34th LD Democratic Organization
Meeting Notes for February 14, 2018
Note: No secretary was present. Ann Martin agreed to take notes of meeting actions.
The meeting was called to order promptly at 7 pm. Chair David Ginsberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Dignitaries present were introduced and spoke briefly, including: Councilmember Crystal Marx, Burien City Council; Jimmy Matta, Burien Mayor; Leslie Harris, Seattle School Board Chair; Judge Gregg Hirakawa; and Councilmember Joe McDermott, King County Council.
The minutes of the previous meeting were approved without objection. The agenda was amended to add reports from the PCO and state committees and then adopted.
The chair reported that there were several openings on the executive committee including King County committee woman, a digital communications chair and a technology chair. Kate Harris was introduced as a candidate to take on the role of finance chair. The chair described her extensive political experience both here and across the nation. Later in the meeting, the body approved her appointment.
Gina Topp, treasurer, reported that at the end of January the organization had $22,101.94 in the bank. Income of $5,799.95 and expenses of $692.52 leaves a current balance of $27,209.30.
First vice-chair Treina Aronson reported that 85 members have signed up as volunteers. She also noted that volunteers will be needed to help the LD caucus on March 24 go smoothly.
PCO chair Brook Salazar noted that PCO filing this year is in May. He also encouraged people to attend Vote Builder training by Jon Culver on February 17 at the High Point Community Center, which will include door knocking in the newly built out area adjacent to the community center. Crystal Marx was appointed PCO by an affirmative vote of the body.
State committee woman Ann Martin reported on the state committee meeting that had been held in Bellingham January 26 through the 28. She will submit more extended notes, but highlighted the equity training conducted there and the need of the organization to incorporate and equity lens into its decision-making processes. More to come. Also noted is the Code of Conduct procedures adopted by the state.
Legislative Action Committee chair Tim Marshall invited people to sign up for Lobby Day on February 19 in Olympia. He then introduced the panel discussing Safe Injection Sites/Supervised Consumption Spaces. (All the following names are spelled phonetically as I heard them and need to be corrected for spelling. In addition, you should get the titles of the individuals from Tim as I was unable to catch that information adequately. – Ann) Speakers included: Patricia Soling, Terina James and Dr. David Safinenze. Injection sites are aimed at enabling health and safety for as well as conversations with drug users. Jail is the most expensive and least effective way to deal with drug use. One speaker likened the efforts to sex education – you know people will have sex so you aren’t trying to say, “No sex;” rather you are saying, here is how to have safe sex. For more information go to https://www.yestoscs.org/.
Katy Wilson of the Transit Users Union spoke on addressing homelessness. Housing may be different depending on needs ranging from housing, shelter to unsheltered policies. Based on a resolution passed last fall, the Seattle City Council will likely consider a new regulations regarding progressive tax policies in March of this year. Based on recommendations from the Progressive Revenue Task Force, the proposal will likely include a tax on large businesses to create a fund for new affordable housing.
Under new business, three people were elected to committees of the state convention. They include Ann Martin, Credentials; Bunny Hatcher, Platform; and Patrick Wicklund, Rules. The body approved the appointments of Kate Harris as Finance Chair and Treina Aronson as Events Chair. No additional PCOs were appointed.
The meeting closed with good of the order and adjourned at about 8:50 pm.