10th L.D. Democrats to Open Stanwood Office

The 10th Legislative District Democrats will open an office in Stanwood around June 1.  This office is will be used by a handful of Democratic candidates for office, and will stock campaign materials for most candidates in the 10th L.D.

The office is located at 27116 90th NW, behind The Stanwood-Camano News office.  Stop by, say “hello” and pick up a yard sign or a bumper sticker for your favorite candidate.

ICD Elects Delegates to State Democratic Convention

The Island County Democratic Convention was held on Sunday, April 29.  Eighteen delegates and two alternates were selected to attend the 2nd Congressional District Caucuses on May 20 and the Washington State Democratic Convention in Seattle in June.  Our Island County delegates are:

Ken Frey, Bruce Enter, David Harbison, Michael Ferri, David Beargeon, John Riley, Michael Clyburn, Arlene “Cookie” Frey, Mary Hughes, Marj McNae, Nancy Harbison, Chrishina Alexander, Shirley Bennett, Donna Riley, Gina Bull, Shirley Brencick, Cindy Beargeon, Faith Wilder, Melody Risner (Alternate #1), Betty Gewald  (Alternate #2).

Eight Platform Resolutions were approved by the delegates at the Convention, and will be forwarded to the Washington State Democratic Convention, which will be held in June.

Assassination-A
Assassination-p2A
Corporate Contrib sunshine resolution
Espionage Act-A
EspionageAct-p2A
Healthcare 4 Officials-A
NatVoteByMail-A
NatVoteByMail-p2A
PatriotAct-A
PatriotAct-p2A
State Secrets-A
State Secrets-p2A
SupportProducerResponsibility-pdf

Lightly Attended Caucuses Go For Obama

We know about caucuses.  We were at the caucuses in 2008.  And this was not 2008.  Whew!

With the Democratic presidential nominee a given, 191 stalwart Democrats attended the 2012 Democratic Presidential Caucuses in Island County, to all-but unanimously vote to re-nominate President Barack Obama, elect 107 delegates to the Island County Convention, submit resolutions for the state Democratic platform, and to rally around the local Democratic candidates running for office.

Despite the low numbers, Island County Democrats came out in droves compared to the statewide numbers.  About 5% of the number of 2008 caucus-goers showed up statewide on Sunday, while in Island County, almost 10% of our 2008 caucus goers attended.

The resolutions submitted will be voted upon by Sunday’s elected delegates at the Island County Convention to be held on Sunday, April 29 at Langley Middle School.

Can You Volunteer for Island County Treasurer?

The Island County Treasurer’s Office is looking for volunteer help to process seasonal property tax payments.  Help is needed during the March – May 2012 period.  Your assistance – from 1 hour to many hours – will be greatly appreciated.  To volunteer or for information, please call 360-678-7847.

Thanks to Our Volunteers!

Island County Democrats and the Whidbey Island Democratic Club are thankful that we have so many members willing to volunteer to help us put on events!  It makes all the difference in the world – not just on how well the event comes off, but also by having a more rounded perspective on presenting events.

Today, we particularly want to thank Marj, Ria, Shirley, Delia, Marti, Duane, Don, Jane, Lionel, Sue, Kurt, and Maddie for their help in putting on the Coffee with Rick Larsen event on Sunday, March 18.

Message from the Chair about the Caucuses

With the Republican presidential race sucking up all of the press for the last six months, and with President Obama the only Democratic candidate, I have been asked, “Why are we having caucuses?”  I believe the caucuses are the opportunity for all of us to have a role in defining what the Democratic Party stands for.  Specifically:
•  The caucus/convention cycle is how the Democratic Party chooses delegates to the State and National Conventions. These delegates formulate the Democratic Party Platform, as well as select the presidential nominee.
•  The caucuses are an opportunity to build support for local elections and our get-out-the-vote effort.  Our local races are of critical importance this year.
•  The caucuses are where the resolutions begin which shape the platform of the party.  They allow us to build support for resolutions favored locally. (My personal hope is that we can support a resolution in favor of the reinstatement of the Glass-Steagall Act.)
•  The caucuses are an opportunity to build support for the presumed nominee –  and a chance to meet fellow Democrats from your neighborhood.
•  Obama is the presumed nominee. But if he should be incapacitated (or worse) before the convention, the delegates elected through the caucus/convention cycle can nominate someone new – even at the last minute.

In short, The caucus/convention cycle is required by the rules and bylaws of the Democratic National Committee to ensure that all Democrats have a voice in defining what the Party stands for.  Please join me in shaping our Democratic Party.      Duane Fulgham, Chair, Island County Democrats

Island County Fair: Do You Need a Food Worker Card?

Any of our Fair Booth food workers whose Washington State Food Worker Card will expire before the end of August have a choice of taking the Food Worker class and test online, or attending one of the many classes being offered around the county later this year.  Here’s the online procedure in a nutshell:

1. A computer with internet access is required.
2. Ensure you have a printer with plain paper hooked up to your computer.
3. Have a Mastercard or Visa debit or credit card available to pay the $10 fee after taking the test.
4. Log on to www.foodworkercard.wa.gov and follow all prompts.

It takes about an hour to do the eleven training modules and take the 32 question test at the end.  You are allowed to miss no more than 6 questions on the test in order to pass.  We strongly recommend taking notes during the training sessions because it is not possible to go back to any of the training modules once you have begun taking the test.  After passing the test and paying the $10 fee, you may print out your new two-year card.