, Matt Shea.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I now have copies of 2 of the actual court cases. He did indeed fail to appear - twice. He swindled elderly people out of literally millions of dollars. In the really big case he hired doctors to claim that the sick elderly victim was mentally competent, got him to sign a power of attorney, and then wiped out his bank account. If none of the other negative issues existed, this would be enough. I’m wondering what this man is doing walking the streets rather than spending time in prison for fraud. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Bottom Line: We’ve got a right-wing criminal “businessman” who is willing to hurt people for money. It feels almost incidental that he sees conspiracies around every corner. He’s ready to believe that Black Lives Matter is an Antifa conspiracy, that COVID is overblown and a power grab by Bill Gates and Anthony Fauci. I would love to hear him speak on climate change and environmental issues. Even if we had no alternative, I would not vote for this guy. He belongs in jail.</span></p><div><br /></div><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dave Paul</b>, D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.votedavepaul.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.votedavepaul.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Dave lists his issues as follows:</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Care – worked to: </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ lower cost of prescription drugs </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ reduce the cost of insulin </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ fund COVID response </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ fund mental health & substance abuse services </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I could go on here, but bottom line he is doing his best to respond to the crisis in all parts of our society caused by COVID and the response to it. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Education – The man is an educator, so its not surprising that he puts a fair amount of focus here. He has worked to: </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ reduce the cost of Running Start programs </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ establish a Running start summer term program </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ improve support for para-educators </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ remove high-stakes testing as a graduation requirement </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ provide affordable college and tech schools</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Family Wage Jobs – worked to: </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ ensure living wages</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ guarantee the right of unions to bargain</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ better parental leave policies</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ increase childcare options</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ require more flexible work schedules </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ mandate pay transparency</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ create apprenticeship programs</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Environment -worked to: </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ clean up and preserve public lands for fishing, hunting, and recreation</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ reduce the effects of climate change on farming, fishing, and tourism</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ reduce greenhouse gases by investing in farming and forestry</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ phase out coal by 2025 (that’s the Colstrip plant in Montana, where PSE gets a significant share of our electric power). </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Housing – yes, he wants affordable housing, so wants to see more apartments, condos, “starter homes” and mid-range housing. He does not want to weaken the Growth Management Act because that may lead to more housing, but not more affordability.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Supporting Veterans – worked to: </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ expand support for veteran students</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ increase access to education, affordable housing, and healthcare</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ grant veterans and their children in-state tuition</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ full retirement benefits. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He has proposed a whole menu of what he calls simple fixes to make life easier for veterans and their families.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He lists Community Investments. This is the part where he tells us what bacon he has brought home. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$300k+ for the Anacortes Family Center, to improve childcare and housing affordability programs</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$1 million for Ebey’s Landing to protect historic structures within the reserve</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$1 million for the Ferry to Ken’s Corner trail segment</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">$1 million for upgrades to Skagit County’s emergency communication (911) system.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He supports raising the minimum age for buying assault rifles to 21, and adding further regulations on the sale of guns.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He supported the sex ed bill (again, check R-90 for the whole rap) and the loonies, including his opponent, are trying to crucify him for it. To quote from his constituent update: “I trust our parents, teachers, and school board members to make the best decisions for students at the local level. I have experienced first-hand how this relationship works and know how important this collaboration is to develop appropriate curricula for our students.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“The legislature passed a bill to help promote healthy families, providing better tools for parents, educators, and school districts to teach affirmative consent and bystander training that protect our children, as well as strengthening the requirement for school districts to consult with parents and guardians when developing this important curriculum.” Perish the thought, teaching kids to say no to inappropriate touching, and to intervene when it is happening to someone else. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is endorsed by a slew of Dem organizations, unions, good government and issue organizations, and even the Washington State Patrol Troopers’ Association. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In the legislature he has sponsored or supported: </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ 100% clean electricity (no more coal fired PSE power)</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ stronger efficiency standards for commercial buildings</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ the Solar Fairness Act</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ expanded transportation electrification and pollution reduction</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ appliance efficiency standards</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ phase out of climate impacting super pollutants</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ shoreline habitat protection</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ orca protection</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ oil spill prevention</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ toxic cleanup funding</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ and more</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have met Dave Paul and spoken with him a number of times and he is obviously very bright, thoughtful, and easy to talk to/argue with. As with others, there are issues on which we disagree, but we don’t have to argue about the underpinnings. We have a shared understanding of how the world works. I have been most pleased with what I see Dave Paul doing in the legislature and will be most happy to vote to keep him there. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Dave Paul.</b></span></span></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-43032678477804876332020-09-04T18:29:00.005-07:002020-10-14T16:21:21.206-07:00Island County Commissioners<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Island County</span></b></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b></b></span><br /></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Commissioner, district 1 </span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Damian Greene</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/islandcountycommissioner2020/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/islandcountycommissioner2020/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Make county government more responsive without increasing tax burden.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Will pursue ways to improve your life without increasing your financial burden.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">video with sound track: God bless the red, white, and blue, with images of eagles and Blue Angels jets.</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/letters/greene-has-a-vision-common-sense-ideas/?fbclid=IwAR3vbVUvsWIT1voh5a_JnjhiNSga1Oh_mBqy-hhuxA7yy-HPUD-zRjN-acI"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/letters/greene-has-a-vision-common-sense-ideas/?fbclid=IwAR3vbVUvsWIT1voh5a_JnjhiNSga1Oh_mBqy-hhuxA7yy-HPUD-zRjN-acI</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a letter to the editor touting his commitment to efficiency and streamlining of all county processing. Somehow this involves a full-time commitment, not to be divided with other board commitments. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“The salmon watershed needs repair from neglect.” and more such incomprehensibilities.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">signed by Char Henderson, his campaign manager. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He proposes to:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ streamline all county processing to help minimize lengthy delays</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ repair neglected salmon watersheds</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ ease commuting for Boeing employees</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ promote more accessibility to Paine field and ferry parking</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Damien posts that he attended a “love of country” rally in Oak Harbor May 24, with Char Henderson. The photo shows no sign either of masks or of distancing. I have a lot of trouble with people who do not take COVID seriously. Makes me think either they’re not conscious of the threat, which makes them a danger to those around them, or they don’t care, which makes them callous to the harm they’re doing. He was obviously aware of the problem, as he posted about disaster assistance for small businesses and a link to the News Times story about COVID testing being available back in March. Since then he has been spotted at many super spreader events, and almost even hosted one. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He says he will work to create a more robust business community to increase our standard of living while protecting our natural resources and rural character.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He advocates for a transit connection to Boeing, and Paine Field, with potential long term parking at the Mukilteo ferry, and ‘strategic growth management’ to improve quality of living while limiting cost burdens to taxpayers. There is uncertainty in this COVID era because of reduced sales & taxes.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His vision:</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ help the ferry advisory board toward a cost saving 24 hr ferry service, combat line cutting, pursue passenger loading ramp, and implement county resident priority boarding</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ pursue light rail up Japanese Gulch to Boeing and Paine Field, and add ferry parking</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ improve fire/EMS to save on property insurance</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ improve application processing time; accept payment on line</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ understand assessor’s use of algorithm to determine property taxes</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ if there is to be no sewer in Freeland, then review its Non Municipal Urban Growth Area status </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ sewers are good for health, business, & affordable housing</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ review housing policies monthly to assure relevance, compliance, and effectiveness</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given Mr Greene’s stated priorities, I think he would be better off running for the South Whidbey Port District. That is the place to work on such matters as light rail on the mainland and parking in Mukilteo. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There is the usual Republican “fiscal conservative” talk about how we’re going to cut taxes while increasing services. That’s magical thinking. County staff have to be paid. The work has to get done. The money has to come from somewhere, and taxes are the source of that money. His proposed solutions of streamlining permits and doing away with Growth Management would harm the land and the people of Island County. My impression is that Mr Greene does not have a clear understanding of the job. I am also completely put off by his evident intention to remain on the South Whidbey School Board while serving as county commissioner. While there may be no direct conflict of interest, there will most definitely be competition for his time and attention. I do not believe this would be a good fit for Island County.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Since I wrote the above, Mr Greene has been seen consorting with the furthest Right sorts in Oak Harbor, and supporting their anti-everybody agendas. The local Black Lives Matter supporters say his performance at a School Board meeting revealed his racism. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Melanie Bacon</b>, D </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.melaniebaconcandidate.org/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.melaniebaconcandidate.org/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #696573; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">"I feel deeply committed to serve as a devoted caretaker of this amazing place known as Island County. Having spent the last nine years working intimately with the Board of Island County Commissioners, and living on Whidbey, I wish to continue the forward movement of both sense and compassion established by Helen Price-Johnson and other community leaders."</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ Smart government on a budget</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ common sense ‘green policy’</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">~ growth with preservation</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She presents a 2030 Plan for Island County. Her vision for 2030 is both ambitious and green. It appears to be rather well thought through. Overall it looks good.. I appreciate that. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Having interviewed her, I get a good hit. I like this woman.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am very put off by Melanie’s insistence that public employees have no right to strike. This was based on her belief that the services provided to the public are too important to be stopped over such issues as pay and worker safety. I believe she misunderstood a discussion of how electromagnetic frequencies (EMF) can have an adverse health impact on humans and the environment. She certainly has a very positive agenda overall, much to be praised.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am not thrilled with what I have seen of her management style in these past few months. I agree that she has a ton of relevant experience and that she has in the past demonstrated a progressive agenda. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Recently Melanie recommended Island County Tax Assessor Mary Engle as temporary Planning Director. I told Melanie that I disagreed with that appointment and find that many other people are now dealing with Mary's abuse. I don't think we should hold Mary Engle's mistreatment of the public against Melanie. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To quote one person who has dealt with Melanie: I don't know why she comes across as so abrasive. She's really nice in person. I agree. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I would much rather have voted for Nathan Howard, but that ship has sailed. At least we know that Melanie agrees that climate change is real, that COVID is real, and that county government is intended to serve all the people.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: large;">So I will be voting for <span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Melanie Bacon</b></span><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> and hoping for the best. </span></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Commissioner, district 2</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dan Evans</b><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://friendsofdanevans.com/contact-us"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://friendsofdanevans.com/contact-us</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdanevans/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/friendsofdanevans/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lives and works in Oak Harbor, American Family Insurance Agency. Board president of Oak Harbor Main Street. “This year we have been successful in stopping the LIHI housing project that was pushed by our current Island County Commissioner in an illegal zoning area in the city.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My take on that: LIHI = Low Income Housing Institute. The proposal is for 51 units of affordable housing with retail businesses both at the Pioneer Way level and down below. 20% of the units would be set aside for veterans. The Pioneer Way business community has had a meltdown over the very idea of having poor people actually living right there in the middle of their business district. It is very telling to me that Mr Evans touts proudly his work to prevent such housing. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And of course he’s a Navy booster and loves local law enforcement, who need to be “treated with the respect that they deserve.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">So, he hates affordable housing in Oak Harbor, but says he will make affordable housing a primary focus during his first 4 year term. This is more easily explained by knowing that he is the chosen candidate of Scott Thompson, the developer trying to push through Wright’s Crossing, the 1500 house proposal at Monroe Landing, well outside Oak Harbor. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Sure enough, a quick perusal of the PDC reports shows that his top two campaign contributors are Scott Thompson and a woman most likely his wife. And on July 4 that very same Thompson held an open air campaign event which included Mr Evans. That event involved a whole slew of candidates and their supporters all crammed together with nary a mask in sight. Not very safe or respectful. And evidently he had no objection to the targeting and beating of a peaceful person who thought “all are welcome” meant he could attend as well. That person ended up in Harborview with a concussion. Evans’ sponsor, Scott Thompson, was the instigator of that action. </span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Update: Dan Evans, in his Economic Development role, defied the City of Oak Harbor to organize a super spreader event on city property against the specific prohibition by the city. He has now made his opinions clearer: climate change is a hoax, COVID is a hoax, and Trump is a great guy. He still doesn't know squat about Island County government, but we do know that he would kill Conservation Futures, and try to trash the Growth Management Act, which is what keeps Island County from rampant unsustainable development. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">To say that his issues are sparse is an understatement. What is happening here is that Mr Scott Thompson, having lost repeatedly in court and before the Island County commissioners in his attempt to permit Wright’s Crossing, is trying to buy himself a commissioner. I sincerely hope the people of Island County are not fooled by this developer in candidate’s clothing.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Jill Johnson</b>, R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://electjilljohnson.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://electjilljohnson.com/</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This is a very rudimentary web page. It appears to be a recent one. </span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VoteJill"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/VoteJill</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This has more information, including a series of video questions and answers. What comes through for me is that she actually takes COVID seriously, having had a series of Vote for Jill facemasks printed. The people waving signs for her are masked. She discusses the matter as a reality to be dealt with. That’s a refreshing contrast with all the other Republicans I have reviewed. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have had to deal with Jill Johnson from the day she first took office. We are by no means friends. She has done a zillion things that I think were bad, wrong, stupid. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In my blog post for the primary, where there were more and better choices, I listed the many reasons I object to Jill and her management. I have deleted most of them this time, limiting it to matters surrounding Wright’s Crossing, which is really the oversized elephant in the courthouse hearing room this time around. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">10-14-17 Whidbey News Times<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commission split 2-1 over expanding planning area. Oak Harbor asked to expand its Urban Growth Area to include Wright’s Crossing. Wright’s Crossing, you may recall, is the proposal to build 1500 houses on 250 acres of farmland near the Blue Fox drive-in south of Oak Harbor. Jill liked the idea. “This step is not a step that gives this project any more momentum.” Well, in fact, it does. It is the necessary first step. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1-6-18 Whidbey Record. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Johnson Calls Banks ‘Snake’, Liar.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Tensions boiled over when prosecutor Greg Banks asked the commissioners for permission to hire outside counsel for litigation regarding Wright’s Crossing. The combative meeting included yelling, name calling, and accusations of lying. Wright’s Crossing is asking a judge to reverse the commissioners’ decision to exclude a requested expansion of the Oak Harbor UGA (Urban Growth Area) from the planning docket. This would have been the first step toward allowing the proposed large scale development south of the city. “This kind of litigation could involve teams of lawyers on opposing sides” Banks said. His request was not well received by commissioners Helen Price-Johnson and Jill Johnson. Johnson pointed out the ‘irony’ of the ask, referring to a lawsuit involving the board, Banks and a private attorney. In 2016 the state Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the commissioners acted in an unlawful and unconstitutional manner when they hired a private attorney over the objection of Banks. This lawsuit was referenced frequently during the discussion which lasted approximately 45 minutes.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s a long story, involving yelling on all sides. ‘Johnson made it clear the past lawsuit was not water under the bridge.’ “I would say I don’t trust you, and that’s my issue with outside counsel and under your direction” she (Jill) said. Banks grew visibly frustrated during the heated discussion and was told multiple times by Helen to stop interrupting. “I’m sitting here putting up with the usual torrent of abuse because this should be such a simple thing, but you want to dig back into your illegal actions from a couple years ago because you can’t acknowledge the fact that I advised you that it was illegal, you did it anyway, and you lost. Can we move on?”</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Banks said he had been bullied by the board for years, after being called a bully himself by Johnson. Further on: Jill said “We know for a fact you notify the press on those things, because we’ve seen the text messages. You make us look bad.” and further “You can stab me in the back when you have the chance, we all know your personality. You’re a snake.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">1-6-18 News Times editorial: Fighting among elected officials is unhelpful, unacceptable.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">An Island County commissioner acted outrageously and shamefully this week in attacking the county’s elected prosecutor because she was still sore about losing a court case to him a year ago.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Commissioner Jill Johnson lost her temper and accused Prosecutor Greg Banks of lying and even called him ‘a snake.’</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is not the first time commissioner Johnson was accused of losing her temper at Banks and acting inappropriately. In 2016 at least two staff members in the prosecutor’s office complained to HR after Johnson got upset in his office and screamed profanities for all to hear. She allegedly continued her tirade after she left the building. Its no small matter. One staff member said she was left shaken. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is not the way elected officials should act. They should be models of civility and rationality. They shouldn’t let vendettas color their discussion or decision-making process.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">2-22-20 Whidbey Record Johnson Seeking 3<sup>rd</sup> Term on County Commission. Jill says she is a </span><span style="font-size: large;">steadfast supporter of the Navy and law enforcement, that she commonly questions spending decisions, and that she cares about challenging social issues. She says she is a strong advocate for affordable housing and behavioral health treatment. “Its easy to talk about what you have done, but its harder to communicate things that haven’t happened because you were in the room. I am often the brakes. I believe that knowing when to say no is as important as saying yes.”</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My personal experiences with Jill, and there have been too many, have not been pleasant. Possibly the most characteristic/outrageous happened after a hearing in the windowless basement dungeon hearing room. It was Jill’s birthday and after adjourning everybody was invited to stay and have cake. We were picking up our coats to get out of there when Jill came up to us with paper plates of cake in hand. Neither Steve nor I eat commercial cake so we demurred. Jill then said that the best birthday present we could give her would be to retire and spend our “golden years” somewhere other than Island County. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In her favor, Jill has pushed for and accomplished a mental health treatment facility in Oak Harbor. And the fact that she now takes COVID seriously. </span></p>
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<p><span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">The best thing I can say about Jill is that she will likely be better than the shill being run by Scott Thompson, Mr Wright’s Crossing. Stuck once again with the lesser evil,</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Jill Johnson</b></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span> </span></span></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-50246983536977205432020-09-04T18:27:00.008-07:002020-09-29T16:21:52.731-07:00Judical positions<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">State Supreme Court</span></b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><u>position 3</u></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Dave Larson</b></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/larsonforjustice/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/larsonforjustice/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://larsonforwa.com/?fbclid=IwAR2zooBX808kp4viZAiJglSDOqNg5jA8McLJX2jg24ywEk5qBpZNZYgTv7Y"><span style="font-size: medium;">http://larsonforwa.com/?fbclid=IwAR2zooBX808kp4viZAiJglSDOqNg5jA8McLJX2jg24ywEk5qBpZNZYgTv7Y</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“uphold the state constitution as written”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“make our communities safer and the lives of people better through drug courts, mental health courts, veteran’s courts, and community courts.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">fair, impartial, non-partisan. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">rated exceptionally well qualified as a trial judge.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He lists about a million items in his bio. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">There’s nothing blatantly awful about this candidate. I have some concerns about his strict Constitutionalism. He just made the mistake of running against a woman who has the potential to follow in the footsteps of the great RBG. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Raquel Montoya-Lewis</b> incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supreme/bios/?fa=scbios.display_file&fileID=MontoyaLewis"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supreme/bios/?fa=scbios.display_file&fileID=MontoyaLewis</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/native-american-jewish-justice-raquel-montoya-lewis-explains-how-to-make-history/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.timesofisrael.com/native-american-jewish-justice-raquel-montoya-lewis-explains-how-to-make-history/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2020/04/raquel-montoya-lewis-is-ready-for-the-state-supreme-court"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.seattlemet.com/news-and-city-life/2020/04/raquel-montoya-lewis-is-ready-for-the-state-supreme-court</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Former chief judge for Lummi, Nooksack, and Upper Skagit tribes.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Taught at WWU: cultural identity development, transgender histories & identities, children & the law, federal Indian law, property law, legal writing. Presents nationally on implicit bias, cultural identity, Indian child welfare – the list goes on. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta, descendant of the Laguna tribe. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Her father was Pueblo of Isleta and her mother was Jewish. She was brought up in both traditions, and it shows. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">This one’s a keeper. Her history resonates with me. And she’s already in the position. She has a tatoo on her arm. It says “Be kind. Do justice.” How can you argue with that?</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Its pretty obvious to me that Raquel Montoya-Lewis is doing right by us and we should keep her there.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> I’ll be voting for <span style="color: red;">Raquel Montoya-Lewis.</span> </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>position 4</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Charles Johnson</b> incumbent, unopposed</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s been on the court since 1991 and has been doing a good job for us all these years. Even though I generally do not vote for unopposed candidates, </span><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting for justice <span style="color: red;">Charles Johnson</span>. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>position 6</b></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Richard Serns</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.richardsernssc2020.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.richardsernssc2020.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His background is in education, as a teacher and administrator. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He runs, hikes, and camps.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His campaign slogan “finding solutions, not finding fault.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I find myself niggling because as an educator his website should not be so poorly edited. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He’s got a great discussion on “strict construction” vs “living document.” I happen to disagree with his conclusion, even if it is well argued. My main concern is that this man has never actually practiced law or served as a judge. That’s a very poor starting point for wanting to serve on the supreme court. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>G Helen Whitener </b> incumbent</span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.justicehelenwhitener.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.justicehelenwhitener.com/</span></a></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.courts.wa.gov/index.cfm?fa=home.sub&org=mjc&layout=2&page=bioWhitener"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.courts.wa.gov/index.cfm?fa=home.sub&org=mjc&layout=2&page=bioWhitener</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has served as a Pierce County Superior Court judge and as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She was appointed by Governor Inslee in April of this year. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She has received awards for “excellence in diversity and inclusion” </span></p><p style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She happens to be African-American. She's originally from Trinidad, and tells a delightful story about meeting a moose in Alaska. She come across as a wonderful personality, with a strong focus on teaching and inspiring young people. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting to re-elect <span style="color: red;">Helen Whitener.</span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">position 7</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Debra Stephens incumbent<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supreme/bios/?fa=scbios.display_file&fileID=stephens"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.courts.wa.gov/appellate_trial_courts/supreme/bios/?fa=scbios.display_file&fileID=stephens</span></a></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Unanimously elected by her colleagues as Chief Justice of the Washington State Supreme Court, 2019.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Originally appointed by Governor Christine Gregoire in 2008. </span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Previously served as judge in the Court of Appeals.</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium; text-decoration: underline;">
</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Has an extensive history of arguing cases before state and federal courts.</span></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">while I don't often vote for people running unopposed, this one is worth the vote. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I will be voting to re-elect <span style="color: red;">Debra Stephens</span>.</span></p><div><br /></div><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Island County Superior Court</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 1</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Christon Skinner</span></b></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.skinnerforjudge.com/?fbclid=IwAR1lmO9DtQ3hiUbeIm0tIcHXGbpj2BdEi2gxAU9Tmyk13fU6QzkqiPyaREA"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.skinnerforjudge.com/?fbclid=IwAR1lmO9DtQ3hiUbeIm0tIcHXGbpj2BdEi2gxAU9Tmyk13fU6QzkqiPyaREA</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ElectSkinner2020/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.facebook.com/ElectSkinner2020/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He is running unopposed, unfortunately. He is endorsed by a whole long list of people whose political positions I dislike intensely. I also heard from an attorney that he was systematically leaning on all the attorneys in the county to endorse him. I find that less than honorable. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: large;">I will be leaving this one blank.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">position 2</span></b></span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Its really awkward writing about judicial candidates. By law they are not allowed to express opinions on any subject which might come before them as a judge. That doesn’t leave a whole lot they can talk about. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Carolyn Cliff</span></b></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.carolyncliff4judge.com/"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.carolyncliff4judge.com/</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:carolyncliff4judge@gmail.com"><span style="font-size: medium;">carolyncliff4judge@gmail.com</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">trustee, Arise Trust (scholarships for women)</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Senior Services Foundation board</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s “lived in that courthouse” since 1989. Does her homework.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She provides a list of clients and cases, and has represented people who are absolutely opposed to what I work for on a daily basis. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is a strong supporter of drug court, saying that it provides incentives to change behavior and it is cost effective. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She promises to exercise respect, dignity, compassion, and patience. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She believes that court appointed defense attorneys do a good job for indigent defendants. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In response to a question about moot courts, she said that she would cheerfully participate, whether elected or not. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I have known Carolyn Cliff peripherally since she first set up shop in Island County. I think she would be an ‘ok’ judge, but I think we have a better choice.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-indent: 4.5px;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Kathleen Petrich</span></b></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.friendstoelectkathleenpetrich.com/index.html"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.friendstoelectkathleenpetrich.com/index.html</span></a></span></p>
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<p style="color: #0079cd; font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-petrich-5b702a4"><span style="font-size: medium;">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-petrich-5b702a4</span></a></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">president, Friends of the Langley Library</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">passion for rule of law, access to justice programs, creating healthy communities, and stewardship of our planet’s natural resources. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">retired from private practice 2018.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">“I'm passionate about the importance of good courts at every level of the nation. Confidence in the rule of law and in the fairness of our judiciary is a pillar of a country that works for all its citizens. We all need to know that our voices will be heard and that justice will be fair to us and to our neighbors. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Being a good judge is hard work and I’m a proven hard worker, with decades of experience in the law. Each person before the Court has a matter of great importance to him/her/them. They deserve a fair, impartial, hard-working, smart, kind, firm judge who comes prepared and ready to render a just result. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I will be that judge.”</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span> <span> </span></span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span>Highly respected attorney for nearly 3 decades (admitted to practice in Washington State in 1992) </span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span> <span> </span></span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span>Named Best Lawyer & Washington Super Lawyer (top 50 women list)</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span> <span> • </span></span>Current Island County Pro Tem Superior Court Judge (on an as needed basis)</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span> <span> </span></span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span>Former Island County District Court Pro Tem Judge<span> </span></span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><span> <span> <span> <span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span><span> </span></span>•<span> <span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span>Years of complex civil litigation (mostly in Federal Courts in Washington and around the country)</span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span> <span> </span></span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span>Law Degree (Juris Doctorate) from Seattle University School of Law (1992)</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span> <span> </span></span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span>Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering from Valparaiso University (1982)</span></span></p><p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span> <span> </span></span>•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span>Married 33 years, a mom for 26</span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">She is a big fan of drug courts. That option is determined by the prosecutor. There is limited access. Its great if it works. Incarceration is the most expensive option. On treatment vs punishment, the judge must balance the possible harm the defendant can do, both to him/herself and to the community. She works for fairness.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Given that your practice has focused specifically on intellectual property law, how will you address matters in the many varied areas which will come before you?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She has practiced with many good lawyers. She will have to do on-the-job training. Luckily she is a quick study. There are no law school courses on how to be a judge. She will miss judges Hancock and Churchill. She calls herself a “knowledge junkie” and finds it exciting to learn new areas of importance to participants in a case.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">How can indigent and pro se defendants and/or appellants find justice when confronting well paid and well trained opposition attorneys?</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The system should be equal but it is not. Judges walk a fine line when dealing with pro se parties. Judges are forbidden to help the parties. It is a problem and becomes painful watching untrained people bumble through the process. Criminal defendants have a right to counsel, but not civil litigants. She can refer parties to resources. The state bar association has created a Licensed Legal Tech program, but it only applies to family law.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She would love to see defense funded but is pessimistic. She would love to see public education, legal advice, and general information on how courts operate.</span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Please tell us about moot courts and how you would implement them.</span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are 4 schools which serve Island County. We could do a moot court competition, complete with state mock trial teams. Many attorneys go into the field after participating in moot courts and mock trials. This brings in kids from diverse and challenged backgrounds. There are some great stories. She would visit with history and civics teachers, school principals, and the bar association, and draft up a plan/outline. She would commit to meeting and practicing with the kids. All this would culminate in a mock trial, then a debrief and celebration. Students would also gain school credit for their work. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">What is the role of a court commissioner?<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The court commissioner wears the robe and is assigned by the sitting judges to juvenile court, family court, and pro tem to other cases. The court is now very lean. She will advocate for the court system. She likes the idea of quarterly public forums, in an annual cycle of topics, with a tour of the courthouse. The forums would present the various steps involved in a court case. She finds civics education to be scarily limited, and says that understanding the court system is important. </span></p>
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<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I asked a question of both candidates: Are you familiar with the necessity defense, and would you entertain it in an environmental case? Neither was familiar with this defense as practiced. Kathleen was upfront about saying she was unfamiliar but was interested to learn. FYI, the necessity defense says that you had to do something illegal to prevent a greater harm. The classic: I had to hit him hard to get him off the railroad track before the train ran him over. Until recently judges have not allowed the necessity defense in environmental cases. That is beginning to change. </span></p>
<p style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: large; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-size: medium;">Overall, I think Kathleen Petrich will serve us better as a Superior Court judge.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">I will be voting for </span><span style="color: #ff2600; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b>Kathleen Petrich. </b></span> </span></p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-5960364141673499362020-08-19T13:06:00.002-07:002020-08-19T13:07:56.578-07:00Election Timeline Update<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><b>Information for Voters - the election process in Island County</b></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We’ve all been worrying about the upcoming general election and how we can have a fair election with the craziness around the meltdown of the US Postal Service. People have been asking me how we could convince Island County’s elections office to mail out ballots earlier, to give us more time to return them.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So on Monday, August 17, I phoned the elections office to ask about it. Everyone needs to know that Michele Reagan, the woman who runs that office, is a jewel. She’s been there since before Washington began the vote by mail system, so she knows every tiny detail of how the system works, and she is passionate about making sure every eligible voter is able to vote, and that every vote is counted. She spent a good deal of time on the phone with me, after hours, to make sure she answered all my questions.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>You may remember that we had a primary on August 4. Seems forever ago, but as I type, on August 18, the elections office is tallying the very last straggling ballots, and by the end of business today will certify the final tally to the Secretary of State’s office. The Secretary of State then has until Friday, August 21, to certify the primary results statewide.</p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>There are issues on the November ballot besides the top two candidates for positions coming out of the primary. There are initiatives, referenda, possibly more of Tim Eyman’s wasteful and hated “advisory votes.” I think there will be some state supreme court candidates and maybe some appeals court candidates as well. And then there are other offices for which only two candidates filed, and local issues, usually from “junior taxing districts.” In this election, North Whidbey Fire & Rescue will be asking for a levy lid lift. All of that has to be sorted out before the actual ballots are designed. That is done by the county elections office, based on information provided by the Secretary of State and local results. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>By law, the ballot masters must go to the printer 40 – 45 days before the November election, so between September 18 and 24. For Island County that means that the elections office emails PDFs of all the different ballot masters – remember that each precinct may be different – to the printers in Everett. The printers then print out the different ballots, compile the individual ballot packages, and address the outer envelopes. And then they mail them. So, our ballots will be coming from Everett, which should hopefully cut down on transit time. By law those must be in the mail at least 18 days before the election, which would be no later than October 16. It has been the practice to send out ballots as much as 20 or even 21 days before the election. Ms Reagan assured me that she was doing what she could to push up that schedule by a few days, which is all the leeway there is. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>She agreed with me that the best way to assure your ballot reaches the elections office is to put it in one of the convenient ballot drop boxes. I always post the locations in my blog, but she pointed out that they are also listed in the county elections website: <a href="https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://www.islandcountywa.gov/Auditor/Elections/Pages/Home.aspx</span></a>. Scroll down and you will even find a map of the drop box locations. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It goes without saying that if you are not registered to vote, <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>DO IT NOW!</b></span> There is information on how to do that on-line on the same web page. If outside of Island County (or even inside the county) check out <a href="https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://voter.votewa.gov/WhereToVote.aspx</span></a> or <a href="https://olvr.votewa.gov/"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://olvr.votewa.gov/</span></a> Ms Reagan pointed out to me that for people who are traveling, they can go to that VoteWa.gov site and print out a ballot. I asked how they kept track of such printed ballots and she told me the whole story. They can and do track each printout, and if someone really does try to submit multiple ballots, they are set aside and the one with the latest date and time stamp is the one that will be counted. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And back to that question about the post office and slow moving ballots. Ms Reagan assured me that as long as that ballot is postmarked on or before November 3, if it reaches their office by the certification deadline date, November 24, it will be counted. </p>
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<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>We often wonder, when we pay our taxes, what we’re paying for. One of the things on which we get a very big bang for not much of a buck is Island County’s elections office. We see the utter chaos in other parts of the country. We can thank Michele Reagan and her team for keeping it clean and smooth in Island County.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 15px;"><br /></p><p> </p>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-68991557046016106942020-07-14T12:03:00.000-07:002020-07-31T13:34:46.635-07:002020 primary, introduction and important notes<b>Introduction</b><br />
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Welcome to the mostly new and slightly revamped 2020 primary edition of Marianne’s Politiblog. We have now suffered through the first Washington presidential primary and are pretty much stuck with the result. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time to move on to the Washington-specific primary, and it’s a doozy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many candidates on one ballot. 36 for governor alone. This has led me to try to cut a corner or two (it didn’t work) and not research every candidate. As much as I could cut back was to simply say “also ran” for the many candidates who merely entered their names and never did anything else. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am hereby advocating for minimum standards for filing as a candidate. They should 1) be able to write a coherent sentence. 2) be able to articulate the job description of the post for which they are filing. 3) have sufficient internet know-how (or the funds to hire that know-how) to create a net presence. Most particularly in our new COVID limited world, voters should not have to go out physically to find information about candidates. In that regard I have to give credit to the Democrats, the Republicans, the Progressives, Indivisible, the League of Women Voters, and probably some I’ve overlooked for their work to present the candidates and their platforms.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>UPDATE</b> - Now that I've figured out how to update the blog without adding whole new posts, I will be inserting updates in red. Check them out below. </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">7-23-20 Update about Dave Paul and his downright toxic opponent. See under State Legislature.</span><br />
<span style="color: red;"><br /></span><span style="color: red;">7-24-20 New update re: Nathan Howard. See under County Commissioners.</span><br />
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<span style="color: red;">7-27-20 New update re: Jason Call. See under Congress</span></div>
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<b>So, on to the basics:</b></div>
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First, you need to know that you are registered to vote. To check, go to https://weiapplets.sos.wa.gov/MyVote/#/login </div>
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Ballots are supposed to go into the mail on July 15. Look for your ballot, and if you haven’t seen one by about July 24, contact the elections office. </div>
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The deadline for registering on line and by mail is July 27, but I am informed that because the office is closed, they will continue to accept on line registrations after that date. For more information call 360-679-7366 or email <a href="mailto:elections@co.island.wa.us"><span style="color: #0079cd;">elections@islandcountywa.gov</span></a>. Because they’re not open to the public right now you need to deal with them electronically or via phone. I am told you can still change your address or register right up to election day by filling in the necessary paperwork and dropping it into the ballot box in front of the elections office in Coupeville. </div>
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I called the elections office in mid-June to ask about several issues and was very favorably impressed. I got a tutorial on how signature verification works and what they do to assure that every vote is counted. Then I asked about the health and safety of the people counting the ballots and was given a guided tour of all the things the office is doing, including the Plexiglas “sneeze shields” as they are evidently called, and even clear plastic curtains to separate workers at tables, so they can see each other and talk, but stay safe. While the offices will open to the public for the election(s), hours will be limited and there will be a requirement for all PPEs. No mask, no gloves, no service. I had the distinct impression that they had thought through all of the issues quite thoroughly and have come up with good solutions. One issue I hadn’t considered was that of the vote count watchers. They are considering simply adding cameras and putting the whole event on line. They’re also talking about installing view windows into the counting rooms. As of today, July 13, that issue remains unresolved. </div>
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So, to make your vote count, do one of the following:<br />
<span style="color: red;"><b>HOT NEW BULLETIN - DON'T TRUST YOUR BALLOT TO THE MAIL. </b></span><br />
The newly appointed postmaster general has actually mandated the slowing down of mail delivery. <i>https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/07/15/how-trumps-war-postal-service-could-create-an-election-nightmare/ </i> Getting your ballot to the PO by Monday may not get it to Coupeville by Tuesday. Take the time and energy to find one of the 6 ballot drop box locations below to be sure your vote counts. </div>
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Drop your ballot in one of the 6 ballot drop boxes before 8:00 pm on Tuesday, August 4. They are located at:</div>
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Island County Elections Office - front parking lot</div>
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400 N Main Street Coupeville</div>
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Trinity Lutheran Church - side parking lot</div>
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18341 Hwy 525 Freeland</div>
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Ken’s Corner Shopping Center - in front of the stores</div>
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4141 Hwy 525 (at Langley Road) Clinton</div>
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Island County Camano Annex</div>
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121 N East Camano Drive Camano Island</div>
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Langley Post Office - front patio</div>
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115 2nd Street Langley</div>
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Oak Harbor City Hall</div>
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865 SE Barrington Oak Harbor</div>
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And 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.<br />
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I find I have to add a caveat: Yeah, there's a "donate" button on the blog. But I will not accept donations from any candidate on the ballot. Its a matter of appearance of fairness. If my opinion could be bought, I would be no more than another avenue of campaign advertising. My opinions are my own, thank you.</div>
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Once again, whatever you do, VOTE. And make sure everyone you know votes as well. Feel free to share this information widely. We have all learned from painful experience these last 3.5 years what happens when the wrong people are in positions of power. And, for that matter, here in Washington, what happens when the right people are in power at a difficult time.<br />
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We are now seeing camouflaged stormtroopers (to quote Nancy Pelosi) on the streets of Portland and other cities. There is a very real growing concern that these troops may well be posted at certain polling places to "guarantee the safety of the voters." Aren't we glad we vote by mail?</div>
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<b>Table of Contents</b></div>
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Be aware that because there are so many candidates and so many offices, I have had to break up the blog into numerous separate posts. Look for the menu down the right side of the page. Here are the positions on the ballot this time, in the order I found them on the sample ballot:</div>
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US Congress</div>
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Governor</div>
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Lieutenant Governor</div>
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Secretary of State</div>
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State Treasurer</div>
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State Auditor</div>
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Attorney General</div>
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Commissioner of Public Lands</div>
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Superintendent of Public Instruction</div>
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Insurance Commissioner</div>
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Legislative District 10</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Senator</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Legislature, position 1</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Legislature, position 2</div>
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Island County Commissioners</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>District 1</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>District 2</div>
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Sorry, I just don’t have it in me right now to dive into the issue of the Fire/EMS levies.</div>
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No doubt you have been seeing signs for Superior Court judge candidates. Those are not on the ballot. They will be on the November ballot.</div>
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Every issue of the blog, I get requests and demands from people to “just give me the crib sheet so I’ll know how to vote.” It doesn’t work that way. I put literally hundreds of hours into each of these blogs, and I expect you to read at least some of the candidate info. I’ll cut you a little bit of a deal, though. I have arranged each office so that the last one on the list is the one I intend to vote for, so you don’t really have to wade through all of them - but I will consider it cheating! I really think it is important to know who some of these other candidates are and what they are trying to foist on all of us. Ok. End of lecture. Happy reading.</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">R-90, Comprehensive Sexual Education</span></b></div>
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There is one major issue that you will see arising time and again with state level candidates, and that is Sex Ed. It shows up mostly in the Governor and Superintendent of Public Instruction races. It came up so often that I had to write a separate entry to explain what its all about. Here it is:</div>
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Superintendent of Public Instruction vs R-90</div>
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Before getting into the weeds of who all is running for this position, I have to get into the one single issue that is frying all of their cookies, namely ESSB 5395, a bill which passed last year “concerning comprehensive sexual health education.”</div>
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R-90 is a referendum which most likely will be on the November ballot, seeking to reverse this legislation. To hear the referendum sponsors – and many of them are running for Superintendent of Public Instruction on this very platform – the bill directs schools to teach babies what to do in bed. Needless to say, this is way beyond exaggeration and off into la-la land. </div>
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The law requires that any public school which offers sexual health education must meet the following standards:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- medically and scientifically accurate</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- age appropriate</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- appropriate for students regardless of gender, race, disability status, or sexual orientation</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- includes information about abstinence and other methods of preventing unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.</div>
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These standards are worded broadly to allow for local decision-making.</div>
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The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), in consultation with the Dept of Health, must develop a list of sexual health education curricula consistent with these guidelines. This list must serve as a resource, be updated at least annually, and be available on line. </div>
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Public schools offering sexual health education are encouraged to review their curricula and choose a curriculum from the list. Any public school offering sexual health education may identify, choose, or develop any other curriculum, if that curriculum complies with certain requirements (as listed above). </div>
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Parents or legal guardians may excuse their children from such instruction by submitting a written request to the school. Parents and guardians may review the curriculum on request.</div>
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In 2019, legislation directed the OSPI to convene a work group to:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- review the relevant provisions in the K-12 learning standards</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- review existing curricula to identify gaps or potential inconsistencies with the learning standards</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- consider revisions to relevant provisions in statute</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- consider the merits and challenges of requiring all public schools to offer comprehensive sexual health education to students in all grades by September 1, 2022.</div>
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The work group published its report in December 2019. and all members agreed that students from K-12 would all benefit from such education. There was concern expressed about age-appropriate instruction in the early grades, so the work group recommended that any requirement clarifies the expected content of instruction, especially in grades K-3.</div>
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In 2019, legislation provided that <u>Social-Emotional Learning</u> help students build awareness and skills in managing emotions, setting goals, establishing relationships, and making responsible decisions. The legislation directed OSPI to adopt standards and benchmarks and revise as appropriate.</div>
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The sexual health curriculum is to be introduced to grades 6 – 12 in the 2021 - 22 school year and to all grades in 2022 - 23. This curriculum will consist of 1 hour/year for grades K-5 and 2 hours/year for grades 6-12.</div>
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The major focus of this education will be on “Affirmative Consent”, teaching children that they have a right to say no to unwanted advances, as well as something they call ‘bystander training,’ which in this context seems to mean “see something, say something.” </div>
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For grades K-3 the content will be Social-Emotional Learning.</div>
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For grades 4 -12, the curriculum must include</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- physiological, psychological, and sociological development processes</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- development of intrapersonal and interpersonal skills to communicate, respectfully and effectively, to reduce health risk, and to choose healthy behaviors and relationships based on mutual respect and affection, free from violence, coercion, or intimidation.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- health care and prevention resources</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- understanding the influence of family, peers, community, and the media</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- affirmative consent and recognizing and responding safely and effectively when violence or a risk of violence is or may be present, with strategies that include bystander training.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What I take away from all of this is that the schools have figured out that children are being confronted with situations they do not understand. For their safety, they need a certain level of awareness at an early age, about saying no or telling a trusted grownup when something untoward happens. And as they grow older they do need to learn about peer pressure, dealing with one another in a respectful manner, and all the other points raised. It seems to me an unfortunate choice of terms to call this ‘comprehensive sex education.’ Rather, this is education in growing up safely and decently. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>So of course there’s a whole gang yammering about debauchery of small children. One wonders how many of them have read the actual language of the bill.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ok, now you know what they’re all carrying on about.</div>
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And with that, we will finally get to the actual positions and candidates. </div>
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-80023131045485844522020-07-14T11:50:00.001-07:002020-07-30T10:42:05.048-07:002nd Congressional District<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Second Congressional District</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Carrie Kennedy</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.carriekennedy2020.com/">http://www.carriekennedy2020.com/</a></span></div>
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She describes herself as:</div>
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American patriot</div>
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Constitutionalist</div>
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Republican</div>
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US Navy Seabee wife, mother, naval officer daughter, sister, friend</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Her issues were hard to read because she is not particularly lucid or coherent. </div>
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There is a long diatribe about government overreach, with no particular conclusion or recommendation.</div>
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She appears to want positive, non-judgmental mental health services, but they must be minimal to prevent long term dependency on such services.</div>
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She praises Trump and quotes right-wing crazy Dinesh D’Souza</div>
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She’s all for “All Lives Matter.” There is an incoherent diatribe whose bottom line is “skin color should not be a factor. We all matter.”</div>
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She wants to re-open Washington state, saying people have dealt with the virus and shouldn’t be told what to do. Besides, its over now.</div>
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I got a bit of a sardonic kick out of her position on education. She writes that something is “imparitive” about the “ciriculium”. </div>
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And then we get to the reason she’s running. Washington passed a rather mild “sex-ed” bill and it has her and other right-wingers completely hysterical. She supports R-90, which will likely be on the November ballot, to rescind that education. I have read the bill (you will find a major discussion at the start of the blog), and it mandates 1 hour/school year in grades K-5 and 2 hours in grades 6 -12. It specifies that young children will be taught what is inappropriate touching and how to tell adults they trust that its happening. The right wingers claim that it will mandate teaching children in 4<sup>th</sup> grade how to have sex. Nope.</div>
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- military & veterans. we owe them the best possible care, benefits, etc. A grateful nation’s duty is to support our military, veterans, and all their family members. </div>
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Her blog features an image of a mask with the state seal and the logo: my body, my choice! The caption reads: as useless as Gov Inslee. Impeach Inslee Now.</div>
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She has not filed with the Federal Elections Commission.</div>
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Bottom line: she’s wasting space on a crowded ballot.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Cody Hart</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://codyhart.org/">https://codyhart.org/</a></span></div>
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NAS Whidbey vet, civil engineer</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>affordable housing, homeless epidemic</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>environmental mismanagement</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>inadequate transportation system</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>excessive taxes</div>
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Infrastructure – he says he is an infrastructure expert, and claims that the Sharpe’s Corner roundabout was deliberately built wrongly. </div>
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Government Accountability – as a whistleblower he claims to have identified hundreds of millions of $ of waste, fraud, and abuse in WA state.</div>
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Religious Freedom – must be protected. Cites Bill Barr’s claim that Inslee is overreaching by limiting church attendance during the virus.</div>
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Veterans – will not tolerate discrimination against them. Goes into a diatribe about government misdeeds re bidding on permit processing – if I get it straight. He seems to be a major conspiracy theorist.</div>
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Education Reform – misguided social programs that don’t belong in schools, dishonest sales tactics by colleges.</div>
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Sustainability – lifetime environmental steward. Claims the many legacy undersized culverts are Inslee’s fault for failure to correct the situation immediately. Thinks net pens are great and Inslee is at fault for not permitting them.</div>
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Bipartisanship – need to stop petty bickering in DC. He’s bent because the House stimulus package included such terrible things as wind and solar tax credits, support for USPS, same day voter registration, student debt reduction, mandated reduction in airline CO2 emissions, and corporate board diversity. </div>
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He rails against Inslee and WA for shutting down the state and failing to open up quickly. Who gave them the right to infringe on civil rights?</div>
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Housing – wants a moratorium on all building industry regulatory code changes, Dept of Ecology stormwater requirements, and local codes.</div>
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Taxes – immediately suspend state and federal employee pay raises.</div>
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Gun Rights – opposes gun safety legislation, especially the current HR 5717 which would</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>create a nationwide gun registry</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ban almost all semi-automatics</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>institute a federal magazine ban</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>implement national “red flag” gun confiscation (I gather ‘red flag’ means felons, people convicted of partner abuse, and the certifiably crazy)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>tax guns at 30% and ammo at 50%</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ban patriots under 21 from exercising their 2<sup>nd</sup> amendment rights (setting a minimum age of 21 to buy a gun)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ration guns by making it illegal to purchase more than one firearm in a 30 day period</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>force ‘safe storage’ requirements on gun owners</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ban home builds (building your own unregistered gun)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ban suppressors (silencers)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>force FFLs (Federal Firearms License) to spend massive amounts of money to comply with new “security” requirements</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expand “gun free zones”</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>requires a permit to purchase guns and ammo</div>
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Immigration – supports strong control of national borders.</div>
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Sanctity of Life – absolute supporter of the right of unborn children to live.</div>
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He has not filed with the Federal Elections Commission, so we don’t know what, if anything, he has spent on the campaign. Yet another waste of space on a crowded ballot. An also-ran.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>James Golder</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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ex-Idaho state rep, stockbroker</div>
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lives in Oak Harbor</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/james.golder.923">https://www.facebook.com/james.golder.923</a></span></div>
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He’s a Facebook friend of Damien Greene, who is running for county commissioner, district 1</div>
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He seems to play an awful lot of on-line fantasy war games.</div>
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He has not filed with Federal Election Commission, so no financial information.</div>
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I couldn’t find anything else, another “also ran”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Kari Ilonummi</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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blogger, LaRouche activist, frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://nospinnewssource.com/category/elect-kari-ilonummi-for-u-s-congress/">https://nospinnewssource.com/category/elect-kari-ilonummi-for-u-s-congress/</a></span></div>
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This links to a series of letters from 2016 having to do with 911 victims. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kari.ilonummi">https://www.facebook.com/kari.ilonummi</a></span></div>
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student at WSU</div>
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claims Obama committed treason by trying to steal the 2016 elections</div>
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refers to his years of bible study</div>
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“Obama must be questioned about Obamagate . . .”</div>
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he predicts a new deadlier coronavirus this summer, a weapon of the globalist elites to prevent Trump’s re-election.</div>
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he quotes Faux news a lot</div>
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he touts having been endorsed by Human Life PAC</div>
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he claims Hollywood is fictionalizing slavery & Jim Crow to inflame Black Lives Matter</div>
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This is the last of his diatribes I intend to read. The claim is that the Koch brothers are funding George Soros to defeat Trump in the 2020 election. Got that?</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://eledataweb.votewa.gov/OVG/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?electionId=70&candidateId=54549&raceJurisdictionName=Congressional&Display=Statewide">https://eledataweb.votewa.gov/OVG/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?electionId=70&candidateId=54549&raceJurisdictionName=Congressional&Display=Statewide</a></span></div>
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<b>Kari Olavi Ilonummi</b></div>
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<b>Elected Experience:</b> Kari grew up wanting to be in the military just like his father who proudly served for 20 years in the Air Force within the nuclear and special forces departments, but due to being diagnosed with Charcho Marie Tooth Disease and becoming physically disabled in his teens, he was forced to find another way to serve his nation through academia, activism, statecraft, organizing, giving speeches, investigative journalism and has been committed to these activities, amongst others, his entire adult life, nonstop, since September 11, 2001 at merely eighteen years of age. <br />
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<b>Other Professional Experience:</b> Internationally accredited Investigative Journalist credentials <br />
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<b>Education:</b> Washington State University <br />
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<b>Community Service:</b> No information submitted<br />
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<b>Statement:</b> I'm running for United States Congress to restore unity, comradery and bring the citizens of Washington State back together once again. From here I want to retool, put our citizens back to work earning family livable wages, revamp infrastructure to a 21st Century standard, reinstate the Glass Steagall Act, help to make tuition more affordable for students, increasing funding for Veterans, Medicaid, Farm Bill, Social Security and schools, while protecting the environment every step along the way. Which all can be done with the proper and effective leadership as your next Congress member.<br />
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Washington state families, citizens and businesses are financially struggling as the standards of living have been continually deteriorating year after year for well over a decade now. Not to mention the prices of food doubling along with housing prices increasing too. Simply put; 'making ends meet' clearly isn't getting any easier for the citizens of Washington State, under, the past fourteen years of this current Congress woman being elected. Just look in the fridge or check your savings account for the proof? The numbers don't lie. So, perhaps it's time for a change of pace Washington state?<br />
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I believe in transparency, honesty, hard work, holding my own political party accountable not just everyone else’s, setting aside my own personal bias, working with all sides of the 'isle,' in order to effectively serve the interest of, and to protect, the human, along with constitutional rights, of all of Washington state citizens, majority and minority. We are all equal and one. I have not nor will I ever cower down to any corporate or special interest groups. I urge you for your support and vote this year Washington state. For more information, please go to No Spin News Source.com and thank you so much once again.</div>
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<b>Contact: </b></div>
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(425) 953-3506 </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:kari@nospinnewssource.com">kari@nospinnewssource.com</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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He has not filed with the Federal Elections Commission, so we have no financial information. Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Tim Hazelo</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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aircraft simulator operator, retired Navy vet</div>
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lives in Oak Harbor</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.timhazeloforcongress.com/">https://www.timhazeloforcongress.com/</a></span></div>
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Complains about anti-American activism, burning and looting, destruction of our history. Democrats are allowing this mayhem.</div>
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(hard to read because he is not particularly literate)</div>
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He complains that the silent majority goes unheard. I love this one. I do not hear how we are to discern the voice of the silent majority. </div>
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He name calls “Absent Rick” and “Nasty Nancy”</div>
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His platform:</div>
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Economy, debt, & budget</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>government v economy - get government out of the way of free enterprise </div>
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support constituents hurt by COVID</div>
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end pork in bills, cut pet projects</div>
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lean government, balance budget, end deficits</div>
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bring manufacturing back to the US</div>
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This is the classic right wing mantra. He wants government to provide services but does not want it to collect taxes to be able to provide the services. Free enterprise will do it, right? I’m sure the health care industry will be happy to provide services to COVID patients without demanding payment. Right? And of course getting out of the way of free enterprise will cause manufacturing to come back to the US – just as soon as we do away with the minimum wage and environmental protections which get in the way of profit. </div>
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Healthcare & Drug Costs</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>America has the best health care in the world. Reduce unnecessary regulations to make it affordable. <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Prevent frivolous litigation.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Open health insurance across state lines. Free the capitalist market.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Competition brings more accountability, better service, lower prices.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Private insurance brings choice.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Allow drug companies to shop at the lowest production costs on non-emergency drugs.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reduce regulations to free up the marketplace and create lower prices.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Critical drug production should stay in US. </div>
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This one is a classic. Get government out of the way of corporations. All those fussy regulations about making sure drugs don’t kill patients. And those claims about “best health care in the world” are looking just a tad thin right now. And lets not forget to prevent all that frivolous litigation – like holding drug companies and health care insurers accountable. </div>
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Immigration & Reform</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>legal immigrants are great</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>the system is broken & being abused, which overwhelms resources</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>he wants a merit based immigration permit system. Gee, he’s in luck there. The current resident of the White House has mandated just that. Employers are freaked out because they can’t get the workers under that merit system, which truly amounts to who can offer the biggest bribes. </div>
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He has not filed with the Federal Elections Commission, so no financial information.</div>
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Another “also ran”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Tim Uy</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span> </span>Trump R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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Trump campaign activist</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://tim.uy/">https://tim.uy/</a></span></div>
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the first image on the website is Trump hugging the flag. The whole rap is about the wonders of Trump. </div>
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“I will . . . support every legislative action that helps Trump succeed, so we all prosper again.”</div>
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He is:</div>
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- president of a property management company</div>
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- founder of a learning software company</div>
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- principal of a cryptocurrency consultancy</div>
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- PhD, applied physics, Stanford</div>
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- in training as a volunteer firefighter</div>
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Trump Republican credo:</div>
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1. the fruits of our labor belong to us</div>
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2. we are citizens, not subjects</div>
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3. our rights come from god</div>
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4. we believe in TOTAL adherence to the Constitution as written</div>
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5. service over self-interest</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- term limits, no pensions, no perks for all elected</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- balance budgets, no national debt</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- rule of law, no amnesty for illegal aliens</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- the communist manifesto outlines 2 major goals</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>nationalization of industry</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>redistribution of wealth</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- medicare = redistribution of wealth = communism</div>
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6. equal justice for pre-born Americans</div>
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Trump is actually a 3<sup>rd</sup> party candidate/president</div>
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The Trump agenda:</div>
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- America first and foremost</div>
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- made in America, hire American, buy American</div>
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- restore American manufacturing might</div>
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- energy independence</div>
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- build the wall, secure the borders</div>
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- merit immigration</div>
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- smaller government</div>
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- less regulations</div>
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- low taxes</div>
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- strong military</div>
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- fair trade</div>
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- a prosperous thriving middle class</div>
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- protect our bill of rights</div>
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- keep our traditions, tell our history the way it happened</div>
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He has filed with the Federal Elections Commission, and reports $0.00 raised</div>
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A slightly hysterical ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Rick Larsen</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ricklarsen.org/">https://www.ricklarsen.org/</a></span></div>
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Here’s the current report on Rick:</div>
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538.com reports that he votes in favor of Trump 20.5% of the time. His ratings by various organizations:</div>
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NARAL<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> abortion rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>100%</div>
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ACLU<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> civil rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 92%</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> human rights<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 85%</div>
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Children’s Defense Fund children<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 100%</div>
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League of Cons Voters <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> environment<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 100%</div>
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AFL-CIO<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> labor<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 91%</div>
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AFSCME<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> education<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 100%</div>
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Council for a Livable World defense <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> 62%<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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We pretty much all know Rick Larsen and where he stands on issues of concern to us. I did a lot of research 2 years ago and find that most of that is still relevant. Here it is:</div>
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And then the coup of 2016 happened and suddenly Rick is a new man. He voted against the Trump budget, against many of the insane and egregious proposals coming out of the fascist right. And he now believes in dealing with climate change, including cap & trade as one means to limit CO2. One has the distinct impression that the farther right the fascists push, the farther left Rick leans.</div>
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On the environment</div>
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~ He now cites his voting record of trying to eliminate subsidies for the oil industry.</div>
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~ He wrote that exiting the Paris agreement is/was a big mistake.</div>
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~ He fought to keep transit/light rail funds in the federal budget.</div>
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~ He supports salmon habitat restoration, protecting critical habitat areas, and conserving open space.</div>
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~ He worked to reauthorize the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has been renewed but not funded.</div>
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~ He signed a joint letter to NOAA fisheries and Army Corps of Engineers asking them to deal with the Atlantic salmon fish farm disaster by not permitting any new or refurbishment of existing pens.</div>
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~ He voted to prevent logging of the Tongass Roadless Area in Alaska.</div>
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~ He supports keeping our public lands (National monuments) public.</div>
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On economic development</div>
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~ He claims to have secured impact aid for schools with children of active military.</div>
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~ He’s against the Trump tariffs, as they hurt US workers and businesses. </div>
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On people issues</div>
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~ He supports Medicare and Obamacare, and is fighting to prevent the destruction of both.</div>
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~ He cosponsored the DREAM act.</div>
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~ He objected vehemently to the Trump policy of breaking up families and imprisoning children and participated in Keep Families Together rallies in Mt Vernon & Bellingham.</div>
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~ He co-signed a petition to his fellow congress members to fund rebuilding of Puerto Rico</div>
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~ He added an amendment to the Defense Spending Act to address Growler noise</div>
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Now here’s an interesting one: He issued a press release demanding that the Navy explain why it is insisting on putting all its Growlers in the Whidbey basket and expressing his concerns for Whidbey communities. Aw shucks and golly gee. We didn’t know you cared. There is some question about how this translates to his support for NAS Whidbey.</div>
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Here's the 2020 update:</div>
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He believes COVID is real, and offers Dept of Health info. He has supported the various relief bills in congress. He asks that people give blood to help out.</div>
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He works to provide PPEs and emergency child care to health care workers.</div>
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He voted for impeachment.</div>
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After researching a bunch of toxic right-wingers, none of whom have actually campaigned or raised any money, it becomes obvious that the contest, such as it is, is between a challenger from the left, Jason Call, and long time Congressman Rick Larsen.</div>
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There are several trends which seem to be crossing here. There is the rightward drift of the “mainstream” Dems, who seem to believe that the only way they can hold onto what little power they still have is to emulate the repugnant Republicans. As the Rs pull farther to the right, the Ds, who should by rights be countering with equal or greater energy toward the left, are in fact simply shifting the center farther right. This then gave rise to the progressive wing, who are trying mightily to pull the Dems back to what used to be mainstream Dem thinking and is now seen as somehow far left. Jason is very much a part of that movement.</div>
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This raises the question of whether Rick Larsen is part of that rightward leaning ‘mainstream’ or not. 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. But there are other issues. See the next candidate</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Jason Call</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<br />
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.callforcongress.com/">https://www.callforcongress.com/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jason is a progressive activist determined to oust what he considers corporate apologist Rick Larsen. He has been very active in the Democratic party. He believes in people over profit, and that good government means reining in giant corporations to prevent them from writing self-serving legislation.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He lists the following issues on his website:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>medicare for all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ending wars and supporting military families</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>protecting LGBTQIA+ rights</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>green new deal and a livable environment for all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>quality education for all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>criminal justice reform and policing</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>labor and an economy that works for all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>a democracy that works for all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>women’s rights and protections</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>affordable housing for all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I’ve met Jason and participated in some of those group discussions at events where everyone is standing around, juggling their paper plates and plastic cups, having a bit of trouble hearing one another. My impression is of someone young and brash and just a bit abrasive. His heart is in the right place and he has identified the perfidies of the “mainstream” Dems who appear willing to join the opposition to retain power. Most people do not know that those ‘mainstream’ Dems actually have blacklisted any political service provider who extends their services to progressive candidates. Yes, the federal ‘mainstream’ Dems are morally bankrupt. No question. Jason is right to be challenging them. </div>
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Washington has a "top 2" primary. Given that there is no serious Republican challenger to Rick Larsen, my thinking is that voting for Jason would put him on the November ballot, with a race between Rick and Jason, and that would bring out a serious discussion of Democratic values and how to achieve them.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>MAJOR UPDATE:</b></span> I'm in process of wiping egg off my face. I made a serious mistake. I listened to people I thought I could trust to tell me the truth. They asked for anonymity because they claimed Jason would take revenge on them. And now I see that was not true. I have now spoken with Jason and heard from a lot of people, many of them who have worked with him. The truth is that Jason is a dedicated Bernie Progressive and there are those in the state Dem organization who cannot and will not tolerate that. My conclusion: this is a case of character assassination and I will be voting for<span style="color: red;"> <b>Jason Call</b> </span>for Congress.</div>
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-42349481124257243102020-07-14T11:34:00.002-07:002020-08-03T18:21:01.510-07:00Governor<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Governor</b></span><br />
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Well folks, grab several cups of extra strong coffee to wade through all 36 candidates. Luckily a fair number of them are very short entries, the "also ran" candidates. Easy to skip. They're in alphabetical order by first name (cause that's how the program did it) with my choice at the very end, if you really insist on skipping my hard work and witty observations.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Alex Tsimerman</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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business consultant and frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://alexforamerica.com/index.php/statement/">https://alexforamerica.com/index.php/statement/</a></span></div>
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header image is of raising the flag at Iwo Jima</div>
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He does not express any issue positions except to claim that government is abusing the people and his constant lawsuits and daily attendance at Seattle City Council meetings are intended to right these perceived wrongs. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://eledataweb.votewa.gov/OVG/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?candidateId=53381&electionId=70&termFulllabel=6-year+term&raceJurisdictionName=United+States&countyDisplay=Statewide&languageId=en&partyName=(Prefers+StandupAmerica+Party)&raceName=U.S.+Senator&directLink=True&group=Federal">https://eledataweb.votewa.gov/OVG/OnlineVotersGuide/GetCandidateStatement?candidateId=53381&electionId=70&termFulllabel=6-year+term&raceJurisdictionName=United+States&countyDisplay=Statewide&languageId=en&partyName=(Prefers+StandupAmerica+Party)&raceName=U.S.+Senator&directLink=True&group=Federal</a></span></div>
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<b>Elected Experience:</b> None</div>
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<b>Other Professional Experience:</b> Business, Business consultant and Caregiver for my mother.</div>
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<b>Education:</b> College, University, Master degree in Engineering & Management</div>
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<b>Community Service:</b> Won class action in 1997 for housing discrimination, included HUD. Won a very unique class action in 2015 against DSHS for stealing $100 million from 50,000 people. Speaking over 1600 times in many council chambers about local government corruption and to restore our right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness. Alex Tsimerman speaks in council chambers to stop Seattle & King County who suck blood and money from us which goes to government & corporations. StandUP America and join him! </div>
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<b>Statement:</b> Are we better now than a few years ago? Stop Seattle fascism with idiotic face!</div>
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I, Alex Tsimerman, speak to all Washingtonians stop Seattle emerald degenerate super smart freaking idiot, who bring Seattle to number <i>One Fascist City in America </i>with Nazi Social Democrat Mafia with progressive Gestapo principle. That always choose dirty garbage rats that drink from fat cat toilet and who make your life miserable and brought us to total collapse. Enough is Enough.</div>
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Sound transit, Seattle City, Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing are working together in what looks like collusion, which will cost us $200,000,000,000 (~$200 billion) for another few years and <i>we all will have to pay for this. </i>No taxes for first $100 spent on anything. We pay billions in taxes. Give ordinary people a little bit of air for breathing. Ordinary Americans have lost all power- whether it be economic, political, media or legal.</div>
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People in Pierce County, refused to accept Sound Transit 3. We The People need to bring a class action and give billions back. City of Tacoma voted to limit elected officials to only 2 terms. We need to bring this to the entire State to stop all elected officials from staying in their position for 20+ years.</div>
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We have two Women Democrat US Senators for more than 30 years but salary for women always remained less than men. This shows how a One party system, who looks like Fascism, works.</div>
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A One party system is always Fascism. StandUP Washington State so we can bring us back to normal life. We have enough money in the system to make life better for everyone without a penny more from the people. I speak to you Washingtonians StandUP stop Seattle Fascism with idiotic face. For, Of and By the people! Vote for Alex Tsimerman!</div>
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<b>Contact: </b></div>
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(206) 324-6264 </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:standup@alexforamerica.com">standup@alexforamerica.com</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.alexforamerica.com%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">www.alexforamerica.com</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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I almost feel for Mr Tsimerman. He has experienced Soviet Socialism and sees it creeping in wherever he looks. Yet another somewhat incoherent perennial candidate. Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Anton Sakharov</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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businessman and community activist<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.antonsakharov.com/">https://www.antonsakharov.com/</a></span></div>
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He is an immigrant who has “lived through Soviet socialism, religious oppression, antisemitism.” He says our current path is a dangerous one. Socialism makes fake promises of equal outcomes, we must instead ensure equal opportunities.</div>
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“I came here because my parents believed this country to be an ideal place . . . a country where laws are followed, bureaucracy is nonexistent, people are safe and prosperous.”’</div>
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(Stories of the wonders of America have long been overblown compared to the disappointing reality. )</div>
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His agenda:</div>
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infrastructure</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incentivize business to open in less populated areas to distribute employment</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>work with feds to share infrastructure renovation cost</div>
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school safety</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>implement perimeter and entry security across all public schools</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>hire veterans as security guards</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>install metal detectors & security systems</div>
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(sounds like he wants to turn schools into prisons)</div>
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small business</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>remove unnecessary regulations, eliminate burdensome permit and license processes</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>guarantee no tax increase for 5 years for small business</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>remove barriers to entry in highly regulated industries (like pharma manufacturing, safety equipment, food processing, medicine?)</div>
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tax burden</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increase state revenue instead of increasing taxes </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cut personal taxes by repealing death & estate taxes</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cap residential property taxes and eliminate tax hikes</div>
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(one wonders how one increases state revenue without increasing taxes, and how one pays for the projects he advocates while capping and eliminating taxes)</div>
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accountability</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>make project accounting details on state projects transparent to the public</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>modify pre-tender process to allow more competition for state projects</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>hold state officials accountable for cost overruns & project delays</div>
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homelessness</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>redistribute health & housing capabilities across the entire state</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ban illegal sanctuary cities and reallocate funds to help veterans in need</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reallocate funds from cash assistance programs into incentives for employers to re-employ the homeless.</div>
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Sadly, many people who have experienced forms of Communism flip to the extreme opposite. Neither is particularly functional or beneficial.</div>
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Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Bill Hirt</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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retired aircraft engineer & frequent candidate</div>
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from my 2016 blog:</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Bill Hirt R –<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <a href="mailto:wjhirt2014@gmail.com">wjhirt2014@gmail.com</a></span></div>
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<a href="http://stopeastlinknow.blogspot.com/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><b>http://stopeastlinknow.blogspot.com</b></a></div>
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education<b>: </b>MS, engineering, Iowa State University.</div>
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Strong supporter of “pro-life”. Primary issues: “the utter incompetence of Sound Transit and WSDOT in dealing with the state’s transportation problems.” Candidate declaration states that he has no expectation or desire to be elected. He just wants to draw attention to his blog. Also “intend to delve into the efficacy of limiting CO2 emission as a way to limit “climate change” (his quotes, not mine) and attempts to use “renewable energy” (again, his quotes) to meet the area’s energy needs.</div>
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Here's a 2017 story of yet another run for office he expected to lose:</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2017/10/30/bill-hirts-not-trying-win-he-just-wants-you-pay-attention">https://www.westsideseattle.com/robinson-papers/2017/10/30/bill-hirts-not-trying-win-he-just-wants-you-pay-attention</a></span></div>
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<b>By Lindsay Peyton</b></div>
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Bill Hirt does not plan to win the election on Tuesday, Nov. 7. He is honest and open about why he is actually running for the office of King County Executive against Dow Constantine. He simply wants to draw attention to his fight against light rail. “It’s just another step in more than nine years of trying to stop East Link,” he said.</div>
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The battle began in 2008 – when Hirt said he came to realization that Sound Transit’s claims about the eastside extension of the light rail were, in his words, “sheer fantasy.”“I soon recognized that Sound Transit’s decision to route light rail though the Downtown Seattle Transit Tunnel prevented light rail in Seattle from ever having the capacity needed to reduce congestion,” he said. According to Hirt, the route limited capacity to 8,880 riders per hour. “Whatever riders the extensions attract along I-5 will reduce current transit ridership,” he said. “Their increased operating cost with no increase in capacity is a recipe for a financial black hole from fare-box revenue shortfall.”</div>
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Hirt has run for public office six times – all to raise awareness of his stance on the issue. He said this and past candidacies were his “attempts to use the Voters’ Pamphlet to attract attention to my concerns.” “They’re my way to make a difference by alerting the area about what to expect and that it didn’t have to happen,” Hirt said. He admitted that it’s unlikely that he will be able to prevent the East Link – since the project is moving forward and he does not believe that he’ll win the election. </div>
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Hirt said the King County Executive has power to stop this development. He wants to expose incompetence in the plan – and offer his suggestions about what could be done to reduce congestion. Hirt keeps his blog <a href="http://stopeastlinknow.blogspot.com%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0079cd;">http://stopeastlinknow.blogspot.com</span></a> well-stocked with articles about the issue. </div>
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He said his last elected position was senior class president in 1957 in Armstrong, Iowa. He received his master’s degree in engineering at Iowa State University and then worked for Boeing for 36 years. Hirt and his wife moved to their current home in Bellevue in 1967, where they raised two daughters. After retiring in 1998, Hirt and his wife traveled throughout Europe and the U.S. He enjoys playing bridge and golf, spending time with his grandchildren – and encouraging east side residents to call their legislators. </div>
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Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Bill Miller</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>American Patriot party</div>
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has a PO box in Kenniwick</div>
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PDC says he has opted for the mini-financing. He will collect less than $5k and so will not have to report. </div>
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Can’t find anything on line. Another “also ran”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Brian R Weed</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>Independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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lives in West Richland</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.thebash.com/hypnotist/brian-weed">https://www.thebash.com/hypnotist/brian-weed</a></span></div>
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this is a website at which you can book a performance of comedic hypnotherapy by Mr Weed</div>
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couldn’t find anything else. Another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Cameron Vessey</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/WheelenforGovna/">https://www.facebook.com/WheelenforGovna/</a></span></div>
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The Facebook page is less than coherent, and states that climate change is a hoax.</div>
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If I’m governor every citizen and business will have the right to decide their own safety measures.</div>
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Democrats are literally trying to repeal California civil rights law that prevents discrimination.</div>
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(shows image of Inslee with label: Traitor)</div>
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I’ve always felt unions are tools that no longer serve society as they once did. </div>
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Trump is not a racist</div>
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The idea of white privilege is dangerous</div>
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Says he mis-spent his youth and spent years in prison.</div>
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Wants Elon Musk to drill 4 holes through the Cascades. (huh?)</div>
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Proposes mag-lev system starting with Tri-cities to Spokane.</div>
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Proposes Washington Militia for those who fail standard for US Army.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://cameronidk.wixsite.com/mysite?fbclid=IwAR1gJhyAzylAoxyug-ULPX4dGRIj8hFakWRGekqrregmH51DE1Np8si71qE">https://cameronidk.wixsite.com/mysite?fbclid=IwAR1gJhyAzylAoxyug-ULPX4dGRIj8hFakWRGekqrregmH51DE1Np8si71qE</a></span></div>
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contains nothing but a donate button (actually, 4 of them)</div>
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I find it hard to read illiterate incoherent rants</div>
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His PDC filing shows that he has received $0 donations.</div>
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Another loony. Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Craig Campbell</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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no info available. ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Cregan Newhouse</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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city consumer protection enforcement supervisor</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cregannewhouse.com/">https://www.cregannewhouse.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="color: #0079cd; letter-spacing: 0.3px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/14/spin-control-for-unknown-candidates-seeking-covera/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jun/14/spin-control-for-unknown-candidates-seeking-covera/</a></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> Conventional wisdom suggests a Republican with serious campaign finance violations advances to the general election, facing off against an incumbent Democrat who doesn't believe in term limits.</span></div>
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The latest poll, however, (which did not include independent candidates), is fascinating: Cregan Newhouse, who was not even on the poll, has an 8% path to face off against the incumbent in the general election.<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">this would be a battle of two progressives: a true, $5000.00 campaign vs a goliath, $10 million war machine. Newhouse is capable of dominating a debate, and could make a splash which reverberates nationally. Neither Democrats nor Republicans (actual citizens, not incumbents) favor Governors for life.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">If you are passionate about any of these issues, please tell two people about Cregan Newhouse, and ask them to tell four more.</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">8% (as noted in the Spokesman Review article, those 8 points are between Tim Eyman’s 8 and his own 0)</span></div>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">His platform:</span></div>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>RACE AND SOCIAL JUSTICE Today's extreme levels of income and wealth disparity continue to worsen. As progressive as we like to think we are, Washington State is among the worst ten states in the nation. The top 1/10th of the top 1% owns as much as the bottom 90% combined. Extreme economic inequality is a massive barrier to eliminating racism. </span></li>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Newhouse would advocate for legislation enacting a progressive income tax on the wealthy elite. Households making under $300,000 per year would be exempt:</span></li>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Funds UNIVERSAL PRE-K. The current ECEAP program is grossly insufficient.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;"></span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Funds a reduction in sales tax.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Funds a reduction in property tax.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">4.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Funds home buying programs for under represented communities.</span></li>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">Newhouse will see meaningful climate legislation passed, when Inslee couldn't even do it with control of both houses.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;"></span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>ELECTION INTEGRITY We must allow for fresh and energetic leadership to renew itself. Concentration of power must be recycled in government. Perpetuated power feeds into mistrust of the people.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Newhouse would advocate for a constitutional amendment limiting gubernatorial terms (2 term max).</span><span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;"></span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>COVID-19 RESPONSE</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Health: A data driven response</span><span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: normal;"></span><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;"> remains necessary. All 39 counties must be involved, and data must be transparent.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Economy: Preparing for the unexpected is the Governor's job. Our rainy day fund should have been the equivalent of 2 months of our operating budget when the crises hit. Instead, it was on fumes. After eight straight years of incredible economic growth, this failure was inexcusable.</span></li>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Newhouse will institute best budget practices, and prohibit the raiding of the rainy day fund during times of economic boom.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Newhouse will encourage state agencies, as subject matter experts, to identify their own efficiencies.</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">3.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Newhouse will promote investment in technology, which:</span></li>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">1.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Provides significant, high-yield returns</span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">2.<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Eliminates disasters such as the massive unemployment fraud which cost our Washington residents hundreds of millions of dollars</span></li>
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<span style="letter-spacing: 0.3px;">While the man proposes some interesting ideas, I don’t believe he has thought them through to their logical conclusions. He’s also not particularly coherent. One more ‘also ran.’</span></div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>David Blomstrom</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>5<sup>th</sup> Republic party</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.governor5.com/">https://www.governor5.com/</a></span></div>
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His website says he’s Seattle’s only activist. </div>
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He says he’s a teacher in the Seattle School District.</div>
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Issues:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>new state flag (lighthearted)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>free speech – he has discovered that The Jews are the source of all problems</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>coronavirus – it’s a conspiracy. He’s written a book: Jew Flu, The Coronavirus Conspiracy</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>sex trafficking – he’s worried about the 500+ sex slave teens in Seattle</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>homelessness – caused by corporate corruption, automation, & artificial intelligence</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>taxes- he’s jealous of Tim Eyman’s ability to generate publicity, but thinks the rich should pay their fair share</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>education – Jews control everything, the media, the economy, the government, and education</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Jewarchy – he writes books about how bad Jews are</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>China – Israel controls America, China has the best tech, Microsoft & Google have great spy tech. Better China spy on US than the Jews. US & Israel are terrorist states. China is not.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Environment – as governor he would roll back the anti-environmental polices of Trump, Obama, & Bush.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Accountability – we can’t fix any of the above issues as long as Jews are in power. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Since I happen to be a Jew and the daughter of a Holocaust refugee, I take rather serious offense at this sort of thing. It totally freaks me out that this person is allowed to teach children in the Seattle school system. How many young minds has he poisoned to date?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Worse than just ‘also ran’, this person needs to be stopped from ‘teaching.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>David Voltz</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Candidate/David-Voltz-for-US-Senate-for-Washington-state-194829727683437/">https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Candidate/David-Voltz-for-US-Senate-for-Washington-state-194829727683437/</a></span></div>
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1-20-20<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Vote Tim Eyeman to fire Jay Sleezee the worst gouvernour ever!!!!!!</div>
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12-21-19 <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Matt Shea responds to sham investigation. (fyi: Matt Shea was tossed out of the Republican house caucus for his Christo-fascist Neo-nazi activities)</div>
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11-21-19<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Democrats are trying to impeach a president for crimes Obama and Biden committed.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(Lots of loony right wing posts of Glen Beck and similar)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Having to deal with no less than 36 candidates for governor (not gouvernour), I am beginning to think seriously about some sort of minimum standard for filing. I would begin with a demonstration of literacy. Can the candidate write a coherent statement? Can they state the job description of the position for which they’re running? If not, they’re going to have serious trouble on the job and should not be wasting all of our time and energy. </div>
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Another non-serious candidate. Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Donovan L Rivers</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electdonlrivers.com/">https://www.electdonlrivers.com/</a></span></div>
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he is African American</div>
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an Ambassador For Peace and Social Justice of over 40 years</div>
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has non-traditional education, no degree but much international travel as ambassador, peace </div>
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advisor</div>
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his website shows an advisory cabinet</div>
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Sounds like a pretty neat guy. Perennial candidate. Not sure he’d be the best governor.</div>
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Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Dr Cairo D’Almeida</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span> psychologist, labor union official, ex-construction worker</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.votedrdalmeida.com/">https://www.votedrdalmeida.com/</a></span></div>
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Help the homeless meet basic needs</div>
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Provide veterans & foster parents with psychological support</div>
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Use AHCA* to re-create the middle class</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(that would be the American Health Care Association)</div>
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Improve current infrastructure</div>
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End the use of fossil fuel</div>
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Support use of new tech for more jobs, including women, LGBTQ, WOMXN, LatinX, POC, & any other minorities.</div>
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Eliminate for-profit jails & detention centers</div>
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No jail for homeless or addicts</div>
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Free bus passes for students</div>
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Expand light rail to every county and city with more than 10,000 people</div>
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Update immigration laws</div>
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“Do NOT ask me to tell a woman what to do with her body!”</div>
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Tie property taxes to minimum wage</div>
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State Parks need more and better care, use new tech to make parks safer for humans and wildlife</div>
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government officials: humility, fairness, integrity, honesty, transparency, respectfulness, responsibility</div>
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Worked in heavy construction 1976 -1982, helped build the DC Metro, labor union president.</div>
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PhD in Industrial & Organizational Psychology</div>
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2010 – 2019 TSA officer</div>
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single parent, now 2 grandchildren</div>
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private pilot licenses</div>
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certificates in computer science & AutoCad</div>
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He quotes Rosa Parks and adds “its not how much you’ve got but what you do with what you’ve got to help others.” </div>
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Here’s the song I’ve sung for many years that incorporates that statement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGHTvw6ACkc</div>
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There’s a whole other issues page, but I think we’ve got it pretty much covered. Sounds like a genuinely decent human being. I actually like most of his program. I do wish he would start just a little lower than shooting for governor first time out. I would like to see more from this person. I’m afraid I won’t be able to vote for him for governor, though. Too bad.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Dylan Nails</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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dnails1.wixsite.com/nailsforgovernor2020.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.cheneyfreepress.com/story/2020/05/21/news/nails-enters-gubernatorial-position-race/26754.html">https://www.cheneyfreepress.com/story/2020/05/21/news/nails-enters-gubernatorial-position-race/26754.html</a></span></div>
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20 years old, lives in Colfax, 2018 Colfax HS grad</div>
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“running to show that youth have something to bring to the table of politics and to promote youth involvement in government.”</div>
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ASB president at Colfax HS, 2 years</div>
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FFA</div>
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FCLA</div>
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knowledge bowl</div>
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football</div>
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track</div>
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musical</div>
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currently at NW Nazarene University, Nampa, ID – major in secondary ed, emphasis in history & special ed.</div>
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positions:</div>
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Be a voice for eastern Washington and the whole state</div>
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Increase teacher pay and education funding</div>
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Increase funding for State Parks & natural resources</div>
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Student debt relief</div>
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While I admire the young man for trying, I’m afraid he is one more “also ran.”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Elaina Gonzalez-Blanton</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/elainagonzalesblanton4rep/">https://www.facebook.com/elainagonzalesblanton4rep/</a></span></div>
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Unclear if she ran for legislature last year or is running currently. In that race she is declared as a Republican.</div>
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Focus: repeal the new k-12 sex ed law (again, check out the discussion in the introduction) <span style="text-indent: 4.5px;">Touts R support (in 1863 and 1865) for 13</span><sup style="text-indent: 4.5px;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: 4.5px;">, 14</span><sup style="text-indent: 4.5px;">th</sup><span style="text-indent: 4.5px;">, and 15th</span><span style="text-indent: 4.5px;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 4.5px;">amendments, and then posts a sign about Juneteenth date 6-19-20 – implying she is running for legislature this year. Very confusing.</span><span style="text-indent: 4.5px;"> </span></div>
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And here’s the really great one. She claims a CHAZ Warlord (image of large black man with dreads, gold chains, and tattoos), is handing out AR-15s in “Seattle’s Leftist Paradise” while she has to wait 10 days to buy a hand gun and take a class before she can buy a semi-automatic rifle. “This is the stupidity of our state leadership and gun laws.” The image of the large black man includes a stack of what appear to be – not guns but meals. </div>
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“I support the 2<sup>nd</sup> Amendment and our right to bear arms. Please donate to my campaign for 23<sup>rd</sup> District rep”, complete with Trump poster. </div>
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I am not fond of guns and I am very much not fond of using images of African Americans to generate fear.</div>
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Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Gene Hart</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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retiree</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568">https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568</a></span></div>
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The page is somewhat discombobulated, but a few viewpoints come through quite clearly. He strongly supports Black Lives Matter. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUhCx5elqpC6g9z2cORIc_oR8pLJI5nRUT51wcL5cqkieCWaq7sJde_bBwbbsAeqU1D9Opn07AGeO8qjncXudXpTxa0LojuulZ_GCWmTCEEug46Uwa89a94AztSXWp3ySg&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R"><b>Gene Hart</b><span style="color: #0433ff; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568/posts/2635176836705372?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUhCx5elqpC6g9z2cORIc_oR8pLJI5nRUT51wcL5cqkieCWaq7sJde_bBwbbsAeqU1D9Opn07AGeO8qjncXudXpTxa0LojuulZ_GCWmTCEEug46Uwa89a94AztSXWp3ySg&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">June 17 at 8:40 AM</a></span><span style="color: black;"> · </span></div>
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I'm thinking too many of our People miss the point of this August 4, 2020 Primary Election </div>
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It's about the big picture, about a good, better and best society. It's about full mobilization, all hands manning their battle stations. It's about all organizations, profit, non-profit and government, needed, urged, coached and inspired. </div>
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It's about insistence on Robust Economy for all, rural and urban, not just King and Snohomish counties. Insistence on good, fair, reduced taxes for The Great Majority, who now pay higher rates for state and local taxes than the top 20% do. Insistence on living, family wage jobs, thriving, independent, employee-owned businesses et cetera. </div>
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It's about our home. We want, We deserve more. Putting People First. Keeping People First. (There's more, lots more, but I'm thinking you now see a good measure of the big picture.) Blessings and Justice For All. Any questions? Elect Gene Hart for Washington, our home, Governor. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUhCx5elqpC6g9z2cORIc_oR8pLJI5nRUT51wcL5cqkieCWaq7sJde_bBwbbsAeqU1D9Opn07AGeO8qjncXudXpTxa0LojuulZ_GCWmTCEEug46Uwa89a94AztSXWp3ySg&__tn__=-%5dK-R"></a></span><br /></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZUhCx5elqpC6g9z2cORIc_oR8pLJI5nRUT51wcL5cqkieCWaq7sJde_bBwbbsAeqU1D9Opn07AGeO8qjncXudXpTxa0LojuulZ_GCWmTCEEug46Uwa89a94AztSXWp3ySg&__tn__=-%5dK-R"><b>https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568/</b><span style="color: #0433ff;"><b></b></span></a></span></div>
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Thank you All Concerned Citizens. </div>
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I appreciate citizens bringing their challenges to my attention. </div>
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FWIW, J and I go way back. So, I'm not running against J. I'm running for Washington, our home. I am running to prevent/cure SNAFUs, FUBARs and Glitches. </div>
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FWIW, I'm thinking the Spirit of Providence, Peace, Prosperity, Progress and Truth knows We have more than enough of those negatives. I'm thinking that's why our Great Coalition of Coalitions continues to grow. </div>
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I'm running for a good, better and best society. Yes, I am running for the concept of term limits. Yes, I'm running to help J achieve his dream, vision, mission, duty, purpose and plan to be the point of our nation's spear for climate change mitigation. Any questions? Elect Gene Hart for Washington, our home, Governor.</div>
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Priorities of Government (POG) We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all human beings are created equal, that they are endowed by Providence, their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, Pursuit of Happiness, Education, Healthcare, Freedom from want, Freedom from Fear, Full Employment, form a more perfect Union; establish Justice; insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity - That to secure these rights, responsibilities and duty, Governments are instituted among The People, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. ..." Any questions? Elect Gene Hart, for Washington, our home, Governor. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVz3UvWANPP_DV8nmyTnGzH-KjrgcpdmQiWUYq-GLKo3vCORAoMRsogXqeuMRI0BQllHBxSjTOnZPLVTXSEEuO60vr1laFtuiJN-9pBFd69H9FQVO-x8jozlbd6mpbTLV0&__tn__=-UC%2CP-R"><b>Gene Hart</b><span style="color: #0433ff; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b></b></span></a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568/posts/2624807111075678?__cft__%5b0%5d=AZVz3UvWANPP_DV8nmyTnGzH-KjrgcpdmQiWUYq-GLKo3vCORAoMRsogXqeuMRI0BQllHBxSjTOnZPLVTXSEEuO60vr1laFtuiJN-9pBFd69H9FQVO-x8jozlbd6mpbTLV0&__tn__=%2CO%2CP-R">June 4 at 9:33 PM</a></span><span style="color: black;"> · </span></div>
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"We propose refocusing our energies on fighting the virus more and each other less. There isn’t a blue or a red side in this fight. We all want the virus beaten back. We all want people to earn a living and children to reconnect with other children." </div>
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In my sense, definitely, first sentence says it all about all, followed by further clarity. </div>
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As someone who is in his 42nd month and tens of thousands miles journeying, throughout Washington, our home, reading, listening to and hearing concerns of my fellow citizens. As Governor, Washington, our home. I will not allow ignorance; petty, narrow-minded, politicos et cetera to deter our vision, mission, duty and plan for the good, better and best society here in Washington, our home. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%22"></a></span><br /></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/%22">https://www.facebook.com/gene.hart.568/</a></span></div>
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Dear Fellow Concerned Citizens,</div>
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Many activists and a state-sponsored working group are working on healthcare reform, here in Washington, our home. </div>
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Coming to The People's desk for signature first, as Washington State Governor, I would most likely sign that reform, given my sense of it, as the next step for healthcare, as an unalienable right. </div>
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We need The Robust Economy, rural and urban, to pay for our Programs. Before, it was only good, Fair Taxes, reduced for the Great Majority, followed by education, our state’s Paramount Duty and Target Zero. But, our pandemical tsunami has changed the lay of the land. </div>
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Paramount Duty is “…ample provision for the education of ALL children…” in accordance with our Washington State Constitution. Target Zero is zero transportation deaths and zero transportation major injuries before the end of this decade. All require that rural and urban Robust Economy and good, reduced fair taxes for the Great Majority, yes, Fair Taxes, family wage jobs, thriving independent, employee-owned businesses et cetera. </div>
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In my sense, it really means Full Mobilization, All Hands, Non-Profits, Profits and Government needed, urged, coached and inspired.</div>
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Sounds like a good person who needs to think through his ideas a bit more. But then, he says he has no intention or expectation of winning, that he is just helping Jay Inslee. Ok. After all of that, just another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Goodspaceguy</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Trump R</div>
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Here’s what I wrote about him when he ran for governor in 2016:</div>
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amateur astronomer, amateur economist, frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://colonizespace.blogspot.com/">http://colonizespace.blogspot.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">goodspaceguy42@yahoo.com</span></div>
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education: MA University of Minnesota</div>
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“defend small business. Abolish the minimum wage”</div>
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“rent controls destroy the rental market.”</div>
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“property rights are the pathway to prosperity for the people.”</div>
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About all that has changed is that now he has evidently embraced Trump.</div>
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another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Henry Clay Dennison</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>Socialist Workers’ Party</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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communist political organizer & frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://themilitant.com/">https://themilitant.com/</a></span> is cited, but I see no reference to Mr Dennison</div>
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I did find a 2020 campaign platform, although it does not mention for which position. The platform is national in scale.</div>
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Mr Dennison does not appear terribly serious. Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Ian Gonzales</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>R</div>
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https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=476026</div>
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lives in Kenniwick</div>
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looks quite young</div>
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and that’s all I could find</div>
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another ‘also ran’</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Joshua Freed</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b> R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.freedforgovernor.com/events">https://www.freedforgovernor.com/events</a></span></div>
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“Small businesses and Washington families deserve better than failed leadership funded by outside special interest groups.”</div>
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But you’re invited to attend “an exclusive evening with Joshua Freed”, to include skeet shooting, hand rolled cigars, cheese and wine with Lindie Freed, full course catered dinner, & cocktails for only $1k/each on June 28. Gee, in person? One notes that he does not mention the virus at all. </div>
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That R is practically invisible on his website. It is buried at the very bottom in the “paid for.” None of his campaign signs include it. Oh, and his signs are free. He only asks $15.00 for shipping.</div>
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issues:</div>
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clean up our cities and get people the help they need</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>convert under-used state facilities to homeless housing</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>complete overhaul of mental health system</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>support police and first responders by enforcing current laws and equip them with tools they need to keep our community and themselves safe.</div>
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will not take a paycheck as governor</div>
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“pathways to recovery” (11-29-19)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>create “pathways to recovery” centers in underused state facilities, starting with Evergreen State College, which has 950 beds to use for detox and recovery. Enrollment is down 42% and they don’t give real grades. The experiment needs to end.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This translates to shutting down Evergreen.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“compassionate enforcement” – anyone using drugs in a public space will either go to jail or to the “pathway to recovery” center. (I am currently dealing with someone who was involuntarily kept in such a center for 3 days. He is now visiting the hospital daily to treat the enormous hole in his body created by an injection administered at that center. Turns out this is a well-known side effect of this particular drug. Doesn’t sound very compassionate to me.)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This will be a public/private partnership. (it sounds so warm and fuzzy: public/private. What this usually translates is that we the public pay for the benefit of the private half of the partnership. Think about all those private prisons holding ICE victims. That’s the classic public/private partnership.)</div>
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Make state government more open and transparent.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>claims governor is negotiating sweetheart contracts behind closed doors. He will make state contract negotiations open and transparent.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>will apply open public meetings act to legislature. (I could’ve sworn that was resolved in the courts last year)</div>
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Transparent budget and NO state income tax.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>claims state government favors the rich, ie:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* we deny educational choices for low-income communities</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* cost of roads is borne by poor people</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* mentally ill are being left to suffer</div>
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(while I agree in part, I want to know how continuing our grossly unfair tax structure will benefit these people)</div>
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“Together we can make state government work for all of us – with no one left behind.”</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.courierherald.com/news/gop-gubernatorial-hopefuls-aim-to-oust-inslee-amid-covid-19/">https://www.courierherald.com/news/gop-gubernatorial-hopefuls-aim-to-oust-inslee-amid-covid-19/</a></span></div>
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They include former Bothell mayor Joshua Freed, who kicked off his campaign with about $500,000 in self-funding;</div>
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Another candidate asked just why someone would pay out $500k toward a job which pays +/- $180k/year, and what benefits he expects to gain to pay that back. Good question, especially since he specifies that he will take no salary. There’s something very fishy going on here. </div>
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Yet another fiscally manipulative, socially creepy R who wants to buy a higher office. No thanks.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Joshua Wolf</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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college student</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.new-libertyparty.org/">https://www.new-libertyparty.org/</a></span></div>
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“bring honor to politics”</div>
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21 years old, from San Juan County</div>
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top priority, the reason he’s running is to stop people being trafficked along the I-5 corridor</div>
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he’s of the New Liberty Party – a resurrection of the original Liberty Party ~ 1840 – 1860s, abolitionists.</div>
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other issues:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>salmon runs</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>mental health</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>foster care</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>prisons</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>police</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>bureaucracy</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>school reform</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>native tribes</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>homeless and housing crisis</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>loss of small business</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>fishing industry</div>
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He is not terribly coherent, mainly because he does not edit himself, but he does have some ideas. His heart is in the right place. He says he is both dyslexic and dysgraphic, which likely explains the non-editing. I suppose I should cut him some slack for that.</div>
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Sounds like a good kid. I wish him well and hope to hear more from him. With a lot more experience he may do good work. For now, he’s an ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Leon Anon Lawson</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> Trump R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://wearethene.ws/notable/107968">https://wearethene.ws/notable/107968</a></span></div>
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The only reference I found was from the Washington state Q Anon group, leading me to believe that the Anon in the name is a party declaration.</div>
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Not real. Another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Liz Hallock</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>Green</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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attorney, cannabis store owner, 2019 city council candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://newdealwashington.com/">https://newdealwashington.com/</a></span></div>
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“our campaign is not taking donations at this time. Donate to NW Harvest COVID-19 Relief Fund.”</div>
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Small business owner. No corporate donations.</div>
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Her vision:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ families are not constantly stressed by trying to find affordable healthcare and childcare</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ mental health is a priority</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ children do not fear abuse or hunger, and can grow up happy and healthy regardless of their neighborhood; where they are encouraged to be creative and given the math, science, and arts education they need to succeed.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ encourage entrepreneurship and allow small business to flourish; ensure large corporations do not control our elections and democracy. Ensure the voices of all people are heard.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ teach our children to honor and respect the planet and get outdoors. </div>
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We have only one future, and that’s a future together. </div>
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Re: 2<sup>nd</sup> & 4<sup>th</sup> amendments. She believes in the right to own guns – for responsible adults, after universal background checks. She does worry about warrantless search and seizure. (Which is probably reasonable for a Cannabis retailer. It hasn’t been legal all that long and there are some truly arcane laws to which retailers are subject.)</div>
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Re: Climate Crisis. Poor air quality harms children. Tech makes drastic reductions in greenhouse gases relatively easy. Oil & gas industry are fighting those reductions. Climate change is inevitable and the best we can do now is mitigate and prepare for the changing landscape, shore up water and food supplies, and prepare for climate refugees. </div>
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Ran for Yakima city council.</div>
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Quotes FDR, Howard Zinn, and Maya Angelou</div>
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This one sounds like she has interesting ideas which I would like to see explored further. Perhaps she should aim just a bit lower, to gain some experience before trying for governor. I see she ran for council in 2019. Evidently she didn’t make it. Unfortunately, another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Loren Culp</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.culpforgovernor.com/">https://www.culpforgovernor.com/</a></span></div>
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from his website:</div>
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Personal history: US Army, drill sergeant school, non-com school, 101<sup>st</sup> Airborne, 2<sup>nd</sup> Infantry. Currently police chief in Republic, former narcotics detective.</div>
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Against gun restriction of I-639.</div>
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Solutions: taxation</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>stop spending – freeze spending and expansion of any programs</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>make it permanent – amend constitution to permanently ban a state income tax</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reevaluation – review and simplify the tax code</div>
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Solutions: homelessness, drug addiction, & crime</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>zero tolerance</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>empowerment – empower law enforcement to “take dealers & addicts off the streets”</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>partnership – community funded rehab</div>
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Solutions: protection of citizen rights</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>principle based leadership – require of all bills:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>is it constitutional?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>will it demonstrably benefit citizens of WA?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>can we afford it?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>public accountability – promote citizen involvement and awareness</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>courage – encourage legislators, local leaders, & law enforcement to challenge every initiative or bill which infringes on federal or state constitutional rights.</div>
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Solutions: transportation & infrastructure</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>accountability – set benchmarks & monitor progress</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>partnerships – public/private, streamline permitting</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>cost reduction </div>
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Solutions: education</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>job skills – re-introduce CTE (trades & ag) training in high schools</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>parental choice – let them enroll their children in what school they like</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>back to basics – reading, writing, math, vocational tech</div>
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Solutions: fish wildlife, environment, & natural resources</div>
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pro-actively manage state lands by logging and thinning and cleaning up the forest floor; increase road access.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>increase output of state hatcheries to 100%. Build more hatcheries. Reinstitute hunting of sea lions & seals. Deal with silt buildup on salmon spawning grounds. </div>
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Solutions: reducing government over-regulation</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>elimination of 2 regulations for every new one adopted</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>accountability. remove strong-arm enforcement tactics and start working with affected businesses</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>purpose. require clear evidence-based explanation of the problem the regulation solves.</div>
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Solutions: state budget and budget process</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>stop spending. freeze all current spending at current levels for at least 3 years</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>expertise – department heads will have better budgetary experience. “activist” department heads will be replaced.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>start from scratch. Implement a “zero based budget”</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.courierherald.com/news/gop-gubernatorial-hopefuls-aim-to-oust-inslee-amid-covid-19/">https://www.courierherald.com/news/gop-gubernatorial-hopefuls-aim-to-oust-inslee-amid-covid-19/</a></span></div>
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Loren Culp, the police chief of Republic who rose to fame after refusing to enforce I-1639 gun </div>
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laws;</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/05/washington-governor-candidate-loren-culp-faces-law/?utm_source=Crosscut%20Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Crosscut+Daily+20200706+-+READY">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/jul/05/washington-governor-candidate-loren-culp-faces-law/?utm_source=Crosscut%20Daily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Crosscut+Daily+20200706+-+READY</a></span></div>
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New news to the effect that Mr Culp and two other law enforcement officers intimidated the victim in a long-running case of child sexual abuse, threatening to charge her with ‘false claims’ and that they failed to report her allegations to child welfare authorities as required by law. He participated in initial interviews with the victim and concluded that she was lying, so did not arrest the accused. The victim was then directed to spend the night with one of the investigating officers – who had sex with her. Obviously that was not reported either. Culp denies it all, says he was peripheral to the case, and none of it has anything to do with his run for governor.</div>
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Has raised $650k thus far.</div>
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This man is downright dangerous. And it looks like he has raised the most of any Republican, so may well be one of the top 2 finalists in November. That would be scary. I have seen a few signs for him on the south end, in the usual Republican hot-spots. I don’t even want to begin challenging his many misapprehensions and miscalculations above. Suffice it to say he is full of –it and should not even be sheriff if he is not willing to uphold the law. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Martin “Iceman” Wheeler</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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firefighter</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.wheelerforgov2020.com/post/the-story-of-jay-and-the-wolf">https://www.wheelerforgov2020.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></div>
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A long story blaming Jay Inslee for everything.</div>
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Issues</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ trash management. keep the state clean and beautiful, with volunteers</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ “addresslessness”, which he equates with mental illness</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Dept of revenue, says voters dislike budget; stands against all levies.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ law enforcement. enforce existing laws; safety, safety, safety.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ guns. you can’t legislate attitude; guns are tools; owners need training; 2<sup>nd</sup> amendment was designed to stop tyranny.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Dept of transportation. He talks about negotiation, but no specifics.</div>
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He complains about the inequity and injustice of the shutdown and asks who decides what is essential. He rails against the USSR and quotes the bible.</div>
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He would veto the sex ed bill (which has already passed. once again, look at the rap in the intro to this blog)</div>
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Not a serious candidate. Another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Matthew Murray</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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No on-line presence. May be Yakima police chief. If so, pretty far right.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://yakimapolice.org/reports-of-stay-at-home-violations-go-to-the-health-district-not-police/">https://yakimapolice.org/reports-of-stay-at-home-violations-go-to-the-health-district-not-police/</a></span></div>
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If this is the same Matthew Murray, he’s the Yakima police chief</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-06-04/woman-dies-in-yakima-police-custody-investigation-underway">https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/washington/articles/2020-06-04/woman-dies-in-yakima-police-custody-investigation-underway</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/matthew-murray-sworn-in-as-yakima-s-new-police-chief/article_3b17525b-c567-5502-8b41-8b28daa9cea5.html">https://www.yakimaherald.com/news/local/matthew-murray-sworn-in-as-yakima-s-new-police-chief/article_3b17525b-c567-5502-8b41-8b28daa9cea5.html</a></span></div>
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5-1-19 Matthew Murray sworn in as Yakima’s new police chief</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.yaktrinews.com/yakima-valley-authorities-dont-plan-to-enforce-inslees-stay-at-home-order-just-yet/">https://www.yaktrinews.com/yakima-valley-authorities-dont-plan-to-enforce-inslees-stay-at-home-order-just-yet/</a></span></div>
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That includes the police chief</div>
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Given that he has no on line presence, and all I’ve been able to find is relatively negative stuff about someone with this name, this is yet another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Nate Herzog</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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ex Lake Forest Park city councilman</div>
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ex Republican</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://twitter.com/ResetWA">https://twitter.com/ResetWA</a></span></div>
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GOP from birth, card carrying member until Trump</div>
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Never Inslee, Never Eyman</div>
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Can’t find any more info.</div>
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another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Omari Tahir Garrett</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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community activist and frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://omariforcitycounci.wixsite.com/omariforcitycouncil">https://omariforcitycounci.wixsite.com/omariforcitycouncil</a></span></div>
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His website for 2019 campaign for Seattle city council.</div>
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very much a Black Lives Matter activist</div>
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Sounds like a great guy, but everything on line is about his campaigns in Seattle.</div>
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another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Phil Fortunato</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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State senator, ex state rep, stormwater management firm owner</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://philforgov.org/">https://philforgov.org/</a></span></div>
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promises:</div>
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Roll back irresponsible taxes and budget increases</div>
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End ‘dangerous’ Sanctuary State policy</div>
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Fully fund transportation with existing revenue</div>
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End mandatory sex ed in kindergarten (again, check out discussion at start of blog)</div>
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Reduce fees and regulation to make housing more affordable</div>
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“overall sad state of affairs in the Emerald City” and a need to stop spread to the rest of the state.</div>
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“Moving Washington Forward”</div>
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program:</div>
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~ Roll back unsustainable budget increases (for things like teacher pay)</div>
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~ Provide incentives to state employees to get rid of waste and ineffective programs</div>
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(one wonders how those incentives would be funded)</div>
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~ Fund our state’s transportation infrastructure with existing taxes</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(and what other programs will have to be cut to do that?)</div>
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~ Incentivize schools to keep more money in the classroom</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>(what does this mean? Just where does the money to be kept in the classroom come from?)</div>
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~ Implement a “Smart Green” agenda that conserves our state’s natural resources and protects the environment (sounds great. What does it look like?)</div>
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~ Create a framework to allow for the construction of affordable starter homes.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>details on all of this to be released over the next few months in a “blueprint for Washington”</div>
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More plans:</div>
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~ Homelessness. “We simply cannot allow people to camp on the sidewalks, and obstruct and assault pedestrians. . .The costs affect tourism and deplete city budgets. We cannot have people getting a pass just because they are homeless. If they have committed a crime they need to be held accountable. They usually come with the baggage of drug or alcohol addiction. They need to be removed from the streets and provided treatment.”</div>
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(Note that the concern is for what tourists will see, not for why those people might be camped on the streets. Left unmentioned is just how or where they will get that treatment with a shrunken budget. To call this attitude callous would be an understatement).</div>
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~ Budget. Its not a revenue problem, it’s a spending problem. He proposes zero-based budgets. Start with zero and require that every agency demonstrate the need for every penny requested. (He acknowledges that this is a huge task, so proposes to do ¼ of the budget each year. Again, there is an assumption that agencies and departments are grabbing money and mis-spending it rather than doing their jobs. Of course he admits that he would rather not have a whole lot of those jobs done at all.)</div>
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~ Transportation. Infrastructure is crumbling, traffic is a nightmare. Mileage taxes are invasive and unfair. Use an inflation linked funding source, the motor vehicle sales tax. Gas tax will decline as people use alternatives. </div>
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~ Education. We have adequately addressed McCleary. We’re already paying nearly $16k/student/year. There are nearly 1500 unfunded mandates. Allow districts to obtain waivers from those mandates that don’t directly contribute to the education of the student in the classroom.</div>
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(like breakfast, or school buses?)</div>
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~ Housing. The state is at fault for the housing crisis. Excessive regulation has increased cost. Misguided land use rules. He will “implement an aggressive program of opening up our state to build more housing of all kinds.”</div>
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In the news, 4-9-20 “Fortunato calls bankruptcy ruling unreasonable, demands fairness for Eyman.”</div>
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“I think part of this is politically motivated on the part of AG Ferguson and the political establishment. They don’t like the fact that Tim has put a finger in their eye on taxes time and again,” Fortunato said. “Tim may have mis-stepped in campaign finance reporting, but I think they need to exhibit some compassion and fairness. We are stopping evictions, delaying mortgage payments and all kinds of extraordinary things to help people while the economy is struggling. If this were anyone other than Eyman, there would be outrage from Democrats. Demanding that someone come up with over a million dollars by the end of the month is unimaginable.” (its also not true. The court put Eyman on a payment plan: $10k/month for 2 years and then $13k/month until his fines and restitution are paid off)</div>
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Mr Fortunato is apparently the ‘mainstream’ R favorite for this race, having amassed $183k in campaign funds. Unfortunately that has not bought him any traction in the polls, where he, along with the other ‘favorites’ are running 20+ points behind Jay Inslee. Several of those other favorites are far further to the right and have raised considerably more in donations.</div>
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There is so much garbage in these statements. He asks for ‘fairness and compassion’ for chair thief Tim Eyman, but I don’t see any compassion for those people camped on the sidewalks. For them he proposes ‘zero tolerance.’ Imagine one of those people wheeling a chair out of Office Depot. Depending on the color of their skin they might not survive the episode at all. The only reference, oblique though it be, is that people are having trouble financially these days. He’s not offering to help with that, but only demanding that we cut Eyman slack because of it. </div>
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And nary a word about the pandemic or how to deal with it.</div>
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I have not seen anything to like in what Mr Fortunato proposes and a lot to dislike. He seems to be part and parcel of that sadistic crowd currently in power in the other Washington.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Raul Garcia </b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://drgarcia4governor.com/">https://drgarcia4governor.com/</a></span></div>
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contact@drgarcia4governor.com</div>
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campaign slogan = Hippocratic oath, First, do no harm.</div>
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Emergency Room MD, small businessman, Cuban immigrant. Interned for Bob Dole. MD since 1982. Worked in Miami, New York, Yakima Valley, tri-cities. “On the frontlines of COVID right now.”</div>
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Campaign chair: Sam Reed.</div>
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I note that he does not state his party in his website front page or campaign sign. I just found it, not surprising, R</div>
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He’s an osteopath, ER, has written some papers. Wife is RN. </div>
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Looking to unify: Democrats vs Republicans, East vs West</div>
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He’s pumping for signatures on Ref 90, the “parents for safe schools” referendum to remove sex ed from schools. (yet again, check out the rap at start of blog)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>In Flag Day speech he says he and his mother “escaped from a communist regime that took our farm and some of our family.”</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>respect for free speech</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>choose our own faith</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>hard work brings opportunity</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.yaktrinews.com/tri-cities-er-doctor-announces-his-plans-to-run-for-state-governor/">https://www.yaktrinews.com/tri-cities-er-doctor-announces-his-plans-to-run-for-state-governor/</a></span></div>
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article lists his agenda:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>improving healthcare access</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>supporting small businesses</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>preparing the state for future emergencies & pandemics</div>
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immediate concerns:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>reopening the state for business</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>providing resources for farmers, Hanford, small businesses, and global corporations</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Another refugee from a communist regime, with the baggage that entails. Many of his basic statements seem fine. Its just when you look deeper that you find the objectionable parts.</div>
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His campaign against sex ed is either misplaced or doctrinaire. And his wish to re-open the state for business in the face of the growing pandemic speaks poorly for his MD credentials and his adherence to the Hippocratic oath. </div>
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He appears well intentioned, but I still wouldn’t vote for him.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Richard Carpenter</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: red;"><b> </b></span> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="mailto:richardica74@gmail.com">richardica74@gmail.com</a></span></div>
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no info. ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Ryan Ryals</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>independent</div>
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<span style="color: #0079cd; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://ryanryals.com/">http://ryanryals.com/</a></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>“No D, no R, just U”</div>
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He calls himself a “bleeding heart Libertarian” and says he stands for equality and social justice while also favoring free markets and limited government.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://bleedingheartlibertarians.com/">https://bleedingheartlibertarians.com/</a></span><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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(this is a highly intellectual discussion of the meaning of the various strains of Libertarianism, which draws no conclusions I was able to find)</div>
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The man is cogent and clearly a thinker. That is refreshing, even if I happen to disagree with his conclusions. </div>
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“Respecting the rights of the minority party is the only way we thrive, and its going to take an independent to set the course straight again.”</div>
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A short encapsulation of his rather wordy (and I should talk, right?) ideas:</div>
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Regulations: we need some, but not too many.</div>
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The Budget: its going to hurt. We need creative and unusual ideas which value freedom and personal responsibility, preserve liberty and real justice for everyone, while being truly representative of the people. </div>
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Homelessness: blaming folks for being lazy or drug-addicted isn’t solving the problem. We need new solutions. Tiny houses are one solution. Change the regulations to allow Tiny houses, travel trailers in RV parks, and long term camping, among other things. </div>
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Efficient, Functional, and Prepared Government: the pandemic is showing the lack of preparedness. Relying on the feds is no strategy. </div>
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Police Reform: start by removing some offenses that require arrest. Reduce those to citations. Some offenses that normally get citations may need to be removed entirely. </div>
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Decreased Partisanship: This is really mis-titled. His discussion is on the fact that people need to be involved in their governments or those governments will not represent the peoples’ interests.</div>
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Guns: I own some. I’m not coming to take yours. But if you misuse them you probably won’t be allowed to keep them.</div>
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Corona virus: re-opening was mis-handled. Should have simply specified 1 person/100 sq ft. in phase 1, 1/50 sq ft in phase 2, etc. (He’s talking about performance based regulation, and I agree)</div>
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Transportation and Traffic: we need better roads to support commerce. He’s advocating for “V2X”, a technology to allow vehicles to communicate with everything around them. Not sure how that would relate to my 30 year old car in a rural area.</div>
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Fundraising: he is accepting no donations. He believes fundraising skews the process.</div>
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This is someone with whom I would enjoy arguing. He obviously has ideas and has thought through some of them. He is not out for money or fame, but to do what he believes is right for the most people. I happen to disagree with a fair number of his conclusions about how to achieve that, but at least he seems to be trying.</div>
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He has no chance in this race. Which makes him one more ‘also ran.’</div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Thor Amundson</span> </b> Independent</div>
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(l) – project expediter & frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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no further info. ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Tim Eyman </b> </span> R</div>
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https://tim4gov.com/</div>
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His website is full of vituperation, threats against Jay Inslee, and claims that masks increase CO2 and are unhealthy. All the images of his many in-person rallies show crowds of unmasked people. What the website does not show is his political affiliation. I had to get that from the sample ballot.</div>
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from the 2019 Politiblog:</div>
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Here’s yet another Tim Eyman special. This would be Eyman the petty thief (stealing a chair from a store) and a major thief (our time, energy, taxes, and dedicated donations). </div>
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He has been making a quite lucrative (and evidently somewhat illegal) living pushing initiatives to limit what taxes may be imposed and the uses to which we can put them. He really truly hates public transit (or at least the people who pay him to run initiatives do).</div>
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From Eyman’s website:</div>
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I will veto any tax increase</div>
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Do you trust me or Jay Inslee?</div>
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I believe in permanent offense </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He complains that various county auditors have rejected his voter pamphlet statement because it violates their codes. He has posted the statement, and the highlighted portions are all attacks on Jay Inslee, by name. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He actually has posted 11 minutes of video of himself in the CHAZ Capital Hill free zone. People asked him questions, ragged on him, demanded answers. He simply stood there, unresponsive. Those present only lately realized Eyman was running for governor and roundly booed him. He refused to answer any of their questions. When he spoke, which was very briefly, it was to say “Fine. You disagree with me. We can still be respectful. Thanks, goodbye.” I got the impression that he was trying to incite some sort of incident which he could then use to demonstrate the evils of CHAZ and what Jay Inslee was allowing to happen. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is the man who singlehandedly destroyed mass transit in Washington. That $30.00 car tab is costing us literally billions in foregone infrastructure, maintenance, and replacement. Thanks Tim. Among other things I-976 prevented Island Transit from purchasing 24 replacement carpool vans. And it may lose almost $20 mil in operating funds. Thanks again, Tim. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/bankruptcy-judge-orders-tim-eyman-to-pay-270000-in-state-court-contempt-fines-by-april-19/">https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/bankruptcy-judge-orders-tim-eyman-to-pay-270000-in-state-court-contempt-fines-by-april-19/</a></span></div>
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4-9-2020 Bankruptcy judge orders Tim Eyman to pay $270k in state court contempt fines.</div>
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Eyman was given until 4-19-20 to pay the fine for refusing to follow court orders in a campaign finance case. This is part of his federal bankruptcy case. Eyman owes more than $340k in contempt sanctions and related costs and has paid about $60k. The new plan will require Eyman to pay $10k/month starting in May, with an increase to $13.5k/month starting January 2022 until his debts are satisfied. The case arises from Eyman’s laundering of political donations, accepting kickbacks, taking campaign donations for personal use, and contempt of court fines. </div>
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To date he has raised $340k in campaign contributions. Given his penchant for sliding campaign funds into his own pocket, one wonders how much campaigning this will buy. His website is vituperative, less than truthful, and downright slimy. He does not appear to have anything approaching an actual platform or proposals for governing. Its all about what he would not do.</div>
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And now he has sued Jay Inslee for ordering the wearing of face masks in public and shutting down ‘non-essential’ businesses to slow the virus. He cites the governor of North Dakota for her wonderful approach. That would be the governor who did not require masks or distancing at the July 3 Mt Rushmore event. The man is just plain toxic and should be avoided.</div>
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He appears to have an affinity with Oak Harbor developer Scott Thompson of Wright's Crossing. At the infamous July 4 event hosted by Thompson a non-R came to observe and was severely beaten (ended up in Harborview with a concussion). Part of the beating involved slapping Eyman stickers all over him. Also covered in Eyman stickers were many in the audience and state senator Ron Muzzall. </div>
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Tim Eyman belongs in prison, not in any position of power. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Tylor Grow </b></span> R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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lives in Arlington</div>
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provides no contact info, nothing on line except the fact of his filing.</div>
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another “also ran”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Winston Wilkes</b> </span> propertarian</div>
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No campaign, no contact info. Home address in Granite Falls. I found a photo of a rather young man with a very close haircut in what looks like a mug shot, complete with suit & tie.</div>
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According to Wikipedia propertarianism is a subset of libertarianism which focuses on the property rights of corporations.</div>
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Another also ran.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Jay Inslee</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.jayinslee.com/">www.jayinslee.com</a></span></div>
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From the 2016 blog:<b> </b><span style="color: #ff2600;"><b>Jay Inslee</b></span> is the Democratic incumbent governor and for the most part he has done a reasonably good job. He is touted in the press as the country’s “most environmental governor” – which mainly shows how bad things are elsewhere. On the other hand, he has just appointed one of my favorite environmental attorneys to the State Court of Appeals for our district. </div>
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So, what has changed in 4 years? Well, now we’re all sitting at home sheltering from COVID. Checking Inslee’s campaign website, the first thing I find is: COVID update. You think maybe this is on everybody’s mind right now? Inslee’s focus has been on stopping the spread of the virus, getting PPEs to those who need them, and providing economic relief to those who need that. There’s an official Washington State Coronavirus Response website <a href="https://covid19.wa.gov/"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://covid19.wa.gov/</span></a> His campaign web page gives no information, just a donation button.</div>
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So I went to that old fallback, Wikipedia <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Inslee"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Inslee</span></a> , which tells us that “as governor, Inslee has emphasized climate change, education, and drug policy reform. He joined AG Ferguson in suing Trump over the anti-Muslim travel ban – and won.</div>
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Our experience with Inslee was that he was somewhat intransigent in his support of salmon net pens – until the Cooke Aquaculture disaster, after which he ordered a ban on the net pens. Now we want to see how he responds to Cooke’s application to modify those same deteriorating pens to raise native steelhead. </div>
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We were altogether delighted with Inslee’s Quixotic run for the Democratic presidential nomination. He did in fact achieve his goal of raising environmental issues in the debates and making all the candidates address them. Thanks for that.</div>
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In 2019 Inslee came to Whidbey to learn about and celebrate our whales, and to help with orca recovery. He stated a priority to remove hundreds of fish blocking culverts statewide and to publicize his environmental action plan. </div>
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He lists his progressive accomplishments for Washington:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ first carbon cap in the country</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ investment in education</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ best paid family leave in the country</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ increased minimum wage</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ investment in infrastructure</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ ensuring net neutrality</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ expanded voting rights</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ legalizing marijuana</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ expanding gun background checks and banning bump stocks</div>
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And in spite of Tim Eyman’s lawsuit over the order to wear masks, Jay Inslee has done a really good job with the virus. Yes, the shutdown could have been more nuanced. Absolutely. On the other hand, when the train is roaring at you at a zillion mph, that’s not the time to stand on ceremony. You shove your friends out of the way and deal with the fact that some of them fell down later. We’re now in that ‘later’ phase, and it looks like he’s doing his best to help those people who fell down. Of course he is having to fight the evil in the White House which evidently takes great pleasure in causing and then watching the pain of others. So Inslee, along with other governors, had to use subterfuge to get PPEs. He continues to be the target of vituperation from the tweeter in chief.</div>
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It is instructive to look at where the various states are in their COVID responses. Inslee shut down Washington very early on, and was slow and careful in reopening in stages. Those states with Republican governors failed to respond and the result is millions of infections and, at last count, upward of 136,000 deaths, and roughly 1000 people dying every day. While numbers are increasing in Washington, they are at the very low end of the scale and focused in Republican dominated east side counties. Just yesterday Inslee told Trump that his threats were ‘hogwash’ and that Washington would do what it needed to do to protect its citizens. It would not open its schools to satisfy Trump but only when the state was sure that would be safe. FYI, Island County is running about 23 cases/10k people. Adams & Benton Counties are at 108/10k, Franklin @ 233/10k, and Yakima at 307/10k. </div>
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I am glad we have someone with a level head and a genuine wish to do what is best for all the people and the environment of Washington as our governor. I will be voting for <span style="color: red;"><b>Jay Inslee. </b></span></div>
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-82994843907806605702020-07-14T10:16:00.000-07:002020-07-15T09:59:08.966-07:00Lieutenant Governor<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Lieutenant Governor</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Ann Davison Sattler </b></span> R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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attorney, teacher, 2019 city council candidate</div>
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6-29-20 pdc $57k</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mynorthwest.com/1696047/dori-ann-davison-sattler/">https://mynorthwest.com/1696047/dori-ann-davison-sattler/</a></span></div>
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former Dem, now R</div>
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She says she always thought of herself as a Dem, but when she ran for Seattle city council she found herself shut out by progressives.</div>
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She sees the Lt Gov position as having become partisan and she’s out to change that. She says it is ‘not welcoming to other ideas.’ </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://neighborsforann.com/">https://neighborsforann.com/</a></span></div>
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policy:</div>
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~ fiscal responsibility, good stewardship of tax dollars – cut waste in Olympia, tie programs to actual outcomes </div>
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~ political balance – one party has held power too long. They forget to listen.</div>
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~ public safety – would never support de-funding police. They’re just trying to shift funds to pet projects. See what happened when Inslee released 1000 inmates under the guise of COVID safety? In reality, the inmates were safer in jail, and they ended up committing violent crimes outside. (Turns out only 350 were released before the State Supreme Court shut down the program, claiming prisons could keep prisoners safe. As of today 7-10-20 there are 263 cases and 2 deaths, primarily at Coyote Ridge)</div>
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~ addiction & mental health – need physical and mental health coverage. Need better addiction rehab and mental health care.</div>
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~ homelessness – we don’t know who has which problem making them homeless. We don’t know who are the criminals taking advantage of otherwise forgotten people living in tents & makeshift dwellings. We need to get people out of unsafe unsanitary conditions and into shelter. We can use otherwise vacant commercial spaces for temporary housing.</div>
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~ COVID – she hopes by the time she takes office there will be a vaccine. She will take a balanced approach to protect both lives and livelihoods.</div>
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She’s endorsed by a bunch of legislative Rs. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What I’m not seeing/hearing is an understanding of what the lieutenant governor actually does and how she will fulfill that role. I am underwhelmed.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Bill Penor</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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airport manager, 2016 candidate</div>
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not listed with pdc</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://billpenor.com/">https://billpenor.com/</a></span></div>
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memberships:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>WA Airport Management Assoc, president & board member</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Narbeck Wetland Sanctuary, board member</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>American Assoc of Airport Execs, member</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>WA Business Assoc, current member</div>
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Issues:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ honor veterans & war dead</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ education – full funding of career & tech ed (CTE), integrate CTE in all school districts, invest in 1st year teacher salaries. He cites a list of benefits. Says education has been deteriorating & needs to be brought back up to snuff. He has a long diatribe on this, mostly positive – and then he tells us that Charter Schools are not the Enemy! (his exclamation, not mine)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Home Safe/housing – he explains how and why people are losing their homes, and proposes “immediate cash injections to WA State Housing Finance Commission, from the state tax surplus (what surplus would this be?) This would be available to people needing rent assistance. And more specifics. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Color – blacks are humans (really?) He mentions that he is the grandfather of 2 very young black children. It is time to stamp out the last remnants of racism. (would he ever have realized this if a child of his hadn’t partnered with a person of color?)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ Sustainable energy – he “maintains an open mind” on energy issues. Now is the time to pursue green power and renewables while we have the luxury of time to prepare for our future energy needs. (I don’t know what planet he’s on, but on this one we’ve run out of that luxury of time and need to get on it RIGHT NOW.)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> <span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- Create a sustainable energy development campus at the site of the failed Satsop nuclear plant. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- Set up biomass plants, but not allow use of wood from old growth & other protected forests. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- Go to Liquid Flouride Thorium Reactor nuclear generation.</div>
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(To say that his energy ideas are counterproductive would be a major understatement) </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Again, I’m not seeing any description of the job and how he would do it. At least he has some ideas. He is totally wedded to the public/private partnership model, but he does seem to have looked at some of the issues. I still wouldn’t vote for him.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Denny Heck</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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congressman, ex-state rep, businessman, ex gubernatorial aide</div>
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according to PDC on 6-29-20 has raised over $609k. A lot of max donations, $4k/ea, </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://dennyheck.com/">https://dennyheck.com/</a></span></div>
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Retiring from US House of Reps</div>
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“These times urgently call out for public service. As Lieutenant Governor I will provide stability and work to ensure fairness and civility”</div>
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Why Denny?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>civility, decency, experience – the Lieutenant governor “sets the tone” for debate and decorum in the legislature.</div>
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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. </div>
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He will fight for a fair budget that protects the vulnerable and strengthens public schools. He will fight for progressive policies.</div>
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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. </div>
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He will fight for tax reform, leading to ‘a more progressive tax system.”</div>
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He will fight to increase access to reproductive health care.</div>
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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.</div>
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I get the impression of a good hearted mainstream Dem with enviro leanings.</div>
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tps://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html</div>
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Heck has picked up endorsements from more than 230 current and former elected officials, including former governors Christine Gregoire and Gary Locke.</div>
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<span style="color: black;">Read more here: <a href="https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html%22%20%5Cl%20%22storylink=cpy">https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html#storylink=cpy</a></span></div>
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All in all, not a bad fit. At least he acknowledges some of the issues that matter to me and is not allergic to the term ‘progressive.’ But even he does not demonstrate an understanding of the job description and how he will fill it. I won’t cry if his very large campaign warchest wins him the election, but I won’t be voting for him.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b><span style="font-size: 12px;">J</span>ames R Rafferty</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.votejamesrafferty.com/">https://www.votejamesrafferty.com/</a></span></div>
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Should State of Washington Legislators get pay increases during a Pandemic? No!</div>
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Our focus should be getting people back to work as safely as possible. We have to be creative and listen to new ideas in how we do this as never before.</div>
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Should Public Higher Education in Washington State be free from review from Olympia? My answer is No!</div>
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For more than 25 years Public Academic Bureaucrats have raised tuition and have had too much authority to create strange degrees and eliminate existing ones. The State of Washington should once again review and regulate Tuition and Degrees and withhold funding for Public Universities that forget they work for the Citizens of the State of Washington. Common Course Numbering and Transfer policies for existing credits a student has completed need to be reviewed and accepted by Higher Education Officials whether they like it or not!</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>To avoid confusion, I am Clarifying some statements on the Washington State Website. Due to word limitations, the Education section is incorrect.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have completed 37 credits in Paralegal Study at Edmonds CC. I do not have a Paralegal AA from them. I did apply for a General Studies AA from them but was denied. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have completed a Certificate of 33 credits in International Trade From North Seattle CC in 1992. I added 16 more science and other credits and have an AA DTA from them in 2004. After 2004, renamed NSC now have new dedicated 2 year and 4 year degrees in International Trade. These are different from the Degree I earned.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>My first Arts and Sciences Degree was from Tacoma CC in 1982. Later, I went back and completed a General Studies AA from TCC in 1998. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have an Associate Development Degree from Green River CC in 1998. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have an Associate in Applied Science in Network Technology from Cascadia CC in 2004. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have an Associate in Technology General from Pierce CC. in 2005. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have applied several times for a 3rd BA in General Studies from the University of Washington, this has met with some resistance and has not been approved.</div>
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It took me a long time to find his website, which is very incomplete and not particularly informative. My impression is that he is having a disagreement with higher education officials about the cumulative value of his varied education. That does not strike me as sufficient basis for running for lieutenant governor. Another “also ran”</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Jared Frerichs</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>libertarian</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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business consultant, USCG veteran, 2016 county council candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.teamsters117.org/wsp_member_running_for_walla_walla_county_commissioner">https://www.teamsters117.org/wsp_member_running_for_walla_walla_county_commissioner</a></span></div>
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Ran for Walla Walla county commissioner, military veteran, evidently works (worked?) for WA State Patrol and a “CO2” (corrections officer) at the Walla Walla prison. </div>
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Active in his police union and lobbies in Olympia.</div>
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issues: livable wage jobs, public safety, environment</div>
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wants to build a public gun range.</div>
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at <i>facebook.com/jared4ww.</i></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jared.frerichs">https://www.facebook.com/jared.frerichs</a></span></div>
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“planning ahead, after we decide to solve racism – we should focus on class conflict . . .”</div>
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“our capacity for empathy is limited by our experience”</div>
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“we are not born empathetic”</div>
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“empathy requires an evolution in our thinking”</div>
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“I have a court order to turn over my pugs in 72 hours”</div>
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“I am not good at court”</div>
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He laments the status of police, who he believes are being thrown under the bus.</div>
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“libertarian socialist caucus of the libertarian party”</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkgo1uKw_qM&fbclid=IwAR0r2d-Cp9rW1l6P5MfzLpNRb5GqnvZrW-mxpmBYzS7-J1WlMfmX57M0tdE">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kkgo1uKw_qM&fbclid=IwAR0r2d-Cp9rW1l6P5MfzLpNRb5GqnvZrW-mxpmBYzS7-J1WlMfmX57M0tdE</a></span></div>
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~ combat veteran</div>
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~ volunteer for political campaigns</div>
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why Lieutenant governor?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* attend meetings, and hope the governor doesn’t die</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* president of the senate</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* fills in for the governor</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* has a large role in international relations</div>
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why vote for you?</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am the only Libertarian. Its time to break the D/R duopoly. </div>
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I just checked out his Facebook page and find among the piles of drivel a thread quite upset with the demands for dealing with COVID. Seems a health officer in Spokane held a person in custody who was positive and refused to isolate. </div>
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Ran for county commissioner as a Dem in 2016.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Gotta say, at least he does describe the job. That’s a point in his favor. On the other hand, I have a prejudice against police in positions of civil power. And I am most unimpressed with Libertarian ideas. And then there’s the fascinating statement about having a court order to turn over his pugs. One wonders just what that is about.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Hard for me to take this candidate seriously.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Joseph Brumbles</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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business manager, family court reform activist, 2018 US rep candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://josephbrumbles.com/">https://josephbrumbles.com/</a></span></div>
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*Pro Family, Pro Bill of Rights, Pro School's , Pro Jobs, Pro Lower Taxes, Pro Truth In Politics, Pro Clean & Affordable Energy, Pro Quality Of Life, Pro affordable healthcare, Pro Life, Pro Liberty.</div>
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Standing up for our rights. I will fight any unconstitutional legislation. I will never sign any unconstitutional (illegal) legislation as Lt. Governor.</div>
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1.) Fair (Lower) Taxes - A Balanced Budget:</div>
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By helping to create focus on eliminating wasteful spending and reducing unnecessary government control. I will fight to eliminate the tyrannical tax hikes here in Washington state.</div>
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2.) A strong state economy:</div>
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By focusing support, for local businesses and by limiting unnecessary business tax. Let's make this state business friendly. This in turn will create many new jobs and strengthen our states economy. </div>
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3.) Our Schools - School Safety:</div>
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I will do my part to ensure that we eliminate the waste and mismanagement to ensure that our schools and teachers get what they need. I would also like to see our schools primarily controlled and funded at our state level vs. the federal level. This will eliminate a ton of waste and we can better mold the needs of the schools, to what’s needed in our state. (versus a one size fits all direction from the federal government.)</div>
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Also I will focus on creating awareness and pushing for policy, that will secure our schools without attacking our constitution, in order to keep our children safe. I will do this by focusing on securing the school buildings themselves. I have spoken with a few security consultants and there are many reasonable, cost effective ways to do this.</div>
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4.) Taking Care Of Our Vets:</div>
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Our vets are not getting the healthcare that they need and deserve. I will focus on fighting for the vets in our state, so that they can have more choices and receive a much higher quality of care, in many cases, much closer to home.</div>
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5.) Clean And Affordable Energy:</div>
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I believe and will strive for clean energy, however it also needs to be affordable energy. I am standing for Liberty and in that, for a higher quality of life. We cannot add tax to fossil fuels and penalize people with triple cost energy bills. Energy must be affordable. We can do this by utilizing technology and the free market, among other things. I will be an advocate for common sense, clean and affordable energy within our state.</div>
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Hi,</div>
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My name is Joseph Brumbles. I am a single father and an oath keeper. In 2018 I ran for US Congress in Washington’s 10th district against Denny Heck. In that race I earned roughly 40% of the votes or 104,000 votes in the general election. I did this with under $10,000 compared to my opponents $1.2 million. </div>
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Fast forward to today and it is time for me to make another firm stand. To volunteer to put my life on hold for our greater good. To fight for my childrens futures here in Washington state. I am running for Lt. Governor here in Washington state for "We The People". I believe in truth in politics and delivering on campaign promises. </div>
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I am running in order to take a stand for Liberty and to protect our constitutional rights. I am also running to help to ensure "A United Washington." I want this for all people, regardless of age, race, religion, life preferences, etc. I believe in personal Liberty. I am truly a person who wants to be THE representative, for ALL people of Washington state. </div>
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I will do everything that I can in order to ensure that our children get to enjoy the same freedoms that we have enjoyed. Being a single father of two daughters and a business leader, I know the struggles of everyday life. I want to take what I have learned from life and use it to help all Washingtonians. I am a constitutional conservative and believe whole heartedly in upholding our constitution. I am confident that I will get the job done as our Lt. Governor.</div>
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I will continue to be a true champion for us, "We The People." Enough about me, what about you!? Are you ready to help to take our state back from the oath breakers in 2020!? Are you ready to make a stand!? To be THE difference!? </div>
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We are on the political front lines and our entire country is depending on us! We cannot simply move away it WILL follow. We MUST make a stand! Please help me to help us unite as Washingtonians and to move forward. Help to maintain Liberty, so that we can enjoy all of our Constitutional Rights.</div>
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I am a fighter, let me fight for us in the most productive way, as our Lt. Governor. Together </div>
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let’s focus on people over party, let’s unite, </div>
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let’s take our state back from tyranny and </div>
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greed. Stand with me.</div>
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"A United Washington." -Joseph Brumbles</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>What can I add to that? The classic R agenda, with a smattering of what he believes to be bones tossed to Dems. Again, he does not define the job or how he will accomplish it. I take that back. He says he will not sign any legislation which he believes violates the constitution – being the great constitutional scholar that he is, he will have no trouble discerning any such violation.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Thanks, but no thanks.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Marty McClendon</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://electmarty.com/">https://electmarty.com/</a></span></div>
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“A Voice for Us”</div>
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~ Government Accountability – out of control government bureaucracies that write their own rules, waste taxpayer dollars and do not deliver on service for you.</div>
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~ Competitive Pricing to bring free market principles to bear. Hold government accountable for spending. Reign (sic) in out of control spending.</div>
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~ Education – he cites to lack of educational success and says “our kids deserve more” but I do not see any proposal.</div>
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~ Support Small Business – collaborate with the business community and re-open to restore and restart economic engine. Reduce bureaucratic red tape and costly roadblocks. WA needs to be open for business and get the people back to work.</div>
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~ Taxes – we already pay too much. We can’t afford an income tax. They don’t need more tax dollars, they need to invest more wisely.</div>
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~ Congestion – don’t focus on mass transit, just add lane miles.</div>
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~ Veterans – he loves ‘em</div>
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~ Homelessness – causes crime. We need to categorize homeless to match with resources. Collaborate with non-profits and private charities.</div>
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~ Housing Affordability & Supply. – its those damned regulations that inflate the price. He has 21 years of real estate and land use experience. Will work on zoning, land use, and streamlining the process. Bring free market principles into play. Expand public/private partnerships.</div>
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~ No to Extreme Liberal Policies – Seattle style policies hurt citizens, stifle the economy, lower quality of life.</div>
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~ Second Amendment Rights – he will protect gun rights.</div>
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~ Healthcare – He’s been there and done that. He will advocate for free market solutions.</div>
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~ Strong Families – He will advocate for 2 parent homes for children.</div>
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~ Permanent Fund – He will open up logging, keep the snake river dams, remove government intervention in the free market.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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realtor, pastor, conspiracy theorist, frequent candidate</div>
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Well, this is a great agenda for everything I oppose. I love how he will advocate for 2 parent families. One wonders if that includes two parents of the same gender. And homelessness causes crime and regulations cause a shortage of housing. Oh, don’t get me started. Luckily this is an ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Matt Seymour</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>Libertarian</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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property manager, 2018 state rep candidate, 2019 city council candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=413992">https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=413992</a></span></div>
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lives in Bothell</div>
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ran for legislature 2018, got 5.91% of the vote</div>
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ran for Bothell city council</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Candidate/Matt-Seymour-For-WA-State-577590179301055/">https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Political-Candidate/Matt-Seymour-For-WA-State-577590179301055/</a></span></div>
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“Ronald Reagan warned us about today’s Democrats. Chilling.”</div>
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My main focus is to minimize the financial impact that Taxation has on everybody.</div>
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another perennial candidate ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Michelle Jasmer</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jasmer-med-aa592127">https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-jasmer-med-aa592127</a></span></div>
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mortgage & real estate broker</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>think big, invent and simplify</div>
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Found a dormant facebook page which showed involvement with service dogs.</div>
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no info, another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Richard (Dick) Muri</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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ex state rep, ex Pierce county councilman, retired USAF Lt Colonel</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/electdickmuri/">https://www.facebook.com/electdickmuri/</a></span></div>
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posts slur take-offs on Biden, a Faux news piece claiming that a Q13 Fox security guard had to disarm 2 “rioters” in Seattle’s CHOP zone, who had stolen police rifles. </div>
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Re COVID, phase 5 = vote out Jay Inslee</div>
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“Trump’s judicial appointments are among the most qualified in history”</div>
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He does seem to respect the virus, advocating for masks and social distancing and avoiding crowded venues. </div>
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The man is a classic Trump Republican, full of himself and nasty/ugly with any who disagree. I want to see some basis for the claim that anyone in Seattle stole police rifles. I am deeply offended by such patent lies. I just re-checked his Facebook page and find him praising the Rushmore event, along with a link to R candidates statewide.</div>
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I just wonder how such people get into state government at all. He does not appear to address the position for which he is running or have any idea what the job actually entails. </div>
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Needless to say, not even on a cold day in hell would I vote for this guy.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Marko Liias</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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state senator, ex state rep, ex Mukilteo city councilman, 2016 state treasurer candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://markoforwa.com/">http://markoforwa.com/</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Liias">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marko_Liias</a></span></div>
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He is Finnish, speaks the language, and is openly gay.</div>
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He has worked his way up from Mukilteo city council to state legislature, state senate, and is now running for Lieutenant governor. </div>
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In his emails he expresses concern re COVID and how both federal and state governments are responding. </div>
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He calls himself a Bold Progressive. </div>
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He has stopped fundraising and instead asks people to support Black and Brown voices fighting for change, and includes a list. </div>
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“As white people of privilege it is essential we be useful in this struggle to ensure Black lives always matter.”</div>
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Today, the work we did on passing I-940 has placed Washington state at the forefront of rigorous standards for community-focused law enforcement. These standards include annual training for officers on implicit bias, de-escalation tactics, mental health, and alternatives to the use of lethal tactics.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;">While I’m proud of the role I played to help bring about these overdue changes, it has been abundantly clear over the last week there is still much more to do.</span></div>
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<b>And this week, I returned a contribution we received from the State Troopers Association.</b></div>
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I want to be clear, I respect collective bargaining. But at this critical moment in our history, police unions too often stand in the way of progress and meaningful reforms.<br />
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Additionally, I am deeply concerned to learn about the political pressure being placed on members of Congress by the Fraternal Order of Police to water down or even withdraw the racial justice bills being introduced by House and Senate Democrats.<br />
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Among a wide range of reforms, these bills hold the police accountable for their actions, but the Fraternal Order of Police is opposed.<br />
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<b>Only through real reform in law enforcement and addressing economic, housing, and education inequities can we achieve overdue change.</b></div>
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And, as for me, whether it’s gun safety laws, policing reform, or working to end discrimination in housing, education, the workplace, or wherever it may be found, I’m going to keep using my position of privilege to help make our state better.</div>
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He supports increasing opportunities and eligibility to vote.</div>
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He has been very productive in congress, passing 45 bills. His (unnamed) opponent has passed 3, one of which renamed a post office. </div>
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He is endorsed by retiring Lieutenant governor Cyrus Habib</div>
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https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html</div>
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Although the lieutenant governor’s race has 11 candidates, only Heck and state Sen. Marko Liias, a Lynnwood Democrat who is Senate Majority Floor Leader, are considered the heavyweights.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span>Read more here: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html#storylink=cpy</div>
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Habib has endorsed Liias, as have most of the Senate Democrats who control the chamber. </div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><br />
</span><span style="color: black;">Read more here: <a href="https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html%22%20%5Cl%20%22storylink=cpy">https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/politics-government/article242927086.html#storylink=cpy</a></span></div>
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While I won’t cry if we end up with Denny Heck, I far prefer Marko Liias. I will be voting for </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Marko Liias</b></span> for lieutenant governor.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-39555210988988656842020-07-14T09:53:00.000-07:002020-07-15T10:07:35.244-07:00Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Secretary of State</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Ed Minger</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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environmental technician, community activist</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mingere.wixsite.com/home">https://mingere.wixsite.com/home</a></span></div>
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refuses to purchase advertising, reducing the need for $ in politics</div>
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interesting personal history focused on people working together and mutual support. Sounds like a very good teacher.</div>
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Approval Voting – ban candidate advertising. A fairly long tutorial on his proposal, a variant on ranked choice voting. He’s a bit long winded explaining the concept. </div>
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Proposes an elected research team.</div>
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Proposes amended voter’s pamphlet, complete with his Approval Voting.</div>
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A lot of interesting ideas. I don’t have time to watch all the videos. Not sure I want to see Approval Voting rather than ranked choice voting, but they are similar attempts to break from the current dysfunctional system.</div>
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I would like to explore some of this man’s ideas for more representative voting. For now, though, I consider him an ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Gentry Lange</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>independent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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real estate broker, progressive activist, county exec candidate 2005</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://gentrylange.wordpress.com/">https://gentrylange.wordpress.com/</a></span></div>
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2013 item re Sales agent extraordinaire</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=96952">https://www.ourcampaigns.com/CandidateDetail.html?CandidateID=96952</a></span></div>
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lives in Seattle, political activist, ardent spokesman for voting reform, experienced independent journalist, worked as campaign manager for a previous candidate for Sect of State. Volunteer reporter for Seattle Indymedia and Real Change. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2020/04/just-say-no-to-voting-by-mail/">https://www.minnpost.com/community-voices/2020/04/just-say-no-to-voting-by-mail/</a></span></div>
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article objecting to voting by mail because 47k primary ballots were destroyed for failure to declare party preference. He believes in-person voting would have prevented the problem. He believes voter signature matching further disqualifies ballots. He claims that people submit the wrong ballot, left over from a previous election. He insists that voting by mail is a disaster. He advocates for allowing early voting, for a week, in every county and state.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Gentry4SOS/?ref=py_c">https://www.facebook.com/Gentry4SOS/?ref=py_c</a></span></div>
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I am running for office to restore the Secret Ballot, Eliminate Private Vote Counting Software, and bring a voice to the Executive Branch for Small Business, and Worker Recovery</div>
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He’s not as crazy as he sounds. He makes some valid points. I still disagree with him, but he has actually thought through the question of how to protect the vote. I would like to see further explanations of his objection to voting by mail, but meanwhile I will not be voting for him.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Kim Wyman</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.kimwyman.com/">https://www.kimwyman.com/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>she is finishing her 2<sup>nd</sup> term</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>she praises herself for improved voter access and turnout</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>she made many state permit and license applications available on line</div>
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She has evidently been quite busy publishing letters and op eds about the benefits of voting by mail.</div>
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She has amassed over $566k in campaign funds, which seems a bit of overkill given the lack of visible campaign. </div>
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I found a “stipulation and agreed judgment” from the Thurston County Superior Court dated January 2017, in which Wyman and her campaign agree to pay a fine, with attorney’s fees and 3 years probation, in the matter of the Public Disclosure Commission finding her to have committed a campaign fund violation. </div>
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She has not responded to Gael Tarleton’s challenge concerning the candidate filing process going south during the one week registration period. There is no evidence that she takes the threat to voting by mail seriously, although she has co-authored those articles in national outlets about its desirability and efficacy. </div>
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I do wonder what happened to all that voter information she submitted to that bogus federal voter fraud commission. </div>
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She wouldn’t be awful, but I prefer someone I think would be a whole lot better.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Gael Tarleton</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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state rep, ex Seattle port commissioner, ex university official</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.voteforgael.org/">https://www.voteforgael.org/</a></span></div>
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“It’s time we had a Secretary of State who is not only prepared for the current threats to our elections, both foreign and domestic, but also supports and leads efforts to expand voter participation and engagement. I’m committed to protecting every voter and every vote.”</div>
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She has been challenging the incumbent to defend Washington’s vote by mail system in the face of attacks by Trump. She asserts that a failure to defend our elections will only embolden further strikes.</div>
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As State Rep she has called for “an immediate audit of the VoteWA system.” PCOs (Precinct Committee Officers) and candidates have been complaining of problems with the system, which developed problems during filing week.</div>
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She raises the issue of incumbent Wyman providing voter data to Trump’s bogus commission on voter fraud after the 2016 election. Most states refused and the commission was disbanded. One does wonder what happened to the information provided to that commission. </div>
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She reports that incumbent Wyman testified against HR 1, the For the People Act of 2019, a bill to increase cyber security in electronic voting and vote counting. HR 1 would also have implemented an automatic voter registration program, prohibitions on foreign nationals advertising on social media, and a national strategy for election protection. </div>
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She reports that Wyman donated to the election of Georgia Secretary of State Raffensperger, the man who rather deliberately botched the George primary and will most likely do the same to the November general election.</div>
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She is a member of the Northwest Progressive Institute.</div>
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She is a national security and defense intelligence expert. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofGaelTarleton/">https://www.facebook.com/FriendsofGaelTarleton/</a></span></div>
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Endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters and Washington State Labor Council, WA State Federation of State Employees.</div>
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As is obvious from reading this blog, I have some very intense feelings about the sanctity of elections and voting. I want to see the integrity of the election process restored and protected. In that regard, I very much like what I see. I will be voting for <span style="color: red;"><b>Gael Tarleton</b></span>.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>State Treasurer</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Duane Davidson</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://davidsonforwa.com/">https://davidsonforwa.com/</a></span></div>
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He worries about the state’s Rainy Day fund. He says the legislature keeps raiding it.</div>
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He has created a funding directory to help local governments find state funding.</div>
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He wants to amend federal law to allow for state banks to finance the cannabis industry.</div>
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His challenger accuses him of supporting Trump.</div>
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His website was not responsive so I was not able to “learn more.”</div>
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The PDC lists among other Major donors:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Northwest Credit Union Assoc</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bruce McCaw (McCaw Communications)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Washbank PAC</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>George Weyerhaeuser</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Assoc of General Contractors of Washington Build PAC</div>
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CBW PAC- Community of Bankers of WA</div>
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Trucking Action Comm</div>
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Spokane Teachers Credit Union</div>
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Premera Blue Cross</div>
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WA Food Industry Assoc PAC</div>
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First Financial Northwest Bank</div>
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WA Hospitality Assoc PAC</div>
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All the usual corporations and business associations. One does wonder what he does for them.</div>
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Not awful, but not all that good either.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Mike Pellicciotti</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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state representative, attorney, ex Gonzaga U regent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.electmikep.com/">http://www.electmikep.com/</a></span></div>
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~ He has never accepted campaign contributions from corporations</div>
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~ He will stop the practice of the state treasurers investing tax dollars in the very corporations that fund their campaigns.</div>
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~ He says the incumbent supports Trump.</div>
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~ He has passed legislation to:</div>
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- get dark money out of politics, </div>
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- increase financial penalties for corporate crime, </div>
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- require greater campaign finance transparency by PACs.</div>
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~ He has called on the legislature to obey the open public records act and has disclosed his own records.</div>
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~ He introduced legislation to fix property valuations re property tax.</div>
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~ He advocated (and won) an end to corporate tax breaks.</div>
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~ He has served as assistant attorney general, managed unit of financial examiners, auditors, & analysts. </div>
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~ He recovered $30 million from financial fraud and government waste.</div>
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~ He is the chair of the equal justice coalition of renters, mortgagees, vets, and predatory loan victims.</div>
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~ He earned a Fulbright scholarship in economic development, an MA in rural development, and a law degree from Gonzaga.</div>
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~ He led a national initiative to reduce student debt for public service grads.</div>
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endorsed by just about everybody – except Rs</div>
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He has received donations from various unions, and has invested his own money in the campaign.</div>
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I like what I see and intend to vote for <span style="color: red;"><b>Mike Pellicciotti.</b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">State Auditor</span></b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Chris Leyba</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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police officer, grad student</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.leybaaudits.com/">https://www.leybaaudits.com/</a></span></div>
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introduces himself as an 11 year police detective, law enforcement auditor, animal rescue operator, & 21<sup>st</sup> century Republican. Mission: bring balance back to the assessment of our state financial oversight.</div>
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- certified law enforcement auditor</div>
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- proud republican</div>
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- 11 years of criminal investigations experience</div>
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- experience in financial & performance management administration </div>
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- BS, molecular biology, working on MA, business finance @ WSU</div>
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- law enforcement trainer, former state contractor</div>
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~ He claims that the auditor is no longer non-partisan/neutral. Faults McCarthy for focusing on IT audits, saying it shows a lack of balance.</div>
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~ He wants to increase public transparency, and wants the public to have direct input into what is investigated.</div>
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~ He wants to audit the hours worked in various government agencies, i.e. state government, representatives and senators, to assure the mental health of decisionmakers.</div>
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~ He wants to audit traffic and toll camera contracts.</div>
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~ He cites to an auditor’s report of major irregularities in child welfare programs, SNAP, etc and claims that proves his point that the current auditor is biased and not doing the job. </div>
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~ He claims the unions have bought the current auditor. “Are you ready to take back your government agency oversight from the unions?”</div>
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He sees everything as criminal misconduct rather than actually auditing the agencies. </div>
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That includes backed up sexual assault testing. He claims that the auditor’s reports will help the legislature allocate funds. </div>
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He’s quite upset by the disrespect shown for police in the Black Lives Matter demonstrations.</div>
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He claims that Dems raise far more campaign funds by hustling major organizations and party organizations, while Republicans have to raise $ from individuals. </div>
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He wants to change the office from auditor to inspector general. This shows that he is really running for the wrong office and wants to change what that office does. </div>
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He appears to believe that there is a conspiracy involving state governors to require face masks. </div>
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He wants to abolish the Growth Management Act. “Team Washington. Revise and restrict GMA.”</div>
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He doesn’t want cops to have to enforce facemask orders, and says to leave that to public health officers and leave cops to deal with violent crime.</div>
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if/when he becomes auditor he will begin by auditing the office of the governor, dept of health, and emergency management.</div>
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he comes across as a classic cop right wing republican conspiracy theorist. I just checked out his accusation that Dems are hustling organizational $ while Rs are stuck hitting up individuals. That is not the case for most of the candidates I have checked. It is true for Mr Leyba, who should be glad he has so many relatives. They’re his major donors. I then checked on Pat McCarthy. She does have a few organizational donations, and you’ll find them listed in the entry for her.</div>
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I don’t believe Mr Leyba understands the job, and it appears that he would approach it as a cop rather than an auditor. We’re seeing enough of that on the streets. We really don’t need it in the halls of government. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Joshua Casey</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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accountant</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.caseyforauditor.com/">https://www.caseyforauditor.com/</a></span></div>
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He touts his CPA and educational credentials as essential to the job. </div>
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He implies that incumbent McCarthy is a political insider and therefore not qualified.</div>
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He has almost no experience in government and does not list any interests other than CPA. He interned for a member of congress. There’s a photo of him at a peace march to end the Iraq war.</div>
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He is gay and married.</div>
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My impression is that he doesn’t quite get the job description. Yes, his CPA credentials would be helpful, but that’s only a small part of a very big job, and I don’t see that he addresses those other parts of the job at all.</div>
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I’m afraid he’s an ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Pat McCarthy</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McCarthy_(politician)">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pat_McCarthy_(politician)</a></span></div>
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currently state auditor, previously Tacoma School Board 1987 – 1999, Pierce Co Executive</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/state-auditor-pat-mccarthy/">https://sao.wa.gov/about-sao/state-auditor-pat-mccarthy/</a></span></div>
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“Pat is dedicated to shining a brighter light on government operations for the public. She believes audits increase public trust in government.”</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jul/13/editorial-mccarthy-is-safe-choice-for-auditor/">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/jul/13/editorial-mccarthy-is-safe-choice-for-auditor/</a></span></div>
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McCarthy was elected to replace a Republican fraud in that position (he resigned. I think he was arrested). She ran on restoring trust in government. She has been honored for changing policy re: email. It was previously kept only 2 weeks. She changed that to 6 years. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.awb.org/olympia-business-watch?bid=20156">https://www.awb.org/olympia-business-watch?bid=20156</a></span></div>
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Helping local governments move into the digital record keeping age. </div>
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Making that information available to the public.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/state-auditor-investigates-employment-security-department/DKT4LCX3AVGQTCZ2FTV745DWPI/">https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/state-auditor-investigates-employment-security-department/DKT4LCX3AVGQTCZ2FTV745DWPI/</a></span></div>
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McCarthy announced investigations into WA Employment Security after significant fraud and loss of state funds. Needed benefits were stolen and/or delayed. Criminals in Nigeria stole $500 million in unemployment benefits. WA has recovered $333 million. She’s not blaming Employment Security. She just wants to recover the funds and prevent a repeat. </div>
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And here’s a story on how it happened <a href="https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/may/25/how-missed-red-flags-helped-nigerian-fraud-ring-sc/">https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/may/25/how-missed-red-flags-helped-nigerian-fraud-ring-sc/</a></div>
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6-25-20 Tacoma News-Tribune story. McCarthy donates pay raise to charity. Can’t get the story because of a paywall.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBvT6mzOvrmDt5PZGj80k8IS5selNH08C">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBvT6mzOvrmDt5PZGj80k8IS5selNH08C</a></span></div>
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introducing report re Alternative Learning Experiences. I’ve not checked out the report, in part because I had trouble finding it on the Auditor’s website. There are a LOT of reports dealing with all sorts of questions and issues. The Auditor does a whole lot more than I ever knew.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.knkx.org/post/lesson-learned-state-auditor-shines-light-big-issues-small-central-washington-city">https://www.knkx.org/post/lesson-learned-state-auditor-shines-light-big-issues-small-central-washington-city</a></span></div>
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In 2019 she discovered and dealt with shenanigans in the Wapato city council/mayor/city manager offices, including misappropriation of funds, missing funds, and nepotism, among other things. She blew the whistle on the city, which has theoretically cleaned up its act. 10 citizens of Wapato complained via the auditor’s citizen hotline. “I feel strongly that if you have a problem you’re better off embracing it, owning it, and trying to turn it around.”</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/state-audit-uncovers-69-million-stolen-from-pierce-county-housing-authority/281-523acfed-413c-49c5-b3c5-5639c952a086">https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/state-audit-uncovers-69-million-stolen-from-pierce-county-housing-authority/281-523acfed-413c-49c5-b3c5-5639c952a086</a></span></div>
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State auditor’s office reports more than $6.9 mil stolen from Pierce Co Housing Authority by its former finance director, from 2016 to the end of 2019. And this is precisely what the Auditor’s job is about. </div>
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I just checked out her challenger’s accusation that Dems are hustling organizational $ while Rs are stuck hitting up individuals. That is not the case for most of the candidates I have checked. It is true for Mr Leyba, who should be glad he has so many relatives. They’re his major donors. I then checked on Pat McCarthy. She does have a few organizational donations: WA Education Assoc PAC, Boeing PAC, Iron Workers District Council, Justice for All PAC, Citizens for Better Government, and the Hospitality Association. None of these are particularly large donations. This is an unfortunately low key race. I think it deserves a lot more attention.</div>
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This job is far bigger than I realized, and I think we are lucky to have Pat McCarthy covering it. I will be voting to re-elect <span style="color: red;"><b>Pat McCarthy.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Attorney General</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Brett Rogers</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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attorney, ex police officer, ex correctional officer</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://brettrogersforag.com/">https://brettrogersforag.com/</a></span></div>
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~ focused on the RIGHT Washington</div>
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~ was a Seattle cop during what he calls the WTO “riots.”</div>
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~ earned law degree while working as cop</div>
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~ small solo practice with focus on pro-bono work</div>
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Under ‘issues’, there is a diatribe to the effect that it is unacceptable for the state to use the courts to settle differences with the federal government or, as he puts it “to obstruct the federal executive.” Calls Ferguson a “Sideshow.”</div>
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He objects to I-1000, thinks free speech is being squelched on campus, doesn’t like “illegal immigrants” or sanctuary. </div>
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“Unconstitutionally subverting the electoral college.” – The National Popular Vote Interstate Compact makes him apoplectic. </div>
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He has run previously as an independent, but the two party system makes that impossible, so this time he’s running as an R</div>
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He supports capital punishment.</div>
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He “unapologetically” supports the 2<sup>nd</sup> amendment.</div>
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He supports Trump without question.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ok, he’s pushed just about every button I’ve got. I was going to list the ways, but I think his agenda speaks for itself. We are currently witnessing a federal government notable for its embrace of sadism. We are seeing officials who openly take pleasure in causing pain to the people of this country. We really don’t need another one of those in state government. </div>
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Late breaking: Brett Rogers attended a Republican event in Oak Harbor on July 4. It was hosted by Mr Scott Thompson, the man who is trying to foist Wright’s Crossing on us all. In part he is doing that by buying himself a commissioner. This event was partly an introduction for his candidate, Dan Evans. There is video of this event/incident. It involved a more liberal individual who came to observe the event. Thompson took umbrage at that and kept pointing to the man and calling him “Antifa.” This riled the crowd until a bunch of them knocked this man down and then beat up on him until he had to be taken to Harborview to deal with the concussion and other injuries. Meanwhile, Scott Thompson grabbed and broke his camera. What is truly disgusting is that not a single one of the whole crowd of candidates did anything to stop the beating. I am following up on this because I want to know which other R candidates were present. Ron Muzzall is easy to spot, standing on the stage with mic in hand and Eyman sticker on his shirt. Brett Rogers is heard ending his speech at the start of the video. I’m hoping others can identify some of the other candidates. </div>
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I really <span style="text-decoration: underline;">really REALLY</span> do not like the idea of anyone in a position of political power who thinks its alright to commit violence against people with whom they disagree. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Matt Larkin</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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attorney, ex GW Bush White House aide</div>
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former Spokane and Pierce county prosecutor</div>
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“worked across the aisle”</div>
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He worked in Bush’s White House Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, “empowering private charities to obtain federal aid.”</div>
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He was also Associate Director of Presidential Speechwriting</div>
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He is currently chief corporate legal counsel for his family manufacturing business in Bothell.</div>
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“Washington cannot afford another 4 years in the wrong direction. We need a fresh perspective and real solutions to homelessness, drug abuse, and crime.” </div>
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His agenda:</div>
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~ clean up our streets</div>
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~ hope for the homeless</div>
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~ reclaim our city parks</div>
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His issues:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ enforce the laws</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ crack down on drug abuse</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ support police</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ provide real solutions to homelessness</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ lower taxes</div>
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~ make government accountable </div>
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~ run the state like a business</div>
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lot of east side endorsements, especially east side sheriffs</div>
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under COVID-19 he lists a couple of websites. period.</div>
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I’m not sure this is a serious candidate, although he would be happy to push the R agenda on us. I consider him an ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Mike Vaska</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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attorney, GOP activist</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mikevaska.com/">https://mikevaska.com/</a></span></div>
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His agenda:</div>
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~ protecting our economy and creating jobs</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* reducing regulations and bureaucratic burden on our businesses and workers</div>
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* convene a “create jobs now” task force to streamline permitting and reduce regulatory burdens, especially for small employers, the self employed, and independent workers.</div>
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* work to provide more certainty and reduce the fear of liability lawsuits for front-line health providers and businesses, better defining their responsibilities to avoid claims during the pandemic and recovery.</div>
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* help small businesses, local government and the state protect themselves against the onslaught of cybercrime.</div>
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~ protecting communities, consumers, and your tax dollars</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* taking on homelessness and public safety issues, consumer scams, fraud against government </div>
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programs</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* rampant homelessness</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* unpunished criminals</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* consumer scams</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* massive cyber-fraud against government programs</div>
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He claims Ferguson is diverting millions to pay for his obsession with partisan national suits.</div>
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He claims Ferguson disbanded the computer crimes unit and has failed to address homelessness and related public safety issues.</div>
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He says he will follow in the steps of Rob McKenna to create task forces to address homelessness, cybercrime, and monitor for potential fraud in government programs</div>
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~ protecting your rights as an independent watchdog over state government</div>
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He complains that Ferguson has turned the AGs office into a partisan shop and has abandoned his oversight responsibilities.</div>
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He complains Ferguson has been silent while Inslee has led the state into a constitutional crisis over his partisan and unequal use of his emergency powers (does this refer to the shutdown?)</div>
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He proposes to exercise his independent power to advise government on the limits of their powers, including limits on emergency orders.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* He will issue public AG opinions on the limits of emergency and other powers</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>* He will propose amendments to the emergency power laws to require AG review</div>
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He supported the $30 car tab legislation after Eyman’s initiative failed</div>
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He is on the board of Mainstream Republicans of WA</div>
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He claims to be the only candidate with decades of legal experience. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This is definitely the machine R running against Ferguson. As with other Republicans, he wants to change the mandate of the job. He is wrong on just about every factual statement. Governor Inslee has done what had to be done to slow the COVID pandemic. Yes, it has hurt. Yes, it could have been done with more finesse. But as I pointed out in the discussion of governor candidates, when the train is about to smash into the whole crowd of you, there’s not a lot of time for finesse as you shove people out of harm’s way. Mr Vaska wants to limit the power to address the crisis. Good plan. He wants to prevent the kinds of lawsuits Bob Ferguson is filing on behalf of Washington residents against that over-reaching federal government. And incidentally, winning. Check the entry for Bob Ferguson for a summary of his wins. Mr Vaska likes Tim Eyman’s initiatives. Gee, thanks. Next time I’m stuck in a parking lot which claims to be I-5 I’ll remember that. Think about the chokehold on our transportation alternatives Mr Vaska supports. And of course there’s the “reduce regulations” plank. That one seems to show up in all R agendas. A very big issue is the one about reducing fear of liability lawsuits for health care insurers and providers. That translates to “oops, sorry ‘bout that, guess you’ll just have to die. No, you can’t hold us responsible.” Activists have worked a very long hard time to hold medical insurers and providers liable for their actions. I really don’t want to go back to square one on this issue. </div>
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If you like what you see at the federal level, I’m sure you’ll like Mr Vaska at the state level. It ain’t me. I will most definitely NOT vote for this man.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Bob Ferguson</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.electbobferguson.com/">https://www.electbobferguson.com/</a></span></div>
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experienced lawyer, independent leader, 4<sup>th</sup> generation Skagitonian, internationally rated chess master.</div>
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He has filed more than 60 lawsuits against the Trump administration. He has won all those which have come to trial. 21-0. 12 of those are final and unappealable.</div>
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- defeated the original Muslim travel ban</div>
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- blocked the decision to rescind DACA</div>
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- blocked allowance for 3D printed gun plans on the net</div>
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18 enviro & climate change cases<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>13/0</div>
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8 immigrant protection cases<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>4/0</div>
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7 health care, reproductive care cases 3/0</div>
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2 consumer protection for student borrowers 1/0</div>
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2 LGBT</div>
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1 firearm access 1/0</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>1 net neutrality</div>
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WA is lead plaintiff in 14 cases, 7/0</div>
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https://ballotpedia.org/Bob_Ferguson_recall,_Attorney_General_of_Washington_(2020)</div>
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There was an effort to recall Ferguson inDecember 2019, which was heard by a judge in January 2020 and found to be insufficient to move forward. Proponents of the recall were unhappy with his support for I-1639, which set limits and standards on gun ownership. They were also unhappy that Ferguson did not support Eyman’s I-976, the $30.00 car tab initiative. </div>
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He has ordered a Seattle business to quit marketing what it claims is a COVID vaccine. </div>
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There are so many cases, now that I know where to look. This is one busy office, and all the cases I see are ones I would support: preventing immigrants from being arrested at the courthouse, suing Monsanto over PCBs, suing Johnson & Johnson over deceptive marketing of opioids, preventing the Navy from scraping the hulls of their ships in Puget Sound, and on and on. </div>
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https://www.atg.wa.gov/news/ferguson-file/ferguson-file-january-2020</div>
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Agenda:</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ protect the Constitution</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>~ protect civil rights</div>
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~ protect consumer rights</div>
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~ protect environment</div>
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~ fair elections</div>
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~ open government</div>
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~ protect veterans</div>
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~ protect seniors</div>
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~ protect workers</div>
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~ end human trafficking, stop sexually violent predators, end sexual assault</div>
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independent leader</div>
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lots of national recognition</div>
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Note that the focus is on protecting the land, the people, and their rights. That is refreshing.</div>
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Incidentally, he has filed a case against the US Navy over the Growler noise and its impacts on the people of central Whidbey. That was a politically risky thing for him to do, but all of us on the island appreciate his considerable support. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/AG-Ferguson-Require-police-report-use-of-deadly-15377612.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=spi_itsintheseattlepi">https://www.seattlepi.com/local/politics/article/AG-Ferguson-Require-police-report-use-of-deadly-15377612.php?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=headlines&utm_campaign=spi_itsintheseattlepi</a></span></div>
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His office is investigating a police involved killing in Pierce County which was ruled a homicide but was not investigated under the new rules which resulted from I-940. The intent is to review at least 30 police use of deadly force investigations. And that’s just this year. And here is a relevant report to the effect that Ferguson has asked the legislature to require that law enforcement statewide be required to disclose all use of deadly force, and that such information should be available to the public on a website. This would be consistent with the intent of 2018’s I-940 to hold police more accountable. There is already an FBI reporting system which could easily be applied to Washington. </div>
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This man is exactly the right person in exactly the right place to protect Washington’s land and people from the thrashing and trashing coming out of the White House. We need him to keep doing what he’s doing. </div>
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I will be voting enthusiastically for <span style="color: red;"><b>Bob Ferguson.</b></span></div>
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3504086246211329848.post-42290448096804330232020-07-14T09:22:00.001-07:002020-07-15T10:30:09.662-07:00Commissioner of Public Lands, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Insurance Commissioner<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Commissioner of Public Lands</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-size: medium;">The Commissioner of Public Lands oversees the operations of the Department of Natural Resources. DNR has several sides. It manages millions of acres of state lands specifically to generate income for the state school trust fund. It also oversees logging and mining on private lands. And it is in charge of a very large fire fighting operation. A tiny subset is the Natural Heritage division, which monitors rare and endangered plant species and communities. It is DNR which issues the permits for the logging we see all over Island county. Its rules are far more flexible than those of Island County about protecting "critical areas." </span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Cameron Whitney</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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could find no info beyond the bare fact of this person having filed</div>
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another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Frank Wallbrown</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/VoteFrankNatually/">https://www.facebook.com/VoteFrankNatually/</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://votefranknaturally.com/?fbclid=IwAR14D7e-b3IMbk-RJ9VzFLZAtSzal6AFC6aYLxF9iWbfvMo3nMCFNnouaEk">https://votefranknaturally.com/?fbclid=IwAR14D7e-b3IMbk-RJ9VzFLZAtSzal6AFC6aYLxF9iWbfvMo3nMCFNnouaEk</a></span></div>
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This looks like it was started and then dropped</div>
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“for the people, not the corporations”</div>
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and that’s all we get</div>
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His Facebook page shows a YouTube video on industrial hemp, which he believes can help WA out of the new depression.</div>
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Another entry: please help me stop the spraying of toxic chemical at Blue Heron Middle School. </div>
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I get the distinct impression of well intentioned callow youth. Unfortunately not a serious candidate. Lets hope he gains experience with time and tries again later. Meanwhile, another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Kelsey Reyes</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Libertarian</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.kelseyreyesforwashington.com/">http://www.kelseyreyesforwashington.com/</a></span></div>
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link is not working</div>
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was not able to find any other sources of info</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://ignitefoundation.net/ignite-endorsements/">https://ignitefoundation.net/ignite-endorsements/</a></span></div>
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she is endorsed by this foundation </div>
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this appears to be a campaign manager shop, offering websites, support management, and fundraising.</div>
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Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Maryam Abasbarzy</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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college student</div>
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facebook page was down, Instagram was down, could find no info</div>
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I found a LinkedIn listing of her as a student at Penn State U 2016- 2019, from Seattle.</div>
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This is not a serious candidate. Another ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Steve Sharon</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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self employed, 2012 candidate</div>
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from 2012:</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.spokesman.com/elections/2012/washington-primary-2012/candidates/stephen-sharon/">https://www.spokesman.com/elections/2012/washington-primary-2012/candidates/stephen-sharon/</a></span></div>
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This site claims he has no party.</div>
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A former salesman, he now collects rent on property he owns.</div>
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He believes there is no difference between the 2 major parties, and is spending no $ on his campaign.</div>
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Issues: He describes himself as a conservationist who believes people need to be better stewards of the land. </div>
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He supports a tax on every tree cut down on public or private land</div>
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He would remove dams on the lower Snake River to protect endangered salmon. </div>
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Notable: He hasn't voted since 2004 because he hasn't found anyone he could support, and is proud of it, because "it means my vote has integrity." </div>
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Who knows, maybe some of his ideas are good. I find it very hard to take seriously a candidate who has not bothered to vote in over 15 years as a matter of principle. Why should he expect others to give him their votes? He won’t be getting mine.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Sue Kuehl Pederson</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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research scientist, fisheries biologist, 2016 state senate candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://citizensforsue.com/">https://citizensforsue.com/</a></span></div>
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former chair, Grays Harbor Republic Party</div>
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fisheries biologist at UW, NOAA Fisheries, Army Corps of Engineers</div>
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power manager, Gray’s Harbor PUD</div>
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senior power analyst, Seattle City Light</div>
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senior environmental analyst, Seattle City Light</div>
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research scientist/publications manager, Biosonics Inc</div>
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Its time to bring new leadership for our public lands</div>
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She believes improved timber management can reduce disease and excess fuel in our forests, leading to a reduction in wildfires. </div>
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She believes that salmon and hydropower can coexist.</div>
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“We deserve good resource management and a keen understanding of the balance needed between the natural world and humanity.”</div>
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The Commissioner of Public Lands has a constitutional duty to responsibly manage timber harvests in a way that will improve forest health, reduce forest fires, provide living wage jobs, and support our public schools. </div>
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Her focus is on generating income from the forests, increasing the rate of harvest to do so. </div>
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Her Facebook page reports her going to the Spokane GOP Lincoln Day Dinner on June 9. Really?</div>
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This looks like the Republican machine candidate.</div>
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The fact that she can talk about salmon and hydro co-existing tells me she is not a serious scientist. The idea of a “balance between the natural world and humanity” tells me that she does not consider humans as part of the ecosystem but somehow apart from it. That is an outdated and dangerous point of view. While there is actually a need to thin our overcrowded forests, this must be done from the standpoint of forest health rather than generating income. We’ve seen all too many “forest health” cuts that ended up being either high-grades of all the best timber or just flat out clearcuts. </div>
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I don’t think Ms Pederson would be a very good replacement for incumbent Hilary Franz. I would not vote for her.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Hilary Franz</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.hilaryfranz.com/">https://www.hilaryfranz.com/</a></span></div>
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~ supporting our schools and communities</div>
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~ protecting our communities and firefighters</div>
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~ growing our rural economies and clean energy</div>
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~ conserving our lands and waters</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have my gripes with Hilary. We’ve known her peripherally for years and years, as she was executive director of Futurewise, a statewide environmental protection organization. We thought all our troubles would be over when Hilary was elected in 2016. Oh, come on. How naïve. Actually, she’s doing great things on all fronts – except my particular focus, forest practices in the “area likely to convert” to a use other than forestry. We’ve brought up our problems to her several times and she has seemed absent. I should not have to explain the Forest Practices Act to her.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ok, crab session over. The fact is, as I said, that on all other fronts she is doing a really great job. By way of explanation, the Commissioner of Public Lands oversees the operation of the Department of Natural Resources. DNR has kind of a mixed bag mandate. On the one hand, it manages millions of acres of public land for the specific purpose of generating capital for the state schools. On the other hand, it oversees resource extraction – logging, mining, shoreline uses – on private lands. That’s a lot of bases to cover, so I suppose I should cut her some slack for covering all but the one that interests me the most. She’s been doing spectacular work in fire fighter training on the east side, which has surprised and encouraged vulnerable communities there. And she yanked the permits from Cooke Aquaculture after the cataclysmic failure of their Atlantic salmon net pens at Cypress Island. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I will be voting for <b><span style="color: red;">Hilary Franz</span>. </b></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Superintendent of Public Instruction - non-partisan</b></span><br />
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The Superintendent of Public Instruction administers the basic education program for all public and private schools in the state; prepares the state school budget; grants certification to teachers and administrative staff; develops and distributes curriculum; administers accreditation of public and private schools; prepares rules for disabled, gifted, remedial, health services, food services, vocational, basic education, bilingual, and other state programs; reviews expenditures of local school districts; regulates apportionment of federal program funds; and administers education programs for children in state institutions. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Maia Espinoza</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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non-profit group executive, 2018 state rep candidate</div>
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She’s an R, but this is a non-partisan office</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.maiaforus.com/">https://www.maiaforus.com/</a></span></div>
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involved in a lot of educational committees, and is a member of Catholic Daughter Assoc</div>
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Exec director and founder of Center for Latino Leadership. </div>
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She’s an Army brat, an active member of Military Order of the World Wars.</div>
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Issues</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- schools that work</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- life long learners</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- essential skills</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- fresh is best, provide fresh local foods</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- innovative classrooms</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- stop mandatory sex ed</div>
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https://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/northwest/as-covid-19-changes-education-systems-state-school-superintendent-candidates-push-for-local-control/article_e968571b-f51b-5296-947b-950d38ade2df.html</div>
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- covid response, schools were ill prepared for distance learning</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This one is a mixed bag. I certainly agree that kids should be provided fresh local (preferably organic) food at school. And she’s probably right that the schools were ill prepared for distance learning. Who knew? This was not exactly on anybody’s agenda. I’m sure some are coping surprisingly well and others depressingly poorly. What I’m not seeing is any constructive suggestion as to how to improve the situation.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>And her main issue is that “mandatory sex ed.” She, like so many of her fellow candidates, is totally focused on this issue without having done the homework. Which is why I went to the trouble to summarize the legislation for you. (see the discussion of sex ed at the start of the blog)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Nope. Even if she has some good ideas, she has more really bad ones.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Ron Higgins</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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republican, teacher, retired engineer, Vietnam vet, frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.higgins4spi.com/">https://www.higgins4spi.com/</a></span></div>
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pro life, pro family, pro property rights, pro 2<sup>nd</sup> amendment, pro free enterprise</div>
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As Superintendent, I will emphasize instruction in basic academic subjects, healthy lifestyles, and respect for the United States, our Constitution, and our God-given civil and religious liberties, while strongly supporting the <b>rights of parents to homeschool their children</b> and <b>control their children's healthcare</b>. I vigorously <b>oppose “comprehensive sex education”</b> and any curriculum that promotes or glamorizes unhealthy behavior or the sexualization of children. We need <b>common sense</b>, <b>not common core</b>; and <b>education, not indoctrination</b>. (see the discussion of sex ed at the start of the blog)</div>
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I pledge to:</div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>comply with existing state laws (RCWs <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=28A.230.020"><span style="color: #0079cd;">28A.230.020</span></a> and <a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=28A.405.030"><span style="color: #0079cd;">28A.405.030</span></a>) that not only mandate instruction in basic academic subjects, but also mandate instruction in manners, honesty, honor, morality, truth, and patriotism; </div>
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•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>make the health, safety, and Constitutional rights of parents and children a top priority; and</div>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span><b>put the </b><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><b>public</b></span><b> back in charge of public education.</b></li>
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His primary issue appears to be the threat of communism and antagonism to the National Education Association. </div>
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My Pledge:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria math"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ensure that schools emphasize academics in compliance with the letter and spirit of RCW 28A.230.020 and RCW 28A.405.030.</div>
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<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Put the public (parents and taxpayers) back in charge of public education.</li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Contend for the emotional and physical wellbeing of our children and their intellectual growth.</li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Strenuously oppose any program or activity that adversely affects the health, safety, or learning environment of our children, or which interferes with the Constitutional rights of the parents or their children. </li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Oppose any attempt to implement any curriculum that sexualizes our children. I consider any such curriculum child abuse. </li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;">•<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span>Work to ensure that our schools fulfill their mission to produce men and women who<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>- Are competent in communication, computation, and civics;</li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>- Continually grow intellectually;</li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span>- Are independent thinkers who work well with others;</li>
<li style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 5px 0px;"><span style="font-family: "symbol"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span> - Can courageously stand by the truth, even when unpopular</li>
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I don’t like the man’s agenda, which seems to be getting back to the “good old days” of reading, writing and ‘rithmatic. And of course he hits on the ‘comprehensive sex education’ without quite knowing what its all about.</div>
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Not my cup of education. Nope.</div>
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<b>David Spring<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></b><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://springforbetterschools.org/">https://springforbetterschools.org/</a></span></div>
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education: UW MA in education and child development</div>
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taught 20+ years at Bellevue College, mainly in problem solving and conflict resolution. Rescue leader, King Co Search & Rescue. Owner, Wilderness Sports store. Leader, Washington Public Bank Coalition. Politically independent. </div>
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His platform:</div>
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1. fully fund schools</div>
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2. cut class sizes in half</div>
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3. fully fund school construction</div>
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4. provide 2 years of free college</div>
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5. provide homes for all homeless children</div>
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6. lower local property taxes</div>
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7. end high stakes testing</div>
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8. increase the graduation rate</div>
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9. restore a fair GED test</div>
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10. end unfunded mandates</div>
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11. oppose school privatization</div>
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12. clean up Olympia</div>
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<span style="color: #011993;">School Funding Advocacy</span><br />
Since 2008, I have, through a few caring legislators, introduced several bills that would have provided billions of additional dollars in school funding. Unfortunately, after 8 years of trying to convince the state legislature to fully fund public schools, I have reached the conclusion that the state legislature is so corrupt that they are never going to fund our public schools. I therefore decided to run for Superintendent in order to promote an alternative plan to immediately and fully fund our public schools in order to hire more teachers, reduce class sizes and increase the graduation rate in our state. <br />
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<span style="color: #011993;">Provide Students with Fairer Assessments</span><br />
In 2014, together with my wife Elizabeth Hanson, I wrote a book called <span style="text-decoration: underline;">Weapons of Mass Deception</span> - about how Billionaire Funded Ed Reform Scams are harming our kids and destroying our schools. You can read most of this book for free at the following link: <a href="https://weaponsofmassdeception.org/"><span style="color: #0079cd;">https://weaponsofmassdeception.org/</span></a><br />
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As a result of that research, we also created three education news websites: <a href="https://coalitiontoprotectourpublicschools.org/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0079cd;"><b>Coalition to Protect our Public Schools.org</b></span></a><b>, </b><a href="https://restoregedfairness.org/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0079cd;"><b>Restore GED Fairness.org</b></span></a> and <a href="http://optoutwashington.org/%22%20%5Ct%20%22_blank"><span style="color: #0433ff;"><b>Opt Out Washington.org. </b></span></a>The goal of all of these efforts is to restore sanity to our public schools. Together, we have written more than 100 articles on important educational topics - read by more than 100,000 people. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>That all looks very good, and he has quite a history as a teacher and advocate. What I’m not seeing is the part about how we get there. And of course some of his goals above are contradictory. All that funding has to come from somewhere, and lowering property taxes is not going to increase that funding. I’m also curious about what he means by “clean up Olympia.” </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His website focuses on his personal history and his participation in a campaign to create a state public bank. I wholeheartedly approve, but that has little to do with OSPI. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>While he is evidently a very well educated man, I believe he is on such a crusade that he has not read the fine print about what the OSPI can and cannot do. I don’t believe he is ready for prime time. </div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Stan Lippman</b></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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disbarred attorney, physicist, frequent candidate</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://ionic-transport.com/">http://ionic-transport.com/</a></span></div>
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this is the site for a run for King County Executive</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Lippmann">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stan_Lippmann</a></span></div>
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disbarred lawyer, anti-vaccination activist, perennial candidate</div>
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he has run for Seattle mayor, city council, US Rep, WA AG, Seattle Monorail board, King Co Exec, Lake Forest Park mayor, WA legislature, Seattle mayor (again), WA Supreme Court.</div>
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Shall we say, not a serious candidate. Another ‘also ran’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Chris Reykdal</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><b> </b> </span>incumbent</div>
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this is a non-partisan position, but Chris is a D</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/superintendent-chris-reykdal">https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/superintendent-chris-reykdal</a></span></div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Reykdal">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Reykdal</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>served 3 terms in WA legislature</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>was one of 13 no votes on the $8.7 billion tax break to Boeing</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.chrisreykdal.org/">https://www.chrisreykdal.org/</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- leads with transparency and integrity, even in the face of the pandemic</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- developed a new school accountability system</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- ensured local timber revenue stays in the local school district</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increased k-12 investments by over $4 billion/year (=$3500/student)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increased educator salaries to attract and retain our amazing educators</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- expanded health care to tens of thousands of school employees</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- de-linked high stakes testing from graduation</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- added career and tech ed pathways to graduation</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- returned civics classes to our schools</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- enhanced formula funding for students with disabilities at a record rate</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- increased graduation rates to a record high</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- secured record high funding levels for school construction</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- raised WA to a top 15 state level in English language, arts, & math</div>
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priorities</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- provide full education, in various forms, beyond high school, to all</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>-100% high school completion</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- closing the opportunity gap to close the achievement gap (Black Lives Matter)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- teacher excellence, have increased teacher pay 24%, need to do more</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- expanding dual credit options (running start)</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- recommitting to career and tech ed</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- high standards with local control. minimize federal intrusion into WA schools</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- early learning </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- capital budgets. local bond funding inequitable. working to fix that.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chris.reykdal">https://www.facebook.com/chris.reykdal</a></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>objects to term “alternative”, seeing it as tainting students. All are individual and diverse.</div>
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He’s being hammered by the “no sex-ed” crowd, who are calling him all sorts of names, mostly things like pedophile. (see the sex-ed rap at the start of the blog)</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mynorthwest.com/1728148/dori-reykdal-sex-ed-curriculum/">https://mynorthwest.com/1728148/dori-reykdal-sex-ed-curriculum/</a></span><span style="color: black;">?</span></div>
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Chris explains that each school district determines its own curriculum and sex ed content, that younger children are primarily intended to learn that their bodies are their own and not to be touched without their consent. There is also a parental opt-out. When asked if he would consider an opt-in instead, he said that was very interesting. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/sexual-education-washington-public-schools/281-abfdc1c0-b6e3-4774-b3f8-7c6ba9f08e6c">https://www.king5.com/article/news/politics/sexual-education-washington-public-schools/281-abfdc1c0-b6e3-4774-b3f8-7c6ba9f08e6c</a></span></div>
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It seems the bill is rather mis-named, based on this report. Young children would be taught concern for their friends and how to stand up for themselves. In elementary schools the class would amount to 1 hr/school year. Much of this relates to sexual abuse prevention. And as mentioned over and over, see the review of the actual bill at the head of the blog.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/sexual-health-education/instructional-materials-review-reports-and-tools">https://www.k12.wa.us/student-success/resources-subject-area/sexual-health-education/instructional-materials-review-reports-and-tools<span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"></span></a></span></div>
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All in all, in spite of the hysteria and ugliness, Chris Reykdal has been doing a good job in a difficult time. Given that none of his challengers have much of substance to add, I will be voting for <span style="color: red;"><b>Chris Reykdal.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Insurance Commissioner</b></span><br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Anthony Welti</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Libertarian</div>
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He is an insurance agent.</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.anthonywelti.com/">https://www.anthonywelti.com/</a></span></div>
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platform</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>01 – government reform. focus on transparent and direct communication, no vague rhetoric, closed door meetings, or secret handshakes with corporate lobbyists. Will never take a call from a corporate lobbyist.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>02 – health insurance reform. seek out the root cause of health care expenses and treat that cause. I will do everything to increase options for people to purchase - or not, as they choose. Government should not tax health insurance, which is passed on to consumers.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>03 – auto insurance reform. He disapproves of regulation of the industry, which “strangles innovation.”</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>04 – Medicaid. End all state mandates and regulations on medical care, drugs, procedures, medical supplies, office visits, and lab tests. This will increase options available to both doctors and patients. </div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&newsID=4640">http://www.snohomishtimes.com/snohomishNEWS.cfm?inc=story&newsID=4640</a></span></div>
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This story, from 2019, reports that Mr Welti is very bent with Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. It seems that Mr Welti, an insurance agent, sold a gun owners’ policy for members of a gun club. Mr Kreidler found that the policy was not legal because the company was not licensed to sell insurance in Washington and it tried to insure people for illegal acts. Welti complains that the law is wrong and unfair, so he’s running for insurance commissioner to change it.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>His personal grudge against what strikes me as a perfectly reasonable law does not seem a very good basis for running for office. He’s bent because insurers have to be licensed in the state where they do business. And that they can’t insure for crimes. Imagine the scenario: Joe Crook robs the bank and gets caught. He then files a claim for the million dollars he didn’t get away with. Doesn’t sound terribly plausible to me. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I am just imagining what health care would look like without those mandates and regulations. I’m thinking about snake oil salesmen and patent cures. There is actually a reason why those laws were passed, mainly having to do with public safety.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>This man definitely would not get my vote. </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Chirayu Avenash Patel</span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span> </b> R</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm">https://www.politics1.com/wa.htm</a></span></div>
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insurance agent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirayu-patel-177b8115">https://www.linkedin.com/in/chirayu-patel-177b8115</a></span></div>
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account executive at Goel Payment Solutions since 2013</div>
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insurance agent at All-in-One Insurance since 2013</div>
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can’t find any info. obviously not a serious candidate. ‘also ran.’</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><b>Mike Kreidler</b></span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"><span style="color: red;"> </span> </span>D<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>incumbent</div>
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<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="https://mikekreidler.com/">https://mikekreidler.com/</a></span></div>
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Priorities:</div>
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~ Protect health care coverage for all Washington residents</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He supports ACA and wants to assure people are protected during the pandemic</div>
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~ Strengthen the law to protect consumers from surprise medical bills</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The law passed in 2019, went into effect 1-1-20. Lets doctors and insurance duke it out without hitting on the patient.</div>
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~ Make insurance companies honor their commitments</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He is a watchdog for consumers</div>
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~ Maintain a healthy business climate for the insurance industry</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Insurance is a $43 billion industry in WA, employs over 50k people. He works to be fair to both business and consumers.</div>
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~ Connect insurance with the environment to help protect all citizens</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He chairs the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ Climate Risk & Resilience Working Group. He also leads the WA Disaster Resiliency Work Group, which makes recommendations to the governor on how the state can better prepare itself for climate change. </div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Tim Eyman’s buddy Glen Morgan’s website reports that Kreidler was fined $150.00 by the PDC for “campaign fund violations.” This is the same outfit that forced the Island County Dems to disband over a belated filing. The threat was a huge lawsuit against the individuals in the Dem party. I don’t know, but would be willing to bet that Kreidler’s ‘violation’ was a late filing or something equally earth-shattering.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The huge international re-insurers are looking at the impacts of climate change and realizing that they are on the hook for multiple billions and probably even trillions of dollars. They are looking for ways to reduce their risk, so they form work groups to find relatively easy steps to do that. I’m quite happy to see Mr Kreidler involved in such a work group. We are already seeing some pretty whopping bills from such climate change effects as flooded highways and homes, fires burning whole towns, and storms causing landslides which take out whole neighborhoods. I hope they come up with some “ounce of prevention” proposals for us.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>He enacted emergency rules requiring that all health insurances operating in Washington waive co-pays and deductibles for clients requiring COVID testing. And then he extended it for another 30 days to the end of July.</div>
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<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Kreidler has in fact been doing a very good job of protecting the people of Washington from the insurance industry. That upsets people like Eyman and Morgan. Since I have had help from the Insurance Commissioner’s office under the incumbent, I will be voting to retain <b><span style="color: red;">Mike Kreidler.</span> </b></div>
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Mariannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10690152395588144687noreply@blogger.com0