By Steve Butts and Martha Koester
The meeting began at 7:15 pm. As often is the case, the agenda was amended to allow for unscheduled speakers: Hanna Pickett, Jay Inslee’s Field Organizer, expressed thanks for our support during the primary campaign. A representative from Patty Murray’s reelection staff extolled the virtues of the Coordinated Campaign, and its support of the down-ballot races. Both campaigns are looking to expand their volunteer base. Cathy Moore, running for KC Superior Court Pos. 44, thanked the body for their endorsement. While not endorsed by the KCDCC, Jesse Wineberry addressed us near meeting’s end to thank the Democrats who helped him during his primary bid for Representative for WA-09. He has given his support to Adam Smith, and will use his influence in the district to help reelect him.
Rich Irwin’s chair report focused on the general election. He urged us to find 4 people that don’t vote and get them to do so, and to seek out volunteers to help make electoral gains this year. He has contact information for the 110,000 precinct caucus attendees, and will reach out to them.
We were to have pro/con presentations on both initiatives I-1491 (Extreme Risk Protection Orders) and I-732 (Carbon Pollution Tax). The pro I-1491 representative was unable to attend, but we proceeded with the vote. I-1491 failed to be endorsed. A second vote to recommend a “Vote NO” was also rejected.
We heard the pro I-732 position from Greg Rock, a lobbyist from Carbon WA, and the ANTI position from Jeff Johnson, President of the WA State Labor Council. While both speakers support the goal of lowering carbon emissions, they differed on potential state tax losses that I-732 may create, and the initiative’s ability to bring clean energy alternatives to market. A vote to endorse failed, as did the proposal for a “Vote NO” recommendation.
Candidate endorsements began with a vote on slate of the Endorsement Committee’s recommended candidates. State Representatives endorsed in this manner were: Zack Hudgins (11th), Mike Pellicciotti (30th), Cindy Ryu (32nd), Mia Su-ling Gregerson (33rd), Gael Tarleton (36th), Linda Wright (39th) and Brooke Valentine from the 47th LD.
Pat McCarthy, running for State Auditor, sought our endorsement as our previously-endorsed candidate, Jeff Sprung, failed to clear the primary. She received our endorsement.
US Representative candidates Brady Walkinshaw (CD 07) and Tony Ventrella (CD 08) were put forward. Neither received endorsement. Chris Reykdal (Superintendent for Public Instruction), and Kristin Richardson (KC Superior Court Pos. 52) also failed to reach the endorsement threshold.
Four resolutions were considered and approved: A resolution supporting a “Maintained” vote on taxes for State Advisory Votes 14 and 15, a resolution supporting an “Approved” vote on SJR 8210 to extend study and comment time for future Redistricting Committees, and a resolution to allow those of “non-binary gender” (not male or female) to replace either a male or female representative to the State Central Committee and in convention delegations. These were passed, and will be presented to the WA State Democratic Central Committee. Also passed was a resolution to the Seattle City Council, asking them to put forth a developer impact fee ordinance, the proceeds of which would be used for Seattle pubic school construction.
The Finance and Development report informed us that our Treasurer has resigned for personal reasons. Omaha Sternberg will serve in this office temporarily until a replacement can be recruited. Omaha also told us that the transition from NGP to Action Network has been completed, saving the KC Democrats. She will also be attempting to negotiate a better insurance contract for next year.
The LAC last met on Mercer Island August 21, and featured Patty Kuderer and Marilyn Chase. The next meeting date and location is to be determined.