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    Carla Rogers

    Local Journalism Sustainability Act 

     1024 1024 34th Democrats

    Adopted by the membership at the August 10, 2022 meeting.

    A Resolution Calling for Passage of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act 

    Whereas the first amendment of the United States Constitution protects freedom of speech and of the press, cementing the importance of these rights to the foundation of this nation; and

    Whereas the former president, like autocrats before him tried to erode that foundation by characterizing the press as an “enemy of the people,” thereby threatening the continuation and viability of our democracy; and

    Whereas local newspapers, an important investigative and communicative resource for communities, both urban and rural, in this country, have been losing readership and advertising, which are primary financial resources supporting publication and staffing; and

    Whereas Senator Cantwell’s office released a report stating that over the last 20 years the local newspaper industry has lost approximately 70% of its total revenue and newspapers have let go of more than 40,000 journalists accounting for 60% of the journalistic workforce; and

    Whereas the Local Journalism Sustainability Act (LJSA), introduced by Senator Cantwell in the Senate and Representatives Kirkpatrick and Newhouse in the House (H.R.3940), is an effort to stabilize and reverse these losses by providing local media with tax incentives that support subscribers, advertisers and hiring of reporters, in total estimated to cost about $1.67 billion over ten years; and 

    Whereas, in a floor speech, Senator Cantwell stated, “The tax incentives in this bill will help local newspapers and digital-only news journalists, and broadcast newsrooms remain financially viable to retain and hire local base journalists to cover local news stories;”

    Now therefore be it resolved the 34th District Democrats thank Senator Cantwell for her leadership on this important issue and urge passage of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act by the US Congress; and

    Be it further resolved copies of this resolution be distributed broadly to members of Congress and specifically to Washington State Representatives and Senators.

    Submitted by Ann Martin, member of the Resolutions Committee. 

    Executive Board Meeting

    2022-06-15 Executive Board Meeting Minutes

     400 300 34th Democrats

    34th District Democrats Executive Board Meeting Minutes

    June 15, 2022 – Virtual meeting held via closed ZOOM

    7:02 pm – Call to Order by Chair Carla Rogers

    Attendees:
    XCarla RogersJulie WhitakerSarah Koch
    XAaron Garcia VirgenKaren RichterXSoleil Lewis
    Annie PhillipsLeah GriffinXSteven Butts
    XBunny HatcherXNick BonazzaXTed Barker
    XChris PorterXRachel GlassXTrey Lykins
    Deena LedgerXRoxanne Thayer
    XGina ToppXSara Smith

    Welcome & Introductions & Reminder of Social Contract

    Review of Agenda and Minutes 

    • Last month’s minutes approved by unanimous consent 
    • Agenda for tonight approved by unanimous consent

    Endorsement Meeting Retrospective 

    • Discussion of positives and negatives, technical issues, and improvements for the future
    • Discussion of upcoming potential resolutions and ballot initiatives

    Fundraiser Update

    • Less than a month away!  
    • Board members have all signed up to attend and/or volunteer 
    • Saturday July 2, noon and final planning meeting 
    • Chris is SERIOUSLY coming in BLUE and dressed to impress!! 

    Upcoming Outreach Events

    West Seattle Grand ParadeSaturday, July 2311am – 2 pmCalifornia and Lander
    Boulevard Park Block PartySaturday August 1312pm – 6pm1832 S. 120th St.
    Adopt-A-StreetSaturday, September 10th 1pm – 3pm16th Ave SW at Roxbury
    B-Town FiestaSaturday, September 2410am – 6pmBurien Town Center Park

    2022 Convention Update

      1. Two Resolutions submitted, both failed: 
        1. Climate Emergency Resolution was declared out of order because it had statements that dictated actions outside the authority of the jurisdiction 
        2. Resolution in favor of Publicly-Owned Utilities (PUDs) Replacing Privately-Owned Utilities and in Favor of PUDs Incentivizing their Users to Go Green
      2. Two of our resolutions were submitted by other LDs and were ‘Do Pass’
        1. Indian Boarding Schools Resolution was Submitted by the 46th ((which was duplicate of ours)
        2. Do Cares Resolution was submitted by 47th (which was duplicate of ours)
    • Virtual attendees to convention will be via YouTube and communicate through the district level at Slack, and there were some concerns discussed about remote participant experience.  

    Election Strategy / PCO Plan

    • Primary Kick Off Event at C&P Coffee July 9th, 10 – 1pm 
      • Will have primary sample ballots and other handouts collated prior to Kickoff Event 
      • Will need volunteers to delivery items that do not get picked up at the Kickoff 
    • General Election GOTV Kick Off
      • Membership meeting planning to meet at Fauntleroy Church 9/14 in person
      • General Election Walk Pieces distributed
    • Working a coordinated campaign with Rep Schrier and the 8th congressional district 
    • Brief discussion of pros and cons of phone banking versus canvassing

    Upcoming Board Meetings 

    • July – no planned meeting; may have a brief meeting only if urgent items arise
    • August – hosted at Carla’s home 

    Upcoming Membership Meetings 

      • August – planning an update regarding Police Reform, and Fraternal Order of Police perhaps from King County 
      • September – proposed location Fauntleroy Church
      • October – discussion determining in-person or Zoom, discussion decided for Zoom via Unanimous Consent
      • November – proposed location at the hall with sendoff for Eileen, and discussion re: awards at that time also  
    • December – proposed doing a service project, perhaps Choose 180?  

    Announcements & Upcoming Dates

    • Deena officially resigned; Aaron has partially resigned, though he will try to help where he can 
    • June pop up social at Logan Brewing Company June 17, 5:30 
    • July pop up might be Vashon

    Good of the Order 

    • None

    Adjourned at 8:38 by Carla Rogers, Chair 

    Monthly Meeting

    2022-06-08 General Membership Meeting Minutes

     400 300 34th Democrats

    34th District Democrats Membership Meeting Minutes

    June 8, 2022 – Virtual meeting held via closed ZOOM

    6:30 Call to Order by Chair Carla Rogers 

    Opening Ceremonies

    • Land & People Acknowledgement – First Vice Chair Rachel Glass 
    • VIP Acknowledgements
      • Senator Joe Nguyen said a few words and thanked the 34th for having him. 
      • King County Conservation Supervisor Chris Porter reminded folks to remember native plants during gardening and yard work, to promote local pollinators. 

    Approval of Tonight’s Agenda and Last Month’s Minutes 

    • Rachel Glass moved and Ann Martin seconded to approve the agenda. Passed by unanimous consent.
    • Ann Martin moved and Tamsen Spangler seconded to approve the minutes. Passed by unanimous consent.

    Budget and Membership Reports

    • Treasurer Julie Whitaker reported on the budget since last meeting.    
      • Budget increased largely due to membership renewals and donations 
      • Current membership is 257 as of 6/6, including 101 PCOs 

    Annual Fundraiser Spotlight

    • Paint the Night Blue: July 14, 6-8 pm at Arthur’s in West Seattle
    • Buy your ticket tonight and get a t-shirt! https://secure.ngpvan.com/s7IxFM809EGI_IBM2bz4MA2 
    • Funds raised go towards electoral vote and getting out the vote. We are a grassroots organization and run off of fundraising to continue our work. 
    • Volunteer opportunities available in lieu of purchase, contact ginatopp@gmail.com.   

    Zoom Tips 

    • We must keep the timer up for speeches
    • Those making speeches will be the first windows in the gallery

    Endorsement and Voting Process

    • Speaking, Motioning and Voting Eligibility
        • 34th Member by deadlines (May 11 for new members and June 7 for renewing) 
        • Reside in the district
    • We have validated our member list and our tally team will be using that to validate all the votes this evening
    • Tally 
        • Tally committee compares the membership list to the votes cast
        • External votes cast are added to the results
    • Some or all of the results will be announced after the program
    • Phone number provided for those who are unable to vote by Zoom

    Endorsements 

    • Board Proposed Slate:
        • Sara Smith moved and Tamsen Spangler seconded to request unanimous consent for the endorsement of the block as recommended by the Board. Approved by unanimous voice vote. 
    • King County Prosecutor
        • Gina Topp moved and Nick Bonazza seconded to endorse Leesa Manion. Gina ceded her time to Leesa who spoke in favor of her endorsement.  Endorsed by unanimous consent. 
    • House of Representatives Position 1
    • Fiasili Svusa moved and Michelle Thomas seconded to endorse Emily Alvarado for House of Representatives Position 1. Fiasili ceded her time and Emily spoke to her endorsement.  Art Chippendale spoke against the endorsement. 
        • Lauri Hennesy moved and Nick Bonazza seconded to nominate Leah Griffin for House of Representatives Position 1. Lauri spoke for Leah’s nomination. 
          • First ballot was split between nominees with 3 no endorsement votes
          • Second ballot was split between nominees 
          • See the tally report on our website for full details. 
        • Michelle Thomas moved and Ann Martin seconded a dual endorsement.  Michelle ceded her time to Ann who spoke in favor of the motion. 
          • Third ballot resulted in a dual endorsement.  
    • Seattle Municipal Court Judge Position 3
      • Shirley Wilson moved to endorse Adam Eisenberg and Carolyn Ladd seconded. Shirley ceded her time to Adam who spoke for his nomination. 
      • Amy Sundberg moved and Katherine Woolverton seconded to endorse Pooja Vaddadi.  Amy spoke on behalf of Pooja’s nomination then ceded the remainder of her time to Pooja, who also spoke on behalf of their nomination. 
        • First ballot was split between nominees with 6 no endorsement votes
        • Second ballot was split between nominees 
        • See the tally report on our website for full details. 
    • Shirley Wilson motioned and Adam Day seconded for a dual endorsement ballot.  Shirley ceded her time to Adam who spoke for the motion.
      • Third ballot won with dual endorsement.  
    • Seattle Municipal Court Judge, position 7
        • Seferiana Day moved to endorse Damon Shadid and Carolyn Ladd seconded.  Seferiana ceded her time to Damon who spoke for his nominations. 
        • Shirley Wilson moved to endorse and Soleil Lewis seconded Nyjat Rose-Akins.  Shirley ceded her time to Nyjat who spoke for her nomination. 
    • Shadid won the endorsement on the second ballot with 62% of the vote. 

    Program: Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America, presented by Kate Stockart 

    Announcements

      • Campaign Events are posted all through the election
      • Pop Up Social – June 17, 5:30 – 8, Logan Brewing Co., Burien; they are getting bigger every month, come join the fun! 
      • NO MEETING in July, attend the fundraiser on July 14!
    • Next meeting is August 10, 6:30pm 

    Upcoming Outreach Events 

    EventDateTimeLocation
    Burien Wild Strawberry FestivalSaturday, June 1810am – 6pmBurien Town Center Park
    Sunday, June 1910am – 4pm
    Morgan Junction FestivalSaturday, June 1811am – 2pmMorgan Junction Park
    Burien Independence Day ParadeMonday, July 43pm – 5pmSW 153rd and 6th Ave. SW
    West Seattle Grand ParadeSaturday, July 2311am – 2 pmCalifornia and Lander
    Boulevard Park Block PartySaturday August 1312pm – 6pm1832 S. 120th St.
    Adopt-A-StreetSaturday, September 10th 1pm – 3pm16th Ave SW at Roxbury
    B-Town FiestaSaturday, September 2410am – 6pmBurien Town Center Park
    To Be Determined
    Vashon Strawberry FestivalSaturday July 16
    Sunday July 17

    PCO Plan for the Primary and Beyond

    • Primary Kick Off Event at C&P Coffee – July 9th, 10-1pm, 
    • Primary Sample Ballot
    • Primary Focus – 34th Precincts
    • General Election GOTV Kick Off 
      • Membership Meeting, Wed, Sept 14th, 6:30pm IN PERSON!  Election walk-pieces and sample ballots will be distributed. 
    • Focus – Rep. Schrier Field Trips to the 8th CD to maintain majority in the house 
    • It’s election time, and time to get out the vote! 

    Inspiration by Rachel Glass 

    Kentucky Derby horse Rich Strick was 80 to 1 odds to win, and won after starting at 91st place.  Excellent jockey skills were key. Rachel sees ways to use this as inspiration to go against the prevalent narrative of the group in power in elections.  

    Adjourned at 9:41pm by Carla Rogers, Chair

     

    2022 GOTV Kick Off

    2022 Primary Season Begins

     400 300 34th Democrats

    It’s Time! Our 2022 Primary GOTV Kick Off is July 9th!

    This is our chance to say what kind of America we want to live in.

    Participate. This election is a fight for democracy itself.

    It’s going to take all of us to win in 2022. Are you in?

    Come out to C&P Coffee (5612 California Ave SW) on July 9th between 10-1pm. We will have members of the WA Dems Coordinated Campaign, along with our 34th District endorsed candidates. Our PCOs may pick up their sample ballots and volunteers can grab a walk list to knock some doors.

    Ballots drop on Wednesday, July 13th for the August 2 Primary.

    Be a VOTER!

    Executive Board Meeting

    2022-5-18 Executive Board Meeting Minutes

     400 300 34th Democrats

    34th Dems Board Meeting Minutes

    May 18, 2022 – Virtual meeting held via closed ZOOM

    7:02 pm – Call to Order by Chair Carla Rogers 

    Attendees: 

    xCarla RogersxJulie WhitakerxSarah Koch
    Aaron Garcia VirgenKaren RichterxSoleil Lewis
    Annie PhillipsLeah GriffinxSteven Butts
    xBunny HatcherxNick BonazzaxTed Barker
    xChris PorterxRachel GlassxTrey Lykins
    Deena LedgerxRoxanne Thayer
    xGina ToppxSara Smith

    Welcome & Introductions & Reminder of Social Contract

    Review of Agenda and Minutes 

    • Last month’s minutes approved by unanimous consent 
    • Agenda for tonight approved by unanimous consent

    Endorsement Slate

    Below are all races this cycle. Candidates in italics have spoken at a 34Th meeting.     Number in bold indicate a contested race. 

    • King County Superior Court
      • Haydee Eneryda Vargas 12
      • Kristen Ballinger* 2
      • Matthew Segal 3
      • Jason Holloway 44
      • Adrienne McCoy 54
      • Jason Poydras 18
      • Matthew Lapin 8
    • King County District Court West
      • Rebecca Robertson* 3
      • Kristin Shotwell 5
      • Kuljinder Dhillon* 2
      • Gregg Hirakawa 4
      • Lisa Paglisotti* 1
    • State Supreme Court
      • Mary Yu* 1
      • Helen Whitener* 6
      • Barbara Madsen 5
    • King County District Court SW
      • Brian Todd* 1
      • Andrea Jarmon* 2
      • Susan Mahoney 2
      • Laurel Gibson 3
      • Fa’amomoi P. Masaniai, Jr. 4
      • Elizabeth Stephenson 5
    • Seattle Municipal Judge
      • Faye Chess* 2
      • Catherine McDowell 1
      • Anita Crawford-Willis 4
      • Adam Eisenberg 3
      • Andrea Chin 2
      • Willie Gregory* 5
      • Damon Shadid* 7
    • Seattle Appeals Court
      • Janet Chung 7
      • Ian Burk 1
    • US Senator
      • Patty Murray – endorsed
    • US Representative 34th 
      • Pramila Jayapal
    • WA Secretary of State
      • Steve Hobbs – endorsed
    • WA Senator 34th 
      • Joe Nguyen
    • WA Representative 34th
      • Leah Griffin
      • Emily Alvarado
    • WA Representative 34th
      • Joe Fitzgibbon
    • King County Prosecutor
      • Jim Ferrell
      • Leesa Manion
    • Rachel Glass moved to add Pramila Jayapal to the slate, and there was unanimous consent.
    • Nick Bonazza moved that Helen Whitener, Barbara Madsen, all judges in italics, Joe Nguyen, and Joe Fitzgibbon be added to the slate, and there was unanimous consent. 
      • King County District Court SW, no slate needed for this slide (with the bold #2’s) 
      • US Senator – already endorsed 
    • The Slate will be presented to membership for endorsement. 

    Endorsement Meeting

    • Will be held on June 8, at 6:30pm, via Zoom
    • Donations will be made AFTER the Primary
    • GOTV Initiatives will come later in the summer
    • Volunteers: 
      • Offline ballot manager and meeting support – Soleil Lewis 
      • Credentials — Trey Lykins
      • Tally manager – Chris Porter and Ann Martin
    • To vote, you must join the 34th at least the night before 

    Candidate Debate 

    • Chris Porter and Ted Barker have been working with West Seattle Democratic Women on a 90-minute debate to be held between Leah Griffin and Emily Alvarado on May 26th at 6:30 pm 

    PCO Recruiting/Filing

    • Online filing is going on now 24/7 for PCOs through Friday at 4pm, this will be for the presidential election, and we all know what’s going on, and if you’re concerned about democracy, help GOTV! 

    2022 Convention Update re: Resolutions

    • Resolutions Workshop held Sunday
    • 5 Resolutions submitted:
      • Calling for a Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Deaths of Tribal Children
      • Calling for Passage of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act
      • Declaring and Responding to a Climate Emergency
      • In Favor of Publicly-Owned Utilities (PUDs) Replacing Privately-Owned Utilities and in Favor of PUDS’ Incentivizing their Users to Go Green
      • In Support of the Keep Our Care Act
    • Delegation is rank voting. Submissions due May 25. 
      • Working with other LDs to share resolutions, if possible, and avoid duplicates
    • Carla sent email to the delegates to rank vote via email

    Fundraising Update 

    • Next meeting is Monday May 23 at 7pm at Arthur’s Restaurant, please volunteer and attend! 

    Upcoming Outreach Events 

    Plan to attend and/or volunteer for at least one: 

    • Adopt-a-Street – Saturday, May 21, 1pm
    • Burien Pride – Saturday, June 4
    • Burien Wild Strawberry Festival – Saturday, June 18 & Sunday, June 19
    • Morgan Junction Festival – Saturday, June 18
    • Burien Independence Day Parade – Monday, July 4
    • West Seattle Grand Parade – Saturday, July 23
    • Boulevard Park Block Party – Saturday August 13
    • B-Town Fiesta – Saturday, September 24

    Announcements & Upcoming Dates

    • General inquiry about interest in a small advocacy event to support Roe V. Wade?  Yes, agreed to plan offline. 
    • Discussion about pros and cons of in-person versus zoom meetings, and reasonable cadence.  Decided October and December will be in person. 
    • May Pop Up Social at Georgetown Liquor Company, May 20 – 5:30-8pm, Dow Constantine will be there. 
    • June 15 Board meeting is at Carla’s home, light agenda and hors d’oeuvres 
    • NO July membership meeting or board meeting

    Good of the Order 

    • Chris Porter SERIOUSLY outfitting for “Paint the Night Blue” so come prepared with your own festive outfit! 

    9:15 Adjourned by Carla Rogers, Chair

    22-05-11 Membership Meeting Minutes

     150 150 34th Democrats

    22-05-11 Membership Meeting Minutes

    Held virtually via Zoom

    6:30pm Pre-Meeting Program: Post Legislative Session Wrap-up

    • Senator Joe Nguyen and Representative Joe Fitzgibbon spoke and answered questions.

    7:15 pm – Call to Order by Carla Rogers, Chair

    Land and People Acknowledgement – Rachel Glass, First Vice Chair

    Approval of Meeting Agenda

    • Moved for approval by Chris Porter, seconded by Ann Martin. Approved by unanimous consent.

    Minutes from the April Membership Meeting

    • Moved for Approval by Sarah Koch, Seconded by Ann Martin. Approved by unanimous consent.

    Budget and Membership Report

    • Treasurer Julie Whitaker reported on the budget. Income of $1,932.87 was reported, due primarily to July Fundraiser advance ticket sales. Month End Balance is $30,444.71.
    • The end of the fiscal year was April 30, 2022.
    • There are currently 138 paid members, and 101 PCOs post-redistricting.
    • Carla noted that to be able to vote at the June 8th endorsement meeting, new members must sign up by the end of this meeting, and that 2021 members must renew no later than 6pm on June 7, 2022.

    July 14 Fundraiser 

    • Rachel Glass provided information about the “Paint the Night Blue” July 14th fundraiser. There will be alcoholic and non-alcoholic signature “Blue” drinks. There will be a raffle and a “raise the paddle” donation event along with a short program and other activities. Attendees are encouraged to wear blue apparel.

    Announcements

    • Carla Rogers gave State Convention updates:
    • The 34th delegation will consist of 44 people, including elected and automatic delegates.
    • 5 resolutions have been submitted by members; 2 will be sent forward.
    • 39 platform amendments have been presented to the state.
    • She thanked those who volunteered to serve on convention committees: Ann Martin, Rules; Bunny Hatcher, Platform; and Zach Ricketts, Credentials.
    • Pop Up Social May 20, 2022
      • At The Georgetown Liquor Company, 5:30 to 8 pm.
      • KC Executive Dow Constantine will be attending.
    • 34th District State Representative Candidate Forum will be held jointly with the West Seattle Democratic Women.
      • Ann Martin, Chris Porter, Jordan Crawley, and Ted Barker are assisting.
    • Help is needed during the June 8th endorsement meeting. Contact Chair Rogers to volunteer.
    • May board meeting will be Wednesday the 18th.
    • There will be no July meeting.

    Candidate Spotlight

    • Andrea Jarmon, running for King County District Court, SW Division, Position 2
    • Democratic Candidates for 34th Legislative District Representative, Position 1
      • Emily Alvarado
      • Leah Griffin

    Precinct Committee Officer Filing Week

    • PCO Committee Chair Nick Bonazza gave the dates of May 16 – May 20 and described the 2-year term for 2023/2024. He explained the filing process with King County Elections.

    Election for Male/Non-Binary KCDCC Committeeperson

    • Bunny Hatcher moved to nominate Ted Barker. Ann Martin seconded. Ted was elected by voice vote.

    Resolution: To call for an independent study of cost and environmental impacts of a gondola as an alternative to light rail to serve as West Seattle’s link to the Sound Transit system.

    • Bunny Hatcher summarizes the resolution and moves for adoption. Randy Litzenberger seconds
    • Randy speaks in favor of the resolution.
    • Tamsen Spengler speaks against.
      • Tamsen moves to make an amendment to remove language stating the gondola as “34th’s favored option”. Ann Martin seconds.
      • Tamsen speaks for the amendment.
      • Katherine Woolverton speaks against.
      • Chris Porter speaks for.
      • Amendment passes via Zoom show of hands.
    • James Boyle speaks in favor of the resolution as amended.
    • David Kerlick speaks against.
    • Resolution adopted via Zoom Poll. 19 in favor, 14 opposed.

    Resolution: In support of the “Keep Our Care Act”.

    • Bunny Hatcher summarizes the resolution and moves for adoption.
    • Chris Porter seconds.
    • Roxanne Thayer speaks for.
    • Resolution is passed unanimously via Zoom poll.

    2022/2023 Budget

    • Treasurer Julie Whitaker summarizes the budget and moved for adoption.
    • Bunny Hatcher seconds.
    • Budget is adopted via Zoom poll

    Bylaws Revisions

    • Changes include new content, to match current practices, and minor edits for clarity and format
    • Chair Rogers summarizes and reads new content
      • Art Chippendale moves an amendment, Sarah Koch seconds.
      • Amendment is passed via voice vote
    • Chris Porter moves to adopt new Bylaws as amended, Julie Whitaker seconds. Motion to adopt passed via voice vote.
    • Chris Porter moves to adopt changes to the Endorsement Rules Addendum section, Bunny Hatcher seconds. Motion is passed via voice vote.

    Meeting is adjourned at 9:40 pm.

    Monthly Meeting

    4-20-22 Executive Board Meeting Minutes

     400 300 34th Democrats

    April 20, 2022 – Virtual meeting held via closed ZOOM

    7:00 pm – Call to Order by Chair Carla Rogers 

    Attendees: 

    xCarla RogersxJulie WhitakerxSara Smith
    Aaron Garcia VirgenKaren RichterSarah Koch
    xBunny HatcherxLeah GriffinxSoleil Lewis
    xChris PorterNick BonazzaxSteven Butts
    Deena LedgerxRachel GlassTrey Lykins
    Gina ToppxRoxanne ThayerxAnnie Phillips 

    Welcome & Introductions & Reminder of Social Contract

    Review of Agenda and Minutes 

    • Last month’s minutes approved by unanimous consent 
    • Agenda for tonight approved by unanimous consent

    Resolutions 

    • Keep Our Care Act 
      • Bunny Hatcher presented on the resolution to preserve care options during the merger of healthcare organizations and to preserve equity. Bunny moved to present Roxanne Thayer spoke in favor of the resolution. Currently 49% of hospitals in Washington State are owned by faith-based corporate entities.  
      • Julie Whitaker moved Rachel Glass seconded to recommend approval to membership inclusive any changes by the board. 
      • Approved with unanimous vote.  Will be presented to the membership May 11.
    • Gondola Study   
      • Q&A with Randy Litzenberger
      • Rachel Glass moved and Chris Porter seconded approval to the membership inclusive any changes by the board. 
      • Approved by unanimous vote.  Will be presented to the membership May 11. 

    Budget Presentation

    • Carla reviewed the budget in detail.  There was a Q&A on line items of interest. 
    • Budget cycle is May 1st through April 30th. 
    • Carryover note into 2023; 20k is designated for the presidential primary in 2024, while we are not sure what amount this event will cost given the new format (delegate caucus).  
    • There was a net positive $7,000+ to take into 2023/24 if the budget goes as planned.
    • Carla moved and Julie Whitaker seconded to approve the budget and recommend adoption by the membership.  
    • Approved by unanimous vote. 

     2022 Convention

    • Elected our representatives: Bunny Hatcher on Platform, Ann Martin on Rules, and Zach Ricketts on Credentials
    • Up to 44 Amendments will be submitted after final edits and Delegate acceptance of final draft 

    Endorsements

    • Two endorsements are complete.  Remaining are:
      • US Rep
      • WA Reps and Senator
      • King County Prosecutor
      • Judicial (many seats) 
    • Request for tech savvy endorsement committee volunteers
    • Candidate forum and debate discussion resulted in the decision to hold a debate.   Chris Porter volunteered to lead organizing it and Ted Barker will assist.

    Endorsements Meeting

    • May 20 is the deadline for candidates and PCOs filing to run.  
    • Need to form an endorsement committee.  Need 4 people tech savvy to help run the meeting.
      • Carla will ask Trey to help with this.  
      • Soleil volunteered to help.  
    • Candidates who get past the primary will be eligible to receive our donations. 

    Fundraising 

    • Meeting tomorrow to discuss fun activities with the “Paint the Night Blue” theme. 

    May Meeting

    • May Meeting Legislative Q&A – Roxanne Thayer and Rachel Glass will organize. 
    • KCDCC (male or non-binary) election to be held – Ted Barker will run
    • 2 Resolutions
    • Budget Review
    • Bylaws Review

    PCO Recruiting/Filing 

    Outreach Events (Subject to Change) 

    • Sign up for events, especially for set up and take town.  This is the face of our organization. Please commit to at least one of these.  https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1L3QiLNeHoh5ndrM-KBHU7OfjPIb1bePwBqHooLjiL54/edit#gid=0 
    • Adopt-A-Street Saturday, May 21 1pm – 3pm 16th Ave SW at Roxbury
    • Burien Pride Saturday, June 4 10am – 6pm Burien Town Center Park
    • Burien Wild Strawberry Festival Saturday, June 18 10am – 6pm Burien Town Center Park – Sunday, June 19 10am – 4pm
    • Morgan Junction Festival Saturday, June 18 Participation TBD
    • Burien Independence Day Parade Monday, July 4 3pm – 5pm SW 153rd and 6th Ave. SW
    • West Seattle Grand Parade Saturday, July 23 11am – 2 pm California and Lander
    • Boulevard Park Block Party Saturday August 13 12pm – 6pm 1832 S. 120th St.
    • Adopt-A-Street Saturday, September 10th 1pm – 3pm 16th Ave SW at Roxbury
    • B-Town Fiesta Saturday, September 24 10am – 6pm Burien Town Center Park

    Announcements 

    • April Pop Up Social – please attend. April 22 at The Bridge 5:30-8
    • May meeting is 6:30 start

    9:15 Adjourned by Carla Rogers, Chair

     

    Monthly Meeting

    22-04-13 Membership Meeting Minutes

     400 300 34th Democrats

    April 13, 2022 – Virtual meeting held via closed ZOOM

    Pre-Meeting Program: Choose 180 

    7:05 pm Call to Order by Chair Carla Rogers 

    Chair’s Remarks

    • Very successful Issues Caucus on March 26th 
    • Earned 4 additional delegates by meeting affirmative action goals 
    • Celebrating first black female confirmed to serve in the Supreme Court 

    Opening Ceremonies

    • Land & People Acknowledgement – First Vice Chair Rachel Glass 
    • VIP Acknowledgements
      • Chris Porter spoke on the importance of conservation, farmers, and pollinators 
      • Eileen Cody spoke about looking forward to the upcoming race to fill her seat

    Approval of Tonight’s Agenda and Last Month’s Minutes 

    • Ann Martin moved and Eileen Cody seconded to approve the agenda. Approved with voice vote.
    • Rachel Glass moved and Ann Martin seconded to approve the minutes. Approved with voice vote. 

    Budget and Membership Reports

    • Treasurer Julie Whitaker shared the March budget report.    

    Annual Fundraiser Spotlight

    Candidate Spotlight

    2022 Early Endorsements 

    • Leah Griffin moved and Rachel Glass seconded to endorse Senator Patty Murray. Leah Griffin spoke for Senator Murray’s endorsement.  
    • Rachel Glass moved and Chris Porter seconded to endorse Steve Hobbs interim secretary of state.  Rachel Glass spoke for Hobbs’ endorsement.  
    • Both nominations passed by unanimous consent.  

    Presentation Regarding Gondola Feasibility Study 

    Presentation Against Privation of Medicare 

    Announcements

    • Convention preparation is underway 
    • Met Affirmative Action Goals (only 5 districts in the state met goals) 
    • Deadlines – 
    • Pop Up Social – April 22, 5:30 – 8, The Bridge (6301 California Ave.) 
    • Endorsements Committee needs volunteers for supporting technical needs, such as Zoom, Google 
    • Next meeting is May 11, 6:30pm pre-meeting program is the Bylaws and Endorsement Review
    • Next board meeting is April 20, 7-8:30 (Zoom)

    Presentation on Ranked Choice Voting

    Good of the Order

    Adjourned at 9:08 by Carla Rogers, Chair

     

    Keep Our Care Act

    Resolution in Support of the Keep Our Care Act

     1024 1024 34th Democrats

    Adopted by the membership on May 11, 2022 at the monthly membership meeting.

    Resolution in Support of the Keep Our Care Act 

    WHEREAS, mergers and acquisitions between health care entities, i.e., hospitals, hospital systems, and provider organizations are prolific across the country and in Washington State, negatively impact cost, quality, wait times, and access to legal health care services; and in Washington State these health care entity consolidations receive minimal oversight, allowing large health care systems to dictate patients’ access to care, including reproductive, end-of-life, and gender-affirming care while in other states such as Oregon, Massachusetts, and California they have regulations which require oversight of mergers & acquisitions of health care entities[1]; and  

    WHEREAS, mergers and acquisitions have been proven to drive up costs for patients in Washington State and leaving communities without access to public health care as noted in 2017 when Washington’s Attorney General sued CHI Franciscan in a federal anti-trust lawsuit regarding consolidations that resulted in raised prices, increased wait times, and reduced services and locations[2]; and    

    WHEREAS, A recent study by The New England Journal of Medicine found that hospital acquisitions are associated with moderately worse patient experiences. Washington hospital data indicates that our health system ranks poorly in quality measures, with patient satisfaction scores that are lower than independent hospitals; and 

    WHEREAS, these consolidations restrict staff, in faith-based consolidated care centers, from providing legal, critical services, and yet they continue to take taxpayer dollars. Due to these consolidations and mergers, Washington State’s hospitals were in 2021 49% religious based[3];  and 

    WHEREAS, mergers and acquisitions exacerbate systemic inequities. Private health systems’ efforts to increase revenues leads to worsening health care access and outcomes for Medicaid patients, disproportionately People of Color. About 30% of the population in Washington State identifies as non-white, but over 40% of WA State Apple Health patients are People of Color. 

    THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the 34th Legislative District Democrats urge our Washington State legislators to pass and the governor to sign the Keep Our Care Act, to join other states, such as Oregon, Massachusetts, and California: 

    • To prohibit health care entity consolidations that diminish access to affordable quality care; 
    • To require Attorney General oversight, compliance, and enforcement power to ensure health care consolidations do not negatively impact access to health care services  
    • To institute a health equity assessment so that consolidations/mergers address the needs of marginalized communities; and  
    • To institute public hearings and comment opportunities prior to proposed consolidations; and   

    THEREFORE, BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution will be sent to the WA State Legislators and the Governor. 

     

    [1] Oregon House Bill 2362  and Information About Material Change Notices/Cost and Market Impact Reviews | Mass.gov and Examining the Authority of California’s Attorney General in Health Care Mergers 

    [2] Attorney General Ferguson: CHI Franciscan will pay up to $2.5 million over anti-competitive Kitsap deals   “Privately, in documents obtained during the Attorney General’s Office’s investigation, officials at CHI Franciscan and The Doctor’s Clinic (TDC) discussed the deals as a boon to their bottom line and harmful to patient care.  CHI Franciscan’s Chief Financial Officer, Mike Fitzgerald, wrote in an email: ‘I am all for taking advantage of hospital-based pricing. … It would be great to drop a couple of million more to our bottom line, if we think we can do it.’”

    TDC’s former physician president succinctly summarized these effects …: “I can’t wait to hear how CHI [Franciscan] messages the addition of TDC to [Franciscan Medical Group]. ‘You can now get your outpatient care in a complex, relatively unsafe, and vastly more expensive location. You are welcome, Kitsap County…’”  

    [3] [3] Hospital Merger in Washington State Stokes Fears About Catholic Limits on Care | Kaiser Health News  With the Virginia Mason Merger with CHI Franciscan on January 7, 2021, the number of Catholic Hospital beds in WA State increased from 48% to 49% placing WA State as the state with the 2nd highest number of Catholic based hospital beds with Alaska at 49.25%. 

    Submitted by Roxanne Thayer, 34th District Representative to the WA Democratic Party and member of the 34th District Democrats Healthcare Caucus. 

    Gondola

    Gondola Resolution

     1024 1024 34th Democrats

    Adopted by the membership at the May 11, 2022 meeting.

    A Resolution Stating the 34th Democratic Legislative District’s Preferred Alternative for a West Seattle Extension and Calling for a New Independent Study

    Whereas, Sound Transit (ST) issued a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) on the West Seattle Ballard Extension alternatives and is currently receiving public comment on the DEIS; and

    Whereas, ST3 includes light rail construction in South Downtown (SODO) and West Seattle, areas located within the 34th Legislative District: and

    Whereas, the members of the 34th LD Democratic Organization live and work in these areas and have a substantial interest in the location, mode, construction, operation and costs of future transportation in this community; and

    Whereas, having reviewed the DEIS they find the following issues and concerns:

    • The document does not adequately address the years of traffic congestion and obstruction, noise and greenhouse gasses emitted during construction of any light rail alternative. 
    • Nor does it observe the disruption and destruction of mature urban tree canopy, which cannot be replaced. Trees help control stormwater runoff, improve air quality, provide wildlife habitat, and sequester carbon emissions.
    • The DEIS does address the loss of 658 housing units, 120 businesses and 1,140 jobs in the Delridge, Duwamish and Junction neighborhoods of West Seattle alone – not including impacts on the International District. These losses will seriously harm our community and cannot be easily or cheaply mitigated. 
    • The increase in cost of the West Seattle extension and delay in completion until at least 2032 will result in added environmental impacts related to climate altering emissions, air quality and other effects. We are concerned that these impacts make any light rail alternative untenable and speak to the need for a cheaper, more rapidly deployable option.

    Whereas, a new alternative, an urban aerial gondola, has been identified that is not addressed in the DEIS, but shows promise in its cost, faster implementation schedule and reduced environmental impacts; and

    Whereas, such major urban systems have been successfully implemented in cities such as Ankara, Turkey; Mexico City; and La Paz, Bolivia, where they can carry as many as 4,500 passengers per hour, as opposed to the projected 3,200 per hour for the preferred light rail alternative. The cumulative impacts of that differential would be substantial; and

    Whereas, it is projected the gondola system could be operational by 2026, greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced/avoided more than six years sooner than the preferred alternative;

    Whereas, it is also projected that the gondola system would cost 1/10 that of any light rail alternative;

    Now therefore be it resolved, the 34th District Democratic Organization urges Sound Transit to contract with an independent consultant for a new study of the gondola system compared with the light rail for West Seattle, including projected cost, completion date and environmental impacts.

    Be it further resolved, this resolution be sent to the Sound Transit Board as our comments to the DEIS and to the Seattle Mayor and City Council for their consideration.

    Submitted by Randy Litzenberger, co-chair of the Environment, Energy and Land Use Caucus of the 34th District Democrats.