General Meeting Minutes

June 12, 2019 – Hall at Fauntleroy

6:30 Potluck Social

7:04 Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies

Carla Rogers led the Pledge of Allegiance

VIP Acknowledgements

None

Recognition of New Members

7:06 Review and Approval of the Minutes and Agenda

• Approval of the Minutes – The minutes were approved as submitted.
• Adoption of the Agenda – Joe McDermott moved to add School Board District 6 to the endorsements, at the end of the current list. Motion was seconded and passed with no opposition.

7:00 Report of Officers and Standing Committees

• Chair’s Report
  • Annual Fundraiser Results – We met our goal of raising $17K.
  • Upcoming Events – Burien Strawberry Days 6/17
  • Overview of the Evening – Budget Approval, Ballot Issues, Endorsements.
• Membership and Treasurer’s Report
  • On-hand balance is $43,057.82. $20K is reserved for caucuses.
  • $18,364 was raised at the event.
  • 262 members

7:19 Seattle Libraries Levy Overview

Mike McQuaide spoke on behalf of the Seattle Libraries Levy and shared a presentations.

7:24 King County Parks Levy Overview  

Kristi True spoke on behalf of the King County Parks Levy.

7:30 New Business

• 2019 Budget Approval
  • Ben Reilly provided an executive summary of the 2019 budget.
  • Ann Martin made a motion to approve the budget as submitted.
  • Budget passed with no opposition.
• Appointment of PCOs
  • PCO Chair Nick Bonazza swore in 2 new PCOs – Lawrence and Colleen.  bringing the total to 92. Motion was made and the PCOs were approved.
• 7:35 – Endorsements

Gina shared an overview of the rules for endorsement, as stated in our current bylaws (available online).

• King County Council, Council District No. 8
  • David Ginsberg nominated Joe McDermott.
  • David motioned to vote by affirmation. Motion passed.
  • Joe McDermott was endorsed.
• City of Burien, Council Position 2
  • A motion was made to nominate Cydney Moore.
  • The nomination was overruled because Cydney Moore is not a pledged Democrat.
  • No endorsement
• City of Burien, Council Position 4
  • Martha Koester nominated Omaha Sternberg. Nomination was seconded.
  • Motion was made to nominate Kevin Shilling. Nomination was seconded.
    • Comments were made in favor of both candidates.
    • Kevin Schilling was endorsed.

7:56 Good of the Order

Joe McDermott thanked the 35th for his endorsement and invited everyone to a Monday, June 17 campaign kick off party being held at the Rasmussen-Lewis home located at 3822 Boyd Place SW. Information was just posted on his Facebook page.

Martha Koester announced the White Center Jubilee and Kiwanis events coming up.

Susie spoke about the importance of getting the word out about the upcoming races. She encouraged everyone to use their voices and offered professional services for anyone who wanted support.

Gina Topp promoted Dow Constantine’s Debate Watch party at Endolyne Joes on June 27 (tickets are $20.20) and the Swanky Cocktail Party tickets July 25th at Eileen Cody’s house.

Mayor Matta gave a report from the North American Mayors Conference held recently in Mexico.

Announcement made about the Burien Strawberry Festival being held this weekend.

Deborah Alderman made an announcement about the Alki Point Lighthouse tour season beginning. Open most Sundays from 1-4.

• City of Burien, Council Position 6
  • David Ginsberg nominated Sophia Aragon, motion was seconded.
  • No further nominations.
  • Sophia Aragon was endorsed.
• Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position 2
  • Jimmy Matta made a motion to nominate Nina Martinez. Motion was seconded.
  • Sam Cho was nominated and the motion was seconded.
  • Speeches in favor of both candidates were made.
  • No one cleared the 60% threshold on the
  • Endorsement made for Sam Cho receiving 66% of the vote.
• Port of Seattle, Commissioner Position 5
  • Grace Stiller nominated Fred Felleman, motion was seconded.
  • No other nominations were made.
  • Fred spoke on his own behalf after Grace ceded her time.
  • Fred Felleman was unanimously endorsed by the membership.
• Seattle Libraries Levy
  • Hand Vote motion made, seconded and Passed
  • Levy was endorsed
• King County Proposition 1, Parks Levy
  • Motion was made and seconded to endorse.
  • Levy was endorsed
• City of Seattle, Council District 1
  • Lisa Herbold was nominated and seconded
  • Phil Tavel was nominated and seconded
  • Brendon Kolding was nominated and seconded
  • Speeches were made in support of candidates
  • Speeches were made against candidates
  • Ballot 1 results – Lisa Herbold wins endorsement with 73.8% of the vote.
• School Board District 7
  • Nomination made for Leslie Harris, motion was seconded.
  • Molly Mitchell was nominated and seconded.
  • Leslie Harris spoke on her own behalf via video after time was ceded.
  • The nominator spoke on behalf of Molly Mitchell.
  • Ballot 1 results: Leslie Harris wins endorsement with a 68.3% vote.

Good of the Order (continued)

Thanks to Governor Inslee for putting together a campaign that highlights climate.

9:36 Adjourn to Whiskey West

May General Meeting Minutes

May 8, 2019 – Hall at Fauntleroy

6:30 Potluck Social

7:01 Call to Order and Opening Ceremonies

Rachel Glass led the Pledge of Allegiance

7:04 VIP Acknowledgements

Representative Cody was recognized and is on the agenda.

Krystal Marx was recognized and described a recently approved, pilot program whereby homeless individuals are offered services. Councilwoman Marx suggested that anyone with comments email council@burienwa.gov with comments.

Jimmy Matta was recognized and discussed the vote at council around the services for those using the parks for a place to shelter.

Joe Fitzgibbon was recognized and is on the agenda.

Bill Tracy – Port Commissioner – shared that the Boys and Girls Club breakfast is this week. His campaign will begin soon.

Senator Joe Nguyen was recognized and is on the agenda.

Gina recognized new members and visitors.

Approval of the Minutes

Minutes are approved as written.

Approval of Agenda

Carla Rogers made a motion to the agenda to amend the agenda to include time in the NEW BUSINESS portion of the agenda for Representative Codey and Senator Nguyen to give us an update on the session which just closed out last month. The motion was seconded and passed.

Marcee Stone-Vecich made a motion to remove the Fracking Resolution from the agenda as it has already passed and been signed by the governor.

For Removal – Marcee noted that the effort is done and we have banned fracking in the State of Washington. The Governor came out with the statement to not build LNG and methanol plants in WA.

Speaking Against Removal – Les Treall mentioned that the bill allows for fracked gas from other parts of the country. Would like to wait until after the Leg Update.

Voice Vote failed to provide a decision. A hand count was called for by the chair. The motion failed by majority vote.

Chair and Committee Reports

Chair’s Report – Gina provided an update on recent board activities.

Membership Report – 227 is the current membership.

Treasurer’s Report was presented by Ben Reilly.

PCO Report was provided by Nick Bonazza. PCO trainings will be held in May and June (all are on the calendar at 34dems.org).

Jacqui Morris provided an update on the annual fundraiser to be held on June 1. See the website, or our Facebook page for details and buy a ticket, donate an item and share the invite! Need donations of flowers, vases and  items for the auctions.

7:40 New Business

Legislative Update

• Senator Joe Nguyen provided an update on the recent legislative session. Having the majority party, $47m was garnered for capital projects in the 34th. Bills supporting Mary’s Place in Burien, White Center projects, SSC, Madison Middle, Duwamish cleanup, and conservation funding for Maury/Vashon. Additional bills passed included ferry funding, pre-paid postage, graduated REETs, TANF reform, data breach, justice reform, Orca protection, mental health and more.
• Representative Cody discussed wins in healthcare, particularly on the mental health front. The Opioid crisis drove a lot of change in attitude. A mental health training hospital will be built at the UW. Other bills with tobacco, immunization, medical debt, overtime for nurses and others were also passed.
• Representative Joe Fitzgibbon labeled this session the most progressive in his 9 years. Criminal Justice reforms, higher ed, several environmental wins, education and other items were called out.
• Joe Fitzgibbon discussed the details of the bill signed today by Gov Inslee around fracking. The bill does NOT address fracked gas being imported and used in WA.

Appointment of Committee Chairs

Dawn Raines was appointed at the Membership chair. Motion was moved and seconded appointing Dawn as Membership Chair.

Appointment of PCOs

Nick Bonazza introduced those who have applied to be PCOs –

Carla Rogers and Jen Nye.  PCOs were approved by the voting PCOs. We now have 90 PCOs!

Adopt-A-Street Awards

Karen Richter and Steve Butts presented awards to Ted Barker, Bob Farrell, Bruce Bergman, Chris Porter, Laurence Redman. Steve Butts. Karen Richter, Chris Weiss, Melinda Grant., Jeryka Taft. Britnique Taft, Treina Aronson, Eric Cameron, Carol Aronson. Anna Orton. Ben Olsen for participating in the Adopt-a-Street clean up. Next clean up is May 18.

Fracking Resolution

Les Treall moved that we pass the fracking resolution as presented. The motion was seconded. Les ceded his time to Emily Hazelton of 350 Seattle.

Marcee Stone spoke against the resolution as it was no longer timely and should be redone with labor and environmental caucus input. Local 52 is in our district and should be considered.

A union staff-member urged passing the resolution.

Chris Porter made a motion to table the consideration of this resolution until the October Monthly Meeting. Motion did not pass.

Chris Porter spoke against this resolution.

The voice vote failed to give a clear winner. A credential vote was held and the resolution passed as submitted.

8:10 UFCW Local 21 – New Season’s Update

Representatives from the UFCW 21 spoke about the New Seasons market situation in Seattle. They requested that the members of the 34th be aware of this and continue to support fair labor practices by all businesses.

8:18 Burien City Council Candidate Forum

Omaha Sternberg (position 2) and Sofia Aragon (position 6) engaged in the Burien candidate forum moderated by LAC Chair Jordan Crawley and 1st Vice Chair Rachel Glass.

8:40 Good of the Order

Tyrik Scott spoke about the session and the capital gain tax as submitted in last session.

Art Chippendale spoke about a session on Vashon the June 3rd Town Hall.

Gina shared dates:

May 15 – next Exec Board meeting

June 12 – next Membership Meeting where we will endorse candidates.

100 guest goal for the June 1 fundraiser.

8:49 Adjourn to Whiskey West

Minutes of the January 2019 Reorganizational Meeting of the 34th LD Democrats

The Hall at Fauntleroy

January 9, 2019

7:02 Call To Order from Temporary Chair Shasti Conrad, Chair KCDCC

7:02 Flag Salute led by State Senator Joe Nguyen.

Parliamentarian – Allan Munro

Sergeant at Arms – Les Treall

Tally Chair – Ann Martin

7:04 Credentials Report – 50 eligible PCOs present.

7:05 Motion to adopt agenda and meeting rules. Chris Porter motioned to amend rules to grant 2 minutes to each speaker, and 2 speakers for and 2 speakers against.

7:06 Question of Intent of Amended Rules raised by Ann Martin.

7:07 Bunny Hatcher spoke Against.

7:08 Chris Porter spoke For.

7:09 Ann Martin asked who was eligible to vote – only PCO’s elected in August.

7:10 Credentials Report – 51 eligible PCOs present.

Explanation of current County Rules.

7:11 Question asked: Do we need to give notice to change rules?

As per Parliamentarian – All rules are up for discussion as the LD is reconstituting itself.

7:13 Vote on Amendment – 2 minutes/2 For/2 Against

33 For

17 Against

7:16 Agenda and Rules adopted.

7:17 Resolution to keep District Bylaws in effect adopted.

7:18 Election for 34th LD Chair:

Gina Topp Moved and Seconded.

Rachel Glass Moved and Seconded.

Ivan Weiss Moved and Seconded.

Speakers for and against all candidates heard.

7:40 Joe Nguyen addressed the membership while votes were tallied. He will be on the Energy, Environment and Tech Committee, the Rules Committee, the Transportation Committee and will be Vice Chair of the Human Services Committee.

7:48 Joe presented with the 2018 Rising Star Award. He announced a Town Hall at the Delridge Community Center.

7:52 Representative Eileen Cody announced her retirement from Kaiser after 40 years with them. Announced that a Public Option bill would be put forth.

7:54 Election Results announced.

Gina Topp – 52.8%

Rachel Glass – 22.6%

Ivan Weiss – 24.5%

53 credentialed votes. There were 54, but one was spoiled.

1st Vice Chair Nominees

David Ginsberg

Ivan Weiss – Declined Nomination.

Rachel Glass

7:58 Peggy Abby spoke for David Ginsberg.

     Sofia Aragon spoke for Rachel Glass. 

8:00 Vote begins.

8:04 Representative Joe Fitzgibbon addressed the membership and spoke of his excitement for the new term.

8:09 52 Votes

Rachel Glass — 71,2%

David Ginsberg — 28.8

8:10 Second Vice Chair

David Ginsberg – Declined Nomination

David nominates Sofia Aragon

MSP – Sofia elected by acclamation.

8:12 State Committee Person Male – Ann Martin nominates Chris Porter – Wins by acclamation.

8:14 State Committee Person Female – Chris Porter nominates Ann Martin – Wins by acclamation.

8:17 KCDCC Male Delegate Max Brown nominated, wins by acclamation.

8:18 KCDCC Female Delegate Elizabeth Archambeau nominated, wins by acclamation.

8:20 KCDCC Alternate Male Ted Barker nominated, wins by acclamation.

8:22 KCDCC Alternate Female Martha Koester nominated, wins by acclamation.

8:23 Secretary Karla Rogers nominated, wins by acclamation.

8:25 Treasurer Ben Reilly nominated, wins by acclamation.

8:27 New Business –Marcee Stone-Vekich reminded the membership that School Levy and Water

     District votes are coming up. 

8:32 Motion to vote on endorsing the levies. Required 80% to come up for a vote.

Yes – 43 Votes

No – 8 Votes

Motion passes.

Proposition 1 – Heather Barker and David Ginsberg spoke for.

         Moti Krauthamer and Lois Schipper spoke against.  

         41 For 

         13 Against 

          Motion Passes 

Proposition 2 – No speakers for or against.

         32 For 

          6 Against 

Motion Passes

Water District Proposition 1 – Moti Krauthamer spoke against.

          26 For 

9 Against

Motion Passes.

8:50 Good of the Order – Les Treall asked for Committee members and reminded the membership of the upcoming special election.

8:55 Meeting Adjourned.

Meeting called to order at 7:00 by Chair David Ginsberg

7:01 Pledge of Allegiance.

7:02 Minutes and Adoption of Agenda MSP.

7:03 Chair’s Report – Hospitality and Membership Chairs are currently vacant.  Chair related how his family has been affected by gun violence. This, along with jobs, housing and income inequality will all be topics raised in the debate tonight.

7:06 New Business – Proposal from the E-Board to pass a slate of Initiatives. I-940 (De-escalation training for Law Enforcement) I-1631 (Cleaner Air, Cleaner Energy) and 1639 (Gun Safety) – MSP.

7:08 Martha Koester spoke in support of King County Council Member Jeanne Kohl-Welles proposed budget amendment for affordable housing.  Brooks Salazar raised the point that the issue is moot as this issue has already been addressed in Council.

A motion to table the issue until the next meeting was MSP.

7:11 PCO Chair Brooks Salazar announced that there would be a penalty against a PCO at the next membership meeting.

7:12 – Representative Eileen Cody arrived and was greeted.

7:13 – A Debate in the Lincoln Douglas format between candidates for State Senate Shannon Braddock and Joe Nguyen. Chris Porter moderated.

Joe won the toss and spoke first about how he would address economic inequality. Acknowledges that our tax code is regressive. Favors a Capital Gains Tax, and for reviewing those tax emptions that as of now will never expire. Points out that the amount of the exemptions is more that the budget of the state. Supports a State Bank. McCleary clearly did not address the inequality/achievement gap. We must support our teachers, and we need to make sure that our elected officials reflect our community and our community’s values. Lack of access to childhood early learning linked to inequality.

Shannon’s Cross Examination – Supports capital gains tax. What does Joe’s method of “naming and shaming” look like? Which tax exemptions would he target?

Shannon then gave her ideas on how she would address inequality. Hopes that her children would be able to live in Seattle if they wanted to. Limited by our regressive tax system. There are over 600 tax exemptions in the WA Tax Code.  She would focus on Luxury/Consumer Services, international banking, prescription drug resellers, investment banking, and state sales tax on out of state residents are outmoded. Addressing these loopholes/exemptions could net us about a billion dollars. Capital Gains figures in there too. Working Families Tax Rebate, based on the Federal Earned Income tax. Capital Gains Tax would be a heavy lift in this state. Clearly, we are not paying our teachers enough. Let’s change this. Favors free tech school or c/c to get workers change. Better for COC. Child care affects the mother’s mood. Happy kid? Happy, calm mom.

Joe – He would not just name and shame. He represents the 34^th, one of the most liberal districts in the state, if not the nation and is not interested in pandering to moderate Democrats or Republicans. Health care access is worth standing up for. We do not have a claw back mechanism for lost tax exemption or loophole funds. Boeing is an illustrative example. They were given many tax incentives to stay here in Washington State, yet they still moved to Chicago anyway. Would be in favor of taking another look to see if those are being used appropriately.

Shannon – Shannon cares just as much as Joe about the folks in our district, and our state.

Equity access is hugely important. Best Starts for Kids Levy has been remarkable. Spoke about involvement with the Somali community regarding health care. We must be prepared to be uncomfortable with what we don’t know and be willing to connect and learn about things that we may not know. Need to raise the Housing Trust Fund, it helps to leverage other dollars. We should be looking at surplus land, across the board, INCLUDING the State Department of Transportation. Homelessness is a complex issue, and we need to start giving front line workers more funds to help prevent it. When building shelters, we need 24/7 shelters. They are the most effective way to help the homeless, as there are often Navigation Centers at them as well.

Joe – How do we make sure that funds go to housing and not to stadiums?

Next topic was Schools, guns, and public safety. The statistics are sobering. There are more gun dealers in Washington than Starbucks AND Post Offices combined. What specific legislation will you introduce to address this? What is your plan to build support?

Shannon – Kids should not be worrying about how to defend against an active shooter. Supports I-1639.

The Legislature has failed us. Gun Violence IS a public health crisis. Have not done a good enough job in dealing with how domestic and gun violence inter relate, or for protecting families. How guns relate to suicide and mental health. For every dollar invested in mental health for children, $17 are saved later.

It isn’t about taking away people’s guns anymore than seat belts are about taking away people’s cars.

Getting I-1639 passed is not enough. We need to have a solid plan of how we will implement it.

If I-1639 doesn’t pass, she will introduce legislation to address every piece of it.

Joe – Mental health and suicide.  Very personal for him, as his cousin committed suicide using a gun.

Supports I-1639. We do not need military weapons to go hunting with. Need more training in gun safety.

This is an issue that can be prevented.

Funding comes into play. $25 fee for gun purchases, to be used for gun safety education and to provide funding for prevention. We need to keep better track of people who have guns.

Joe would like to know how Shannon talks to people on the other side of the gun debate.

Shannon finds that a lot of them are motivated by fear. Individually, she finds more common ground. Observes that the NRA stokes the fear mongering. Taking a Public Health approach emphasizes SAFETY.

Joe recognizes that there is a cultural issue as well. We need to engage with people to find out what motivates them so that we can find a common solution. There should be training for the safe use of guns. Good place to start.

Shannon – Hopes I-1639 passes. If it doesn’t pass, there ARE legislators that are working on the issue.

Senator Frockt from North Seattle is one of them. She would reach out to him to come up with a plan to engage those on the other side. Would be relentless in keeping this issue at the forefront with other legislators.

What is the highest priority for the 34^th?

Shannon – Passing Capital Gains tax and addressing our regressive tax system. Addressing Child Care access. This is very important. People should have the opportunity to make the life that they want for themselves.

Joe – Fixing the tax structure. Having an equitable environment for everyone. Standing with workers and the working class. Is not taking PAC money. The DISTRICT is his special interest.

Closing statements – Both Candidates thanked the membership for coming out and participating.

Shannon pointed out that she cannot self-finance.

8:13 Election in 55 days!

Britney from the Coordinated Campaign advised that we keep in mind the lessons of the 2016 election. Nothing is safe, and we need to make sure that we are getting people involved because that means that they will be more likely to vote next time.

Britney has some granular data about priority precincts that she would be happy to share.

Avi from Kim Schrier’s campaign came to talk about Kim. She’s been a pediatrician in Issaquah for the past 17 years. Saw what the Republican Health Care plan would do her patients. It is a tough race in a big district. Kim will need our help.

Hannah from the 47^th LD (Our Sister District) was up next. She is the Campaign Manager for Mona Dawes for the State Senate. Debra Entenman is running as well.

8:25 King County Council Member Joe McDermott moved to endorse Seattle Proposition 1. Assures that it does not fund charter schools. It will inject a lot of money into Seattle Schools. It was Moved, Seconded and Passed by the membership.

Good of the Order: Seattle School Board President Leslie Harris gave a short talk about the state of the school Board and the school boundary changes that are being discussed. The Seattle School Board has a 20 Billion Dollar wish list, of which only 1 billion will be on the next levy. She appreciates the teachers and the staff for bargaining hard and avoiding a strike.

9/15 to 10/15 National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Martha Koester has info to help people get re-enfranchised. And for Domestic Violence survivors to vote anonymously.

Chris Porter reported on an outbreak of HIV in North Seattle, and that there has been a 17% uptick in sexual assault reporting.

8:40 – Adjourned to Whiskey West.

Meeting called to order at 7:00 by Chair David Ginsberg

7:01 Pledge of Allegiance.

7:02 Washington State Supreme Court Justice Steven Gonzalez addresses the membership. He is running to retain his seat.

7:04 Mayor Durkan has appointed Faye Chess to the bench! Congratulations!

7:05 Minutes and Agenda MSP.

7:06 Chairs Report – Chair David Ginsburg addressed the evenings program, a forum for the candidates for the State Senate. Took care to point out that it was NOT an endorsement meeting.

Candidates Forum began. Present were:

Sofia Aragon

Shannon Braddock

Lem Charleston

Joe Nguyen

Lois Schipper

Candidates introduced themselves.

Lois Schipper – Nurse, works with sick refugee children. Past diversity chair for the 34^th. Gun issues, education and tax reform will be her key issues.

Sofia Aragon – Works in Governmental Affairs for the WA Nurses Association. Housing and educational opportunities will be her key issues.

Lem Charleston – Machinist at Boeing. Schools and tax reform will be his key issues.

Shannon Braddock – Worked alongside Joe Fitzgibbon and Dow Constantine. She is a working single mom with 3 kids. Taxes, health care and guns will be her key issues.

Joe Nguyen – Builds Job Training resources at Microsoft. Education and income inequality will be his key issues.

Candidate Forum:

Please tell us about your experience and/or ideas about being effective in the legislative process.

Joe – Lots of community involvement, including police accountability.

Shannon – 8 years working alongside Joe and Dow, Legislative Rep for her PTA, working for the

            King County Council.

Lem – While working as a minister, he engaged with the disenfranchised. Is an assistant Police

            chaplain, and lobbied for his union in Olympia.

Sofia – Worked for 13 years in Olympia on health policy. Executive Director of the Washington

            Center for Nursing.

Lois – Worked foe King County Public Health for 25 years. Advised legislators on health care

            issues.

What unique skills will you bring to Olympia that the other candidates do not have?

Sofia – Understanding what needs to be done. She is worried about educational opportunity.

Lem – Working through adversity.

Shannon – The ability to listen, hone in on the issue and find margins where people can work

            together. Patience, listening, and understanding.

 Joe – Understanding community, loves getting wonky, can run on very little sleep.

Lois – On the ground experience. Building teams, getting to know the issues and data, and

            bringing legislators together using evidence-based answers.

  What are your top 2 legislative priorities?

Lem – Taxes, wants corporations to pay their fair share. Education – supporting teachers.

Sofia – Education and workforce development, and equalizing tax reform.

Lois – Gun violence – Supports an assault weapon ban. K-12 education.

Joe – Housing affordability, tax reform and education.

Shannon – Tax reform, because it impacts everything else. Favors a Capitol Gains Tax.

            Gun Violence. Proud to be a Moms against Gun Violence Candidate of Distinction.

The Senate Majority leaders has told you the State has a surplus of 100 million dollars, what would you think it should be spent on?

Shannon – Education

Joe – De-escalation training for law enforcement and more non-lethal weapons.

Lois – Early learning. GREAT return on investment.

Sofia – Statewide affordable housing. Can’t leave out rural communities.

Joe – Invest in the future. 70% to kids and 30% to property tax reform.

Climate Change – According to a Yale University study, our district leads the entire country in awareness and concern about climate change. What is your strategy to pass a comprehensive, state-wide measure to put a price on or otherwise regulate carbon pollution?

Joe – Work with pollution burdened communities. Supports I-1631.

Shannon – I-1631 is good, she will continue to fight for it.

Lem – Air is precious. He will work to preserve clean air.

Sofia – Learned from unions how to transition from dirty to clean energy. Will work to reduce

            toxins in the environment.

Lois – Her son is an environmental engineer. She will seek advice from him and will work

            with the other party to find common ground.

Washington State Tax Structure – WA has one of the most inequitable tax systems in the country. The capital gains tax on high-income individuals has been suggested as one way to help level the burden. Would you support such a tax? Would you support allowing local governments to enact their own income-based tax?

 Lois – Favors an income tax. Current sales tax very regressive.

Sofia – Agrees with Loin regarding sales tax. Favors a Capitol Gains tax.

Lem – Favors an income tax.

Shannon – Would support an income tax. Recognizes that it would be a heavy lift.

            A lighter lift would be a capital gains tax.

Joe – Favors a capital gains tax. Would limit exemptions, and thinks that Eyman’s initiatives

            are a harm.

Elections and Voting  – Are you familiar with alternative voting systems? How would you feel about their use?

Shannon – Would not support, thinks would lessen participation.

Lem – Agrees with Shannon.

Sofia – Likes it for the future but not now.

Lois – Not familiar with them. Thinks that everyone should be more engaged.

Joe – Innovation is good. We can do things about this that do not require the legislature.

Universal Health Care – Can you talk about the prospect of universal healthcare in Washington state? Is it possible?

Lem – Yes. With all of our tech, brains and money, we should be able to take care of our citizens.

Shannon – It is possible. It will take a while and will require educating legislators. It saves money

            at the end of the day. Preventative care is a good investment.

Joe – People are using GoFundMe for medical care? Terrible. Likes the idea of WA,OR and CA

            building our own health system.

Sofia – Yes. Not only is it possible, but it is a right.

Lois – Agrees with Sofia. She works at Children’s Hospital, and they are in a 1 BILLION dollar

            drive to pay for uncompensated care. We shouldn’t have to do this.

Housing – What is the State’s responsibility to assist cities in managing homelessness?

Sofia – The state should partner with cities to solve this problem.

Lem – Homelessness is a poison to society. We should be able to fix this.

Shannon – Tax reform. Mental Health reform. More transitional resources are needed.

Joe – Biggest factor in family homelessness is domestic violence. Mental health reform and affordable housing reform needed.

Lois – State should fund more services. It is a crime that kids are being forced to live on the street. No one should be refused help if they want it.

What about tenant rights?

Shannon – Supports them, would talk to Senator Nelson to continue her work.

Joe – Supports banning the box. Everyone deserves housing.

Lem – We will need a lot of affordable and accessible units. Will support the work that Senator Nelson started.

Sofia – Would preserve Senator Nelson’s legacy. There is a need to correct the imbalance of power between tenants and landlords.

Lois – Families and people on fixed incomes are being forced out. This needs to end.

What is the State’s responsibility in helping cities and localities address for housing crisis?

Lois – Depends on revenue. Need to keep in mind that it takes awhile for housing to come

            online.

Sofia – Capital budget – Some funds can be used for housing. Look at the root causes – POVERTY.

Lem – Favors the creation of a housing trust fund. Any housing must be affordable AND safe.

Shannon – Look into using surplus properties. Review land use regulations to find ways to make it more efficient.

Joe – Mass transit can help. State can step up and help. Possibly a partnership between the city and state.

Gun Violence – What is the State’s responsibility to ensure school safety and are resource officers in schools the best way to ensure that safety?

Joe – Guns should be stored safely. Should make it harder for abusers to get guns.

Shannon – Resource officers are not effective. Background checks should be streamlined.

            High School Health Centers should take a bigger role in teen suicide prevention.

Lem – His son was on lockdown. Found the experience incredibly and uniquely terrifying.

            We must do everything we can to prevent school violence.

Sofia – We can and should be doing more to prevent school violence.

Lois – School resource officers are good. No 16-year-old should have a gun. No 18-year-old should have an assault rifle. Safer storage should be emphasized as well.

Has McCleary been settled? – Unanimous NO.

How should educational inequality be addressed?

Joe – Funding McCleary is not enough. Tax reform would help teachers. Right now, zip code

            seems to be the determining factor in determining educational opportunity.

Shannon – As a parent of 3 children, she has seen this first hand. ALL kids should have an equal opportunity for education.

Lem – The state has 600 million in tax exemptions. Some of them should be closed and those funds directed to education. Currently, some kids are disenfranchised before they even get out of high school.

Sofia – Worries about educational opportunities. Wants educational equity. K-12 years extremely important.

Lois – Chair of Highline Citizens for schools for the last 10 years. Says that the Highline School District is one of the most challenged districts in the state.

Closing remarks –

Joe – Thanks the membership for attending and participating.

Shannon – Thanks for the invitation, and she wants to use her experience to get things done.

Lem – Thanks to colleagues, wants to preserve Senator Nelson’s legacy.

Sofia – Thanks for coming! Thinks that the 34^this a great district to be a part of. She will not

            take anything for granted.

Lois – Thank you, and she wants to take her committee and volunteer experience to Olympia.

New Business –

Martha Koester presented a resolution to support VoteBuilder Access for All Democratic Candidates.

Moved, Seconded and Passed.

Appointment of new Committee Chair – Steven Jamieson to the Events committee. Was a great help to Carrie last year. Passed by acclamation.

Judge Willie Gregory addressed the membership. He is running for reelection to Seattle Municipal Court

Position 5. He has been endorsed by the 34^thtwice before. He is unopposed as of now.

8:40 – Good of the Order

8:47 – Adjourn to Whiskey West