34th District Democrats General Meeting Minutes
March 9, 2022 – Virtual meeting held via closed ZOOM
Pre-Meeting Program
- Mothers for Police Accountability presented by Reverend Harriett Walden
- Learn more: https://www.mothersforpoliceaccountability.org/
- Listen in: https://1150kknw.com/shows/mothers-justice-show-with-rev-harriett-walden/
7:18 – Call to Order by Carla Rogers, Chair
Chair’s Remarks
- Gun safety legislation prevailed in recent weeks
- SB5078 is on its way to Gov Inslee’s desk
- Some climate bills made it through and congratulations to our caucuses
- Speak-up survey:
Opening Ceremonies
- Land & People Acknowledgement – First Vice Chair Rachel Glass
Approval of Tonight’s Agenda and Last Month’s Minutes
- Ann Martin moved and Rachel Glass seconded to approve the agenda. Approved with a unanimous voice vote.
- Ann Martin moved and Earl Godt seconded to approve the minutes. Approved with a unanimous voice vote.
Budget and Membership Reports
- Treasurer Julie Whitaker provided the budget report for February.
- Budget remained largely the same due to membership income and standard expenses
- Remember to renew! https://34dems.org/contribute/
- Current membership: 91 (plus 102 PCO’s) partially due to redistricting
- Change Makes $ense:
- Need one volunteer to participate on the budget committee in April-May
Candidate Spotlight
- Leesa Manion – King County Prosecutor
- Damon Shadid – Seattle Municipal Judge, running for position #7
- Faye R Chess – Seattle Municipal Judge, running for position #6
Presentation re: Seattle Approves, Initiative 134 Approval Voting
- Presented by Efrain Hudnell and Logan Bowers
- Goal is to keep voting simple and accessible; the current plurality system produces inequitable results.
- Gives every candidate a thumbs up or a thumbs down, which allows voters to express more of their wishes.
- Learn more: hseattleapproves.org/ , hwww.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2019/02/instant-runoff-isnt-a-sensible-alternative-to-our-current-voting-system-heres-why.html , hwww.fairvote.org/electoral_systems_rcv_vs_approval_voting , helectionscience.org/library/approval-voting/
Fundraising
- Presented by Gina Topp, Fundraising and Events Chair
- July 14th 6pm – 8pm Fundraiser to be held at Arthur’s, 2311 California Avenue SW, Admiral Junction
- Tickets:
- Purchase tickets today and your contribution will be matched.
PCO Update
- Appointment of PCOs by Nick Bonazza
- Nick presented Zachary Ricketts for 34-3767, swore him in, and confirmed he was a democrat.
- Rachel Glass motioned and Ann Martin seconded to approve the appointment.
- Zoom poll had 100% approval.
Redistricting
- Process is complete and despite some lingering lawsuits, we must move forward.
- Redistricting final steps:
- LDs have 45 days to begin meeting within their new boundaries that are adopted for elections occurring in November of the year 2022 and beyond.
- The terms of office of elected and appointed PCOs are unaffected by any precinct boundary changes related to the 2021 redistricting
- The term of office of any other individual whose election is regulated by Article IX.B of the Bylaws (i.e. only PCOs may vote in the election) is unaffected by the change of geographic boundaries unless the elected and appointed PCOs residing within the new boundaries determine by majority vote at the first post-redistricting meeting that a new election shall be held for that office.
- Bunny Hatcher motioned and Karen Richter seconded to keep current officers in place for the rest of the term.
- Zoom poll had 100% approval.
2022 Delegate Caucus
- Presented by Colleen Hinton
- March 26, virtual caucus, focused on issues
- 32 Delegates, 16 Alternates from the 34th
- Members and PCOs vote, member by Feb 25
- To run for Delegate, register here: (there will be a couple of zoom meeting to help delegates prepare for the convention)
- To participate in the vote, register here:
- Voting ballots will be offline (open 10am-close 5pm)
- Delegates have a voice in: Convention rules, Platform and Resolutions
- June 25th State Convention (virtual or in-person)
- Learn more: https://34dems.org/call-to-2022-delegate-caucus/
- Have questions? Contact caucus@34dems.org or vicechair1@34dems.org.
2022 Caucus Rules
- Rules are provided by the state, and tweaked to work for the 34th https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gvp_uLPA8Fm5oU2z_gW-Wz48VE5dw9n-OwoUTZf0KzI/edit
- Ann Martin moved to adopt the rules as presented and Bunny Hatcher seconded.
- The poll vote to adopt the 2022 34th Legislative District Caucus Rules as presented was unanimous.
Outreach Committee
- Presented by Karen Richter and Steve Butts
- Discussed a variety of upcoming events (including parades!) and planning needs which require several volunteers to coordinate and participate, as well as set up and take down.
- Contact volunteer@34dems.org for more information
Announcements
- GREAT February pop-up social at Whisky West! Also, Senator Nguyen attended and answered many questions.
- Next pop-up event is March 25 at Future Primitive Brewery, 5:30 – 8:00
- Next board meeting is March 16, 7-8:30 at Youngstown Art Center (need volunteers for technical things, communications, and a few other items)
Good of the Order
- Chris Porter – Remember that affirmative action numbers represent the floor, not the ceiling
- Elizabeth Heath – Democratic women meeting re: voting rights and the role of the press in Democracy, look for more information coming soon
- Rachel Glass – Bill 1914 regarding a film incentive program has made it out of the House and is headed to the Senate. Films made in the state improve the economy, film infrastructure is in place and ready to support it!
Adjourned at 8:58 by Carla Rogers, Chair