34th Democrats Membership Meeting Minutes, September 13, 2023 – Held via closed Zoom

Pre-Meeting Program

A presentation about the youth non-profit organization “Free 2 Luv” was given by Araya Sandis, a representative from the group and a resident in the 34th LD.

Free 2 Luv is a national organization serving approximately 20,000 under-resourced youth. They partner with 250 other organizations across the country. They use techniques such as Art-based therapy to help kids cope with mental health problems which can arise as they come to grips with such issues as gender identity, isolation, and other problems youth may encounter as they mature.

https://free2luv.org/

6:53 PM – Call to order by Chair Graham Murphy

Chair’s Opening Remarks and Announcements 

• Graham gave a rundown of the events over the past summer: The candidate forum, the July fundraiser, the Parades we attended, and other events such as the picnic the past weekend, and he called out individuals to thank them for their efforts in organizing those events.
• The Chair also noted a few upcoming events:
  • The Fiestas Patrias parade in South Park on September 16.
  • The Pop-Up Social with the 33rd Democrats at Elliott Bay Brewery in Burien on September 29th.
• In advance of canvassing for the General Election Chair Murphy directed PCOs to a survey that asked whether they would need materials to use for doorbelling.
• The October 11th meeting is to be in person at a location to be determined. There will be an option to attend online, with limited input ability.
• Graham expressed pleasure with how our endorsement process was conducted and with our diverse slate of endorsees.
• A review of our Bylaws will be undertaken. Suggestions for changes are to be submitted to Bylaws and Rules Committee Chair Jordan Crawley, who will present them for approval at a meeting sometime in the first quarter of 2024.

Opening Ceremonies

• The meeting agenda was presented. A motion to approve was made by Ann Martin. The agenda was approved without objection.
• The minutes from the August meeting were also presented. Ann Martin moved to approve. The minutes were approved without objection.
• Treasurer Julie Whitaker gave the financial reports for August.
  • There was $825 remaining in the budget for candidate contributions.
  • As of September 13th, we had 329 members including those who are also PCOs.
• KCDCC Committee Alternate Preston Anderson gave the Land Acknowledgement. He also suggested that we could further show support for Indigenous peoples in our area by giving a donation to the Seattle Urban Native Nonprofits organization: https://seattleurbannatives.org

Update on Homeless Encampments in Burien

Burien City Councilperson Cydney Moore gave an update on the homeless encampment situation in Burien. She urged members to contact council members with comments regarding this issue, and to attend the upcoming council meeting. People may attend in person or online. They will have the ability to comment at the proceeding either way.

Upcoming Canvassing Events for the General Election  – Carla Rogers

• Saturday October 7th at 10 AM – In Burien at the Burien Press Coffee Shop
• October 21 at 10 AM – In West Seattle at C&P Coffee
• Other canvassing opportunities are happening in the 34th. Contact Carla to participate.

Committee Chair Resignation

Chair Murphy announced that Dorothy Gesick has stepped down from chairing the Precinct Leadership Committee and thanked her for her efforts.

Endorsement for Seattle School Board Director, District 1. 

A 60% majority was required for endorsement. Although Director District 1 is not located in the 34th LD, the school board races will be city-wide in the November Election following district-only contests in the August Primary.

• Carla Rogers nominated Debbie Carlsen; Roxanne Thayer seconded.
• Bunny Hatcher moved to endorse Liza Rankin; Julie Whitaker seconded. 
• Carla spoke in favor of Carlsen, and ceded time to the candidate.
• Bunny Hatcher spoke in favor of Rankin, who was unable to attend.
  • Heather Barker rose to speak against Rankin.
  • Julie Whitaker speaks for Rankin.
• Debbie Carlsen is endorsed with 70% of those voting via Zoom poll ballot.

Port of Seattle Update

Commissioner Ryan Calkins gave a review of activities at both the waterfront port and at the SeaTac Airport. He answered questions following his report.

A resolution: In Support of Ranked Choice Voting in Presidential Primaries.

The resolution was submitted by Ann Martin. It was forwarded to the body after debate by the Executive Board for consideration without a recommendation. A 50% majority was required for adoption.

• Bunny Hatcher summarized the resolution.
• Ann moves to adopt; Stephen Lamphear seconded.
  • Ann spoke in favor.
  • Ted Barker spoke against.
  • Dorothy Gesick spoke in favor.
  • Chris Porter spoke against.
• The resolution was adopted by 61.9% via a Zoom Poll Ballot.

Campaign Contributions.

There was $825 remaining in the contribution budget from the August round of campaign donations. The Executive Board recommended that $500 go to Highline School Board Candidate Carlos Ruiz, and $325 to go to Seattle Prop. 1 – “Yes for Homes” Housing Levy Renewal.

• Chris Porter moved to approve; Roxanne Thayer seconded.
• Chris spoke in favor of his motion.
• The contributions are approved via a voice vote.

Appointment for Chair of the Young Democrats Committee.

• Hannah Cameron nominated Rebecca Rego; Ann Martin seconded.
• Rebecca introduced herself.
• Rebecca was appointed via voice vote.

Good of the Order.

• Ann Martin thanked everyone who rose to express their opinions on Ranked Choice Voting.
• Ted Barker informed us that the West Seattle Food Bank is holding its “Taste of West Seattle” fundraiser after a 4-year hiatus. It was to be on September 28th at the Hall at Fauntleroy.
• Araya Sandis from Free 2 Luv thanked us for having her at the meeting and for the discussion.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.

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.

Proposed Code of Conduct

I am in full support of the new code of conduct and appreciate the work of the executive board in taking this necessary step to ensure all members are welcome and have full access to participate.  If we are an organization that is truly “dedicated to maintaining a culture of respect, inclusion, and equity” then we must do more than write words on paper. A well-thought out and effective code of conduct, one that is applied objectively with clear mechanisms in place to enforce our values, brings meaning to these words and backs up our commitment to inclusivity. It demonstrates that the 34^th Dems is an organization that is intolerant of inflicting harm, despite whatever good reason a person may think they have to do so. If we want to have a representational democracy, we must take active measures to ensure that all people are welcome and that means assuring people feel safe, respected and valued. The statement against the code of conduct argues that, should it pass, it would force the ideals of respect and dignity upon our membership. Why as a group would we not want to unify behind these basic ideals of human decency?

The argument against the code of conduct lists out three main concerns should it be passed by the membership. Each is addressed below.

1.      The code of conduct will waste a bunch of “precious” time

The opposition uses the code of conduct complaint filed in 2018 against the former King County Chair, Bailey Stober as an example of how resolving these issues is a big waste of our time. What is not mentioned is that Stober was accused of harassing his employee, creating a hostile work environment and committing financial improprieties. Donations were withheld and work stalled because it took three independent investigations, several district resolutions calling on his resignation or a vote on his resignation (including the 34^th), a letter from our State Chair and an open letter signed by over 200 democratic members and elected officials calling for his resignation, and an 11 hour trial with dozens of witnesses and hundreds of pages of documentation before he was found guilty on most charges and finally stepped down.  People resigned over the frustration and disappointment the allegations demanded that level of proof and public outcry before they were taken seriously. It seems for some, they are still not taken seriously. They left because the Democratic ideals of worker’s rights and women’s rights did not appear to be upheld or respected, not because it took up too much of their time.

The two other examples given of how the code of conduct is an unworthy use of our time, involved members of the 34^th– one regarding members conduct in a meeting and the other members conduct on social media. Here are my questions: What happens when a new member walks in and sees this aggressive hostile behavior? With the many ways a person could volunteer their time, what’s the chance of them returning to our organization?  And how does this behavior displayed on social media read to people outside of the 34^th? Will we really be respected if we are an organization that “speaks our truth” by engaging publicly in hostile and divisive behaviors to settle conflicts?  The opposition argues for more, not less of this conduct as it is believed this allows people the freedom to speak their truth. That’s not an organization I’d be proud to be in. I argue that ensuring worker’s rights and women’s rights, taking code of conduct complaints seriously and handling them judiciously, and making sure all people feel safe and welcome is a very good use of our time, maybe even the best use of our time.  

 2.      The code of conduct will stifle free expression

Yes, we are all ‘free’ to “speak our truth”, but with this freedom comes the responsibility each of us has for the impact we have on others.   If a member cannot refrain from using defamatory language, demonstrating intolerance or engaging in inappropriate physical contact to express their opinion then there is a fundamental flaw in their argument. The code of conduct states it is on the speaker to find a way to respectively get their point across, not on us to “get over it”.  We are held to these same standards of behavior in our places of employment, our schools, our houses of worship, and our community centers, why should the place where we exercise our civic duties and engage in activism be any different?There is a bigger point to be made about the opposition’s protection of free expression. Some of us are freer than others. The opposition in a “that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” argument, attests to the value of getting hurt as a motivator to “stand your ground”. Not all of us feel safe enough to stand our ground. Our ability to stand our ground depends on how much privilege we have in the world.  I assume not many people could, or would even try, to intimidate an over 6-foot-tall white male. On the other hand, for women, people of color, and members of the LBGTQ community, harassment and intimidation can be a daily occurrence. For them, the idea of safety is a more tangible concern than it is a desire to feel warm and fuzzy. There are consequences for standing their ground. When we think about the values of our organization and how to best live up to them, we must look from positions of less privilege then we hold. Rather than focus solely on the most “passionate” in our group who may leave because they are now required to filter their thoughts, we need to think about how many voices are silenced in service to maintaining the loudest ones. 

3.      The code of conduct will be weaponized to remove members

This fear has no basis in reality. Attempted coups and political takedowns probably do happen even in small local politics. However, in reality, it is more likely that a complaint will be filed for a valid reason than it would be used as a subversive strategy. Concern that the code of conduct will provide a tool for people to lie about their injuries to gain some nefarious benefit is not backed by facts.  The facts clearly show false claims to be rare. The code of conduct complaint was filed against the King County chair because he was guilty of harassing his employee and for no other reason.
Addressing the final paragraphs of the statement against the code of conduct:

The opponent suggests that serious misconduct should be handled by either the cops or the courts. Not only does an act of misconduct not need to be ‘serious’ (whatever that means) to cause harm, code of conduct complaints rarely rise to this level of criminality.

The argument against also suggests that a code of conduct is unnecessary due to member’s presumed ability to get along following conflict, proving that people can “get over it”.  When there isn’t a strong code of conduct in place there is often no recourse, nowhere to go to, no one to ask for help, no one to believe you. Without the ability to confront the behavior directly, a person has few options. They either have to leave or find a way to stay and “get over it” by denying it, forgetting it, diminishing it, invalidating it, or taking the blame. A code of conduct gives members who have experienced disrespectful, intimidating or harassing behavior, the option to stay in the organization while preserving the dignity of their own experience. Then, and only then, can they truly move past it.  

The code of conduct represents an organizational change and a larger societal one as well. Change is hard and some people are going to have to take more time to consider their words, time they didn’t have to spend before. But I assure you this will benefit everyone. Voting for the code of conduct is the right thing to do and now is the right time.

Treina Aronson