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Updated
August 19, 2006
August 9th, 2006, Meeting
Official Minutes
Informal Notes and Photos
Agenda
Chair Ivan Weiss's Message for August
Official Minutes
August 9th Meeting
Click here for a copy of the minutes in Adobe Acrobat format (PDF - 99kb).
Minutes of the 34th District Democrats
Meeting of 9 August 2006
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81. Chair Ivan Weiss called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.
First vice chair Tanya Aguilar led the membership in the flag salute.
The membership approved the minutes of the June meeting, the August meeting agenda,
and the treasurer's report.
82. Chair Weiss' report.
82.1 Our sister district is the 15th in Yakima, Klickitat,
Skamania, and part of Clark Counties, south of Yakima. The 15th presently has
three Republican legislators, but a very strong Democratic candidate for State
Senator—Tomas Villanueva. We've pledged to raise $1000 for Tomas' campaign and Ivan
asked for members to be generous. Ivan also mentioned that several 34th members had
attended the 15th's Annual Dinner on July 29th, driving to Wapato after attending the
King County Democrats' picnic.
82.2 The outreach committee is sponsoring a volunteer
chore services event, scheduled for Saturday the 19th of August. Call or
email Steve Karbowski if you can help.
82.3 Dina Johnson is sponsoring a performance on August
20th to benefit Jim McDermott. See Dina at the back table in the hall for
information about "Uncaged Cabaret." See also http://citizen-artiste.org/uncaged.htm .
82.4 The 2004 election year is very important, and we have a lot of
voters to contact via phone or visit in person John Ehrman is coordinating phone banks
for the State Party. We don't win elections solely by coming to meetings—we need volunteers.
Everyone in the room needs to take a hitch with John for phone banking or walking precincts.
83. John Ehrman spoke. John is the field organizer for the State Party
in the 34th District We need to build an infrastructure for the 2008 presidential
election, and we can do that with a strong midterm election. On the July 29th at the
Democratic Homecoming, Washington State was in the top five states for total turnout for
doorbelling. At the phone banks we will ask people to support Democrats, discuss issues,
initiatives, and candidates. Phone banks are conducted Sunday to Thursday, 5:00-8:30PM.
84. Maggie Larrick spoke about the Garden Party. Our annual Garden Party and Auction is
Friday, August 25th. See www.34dems.org/garden for details. We have many items for the
auction—kayaking trips, hand-selected wine by Bear Silverstein, a week at a condo in
Barcelona. You can often purchase some real steals in the silent auction. We still need
items; for example, if you have a vacation home, consider donating it for a week. We also
need volunteers. Contact her at 246-2126 or 246-0088.
85. Noemie Maxwell spoke about Jim Hightower, who is speaking at Town Hall on
September 14th about innovations in agriculture and energy. See details at http://upcoming.org/event/87178.
Program – Endorsements Started at 7:27 PM
86. Chair Weiss discussed the Endorsement Rules:
86.1 A credentialed member must make every motion for endorsement.
A credentialed member must second the motion. Only credentialed members may speak
for or against a motion, unless the candidate or a duly authorized candidate's
representative is present.
86.2 The Chair recognized Ann Martin, who moved that the 34th
District not allow any motions for "sole endorsement." Tanya Aguilar seconded.
Ann spoke in favor of the motion. There was no discussion. Because the Executive
Board recommended this motion to the membership, a simple majority is sufficient to
pass it. A vote was taken and it passed unanimously.
86.3 Chair Weiss announced that 81 credentialed members were present.
To pass a motion for endorsement, 2/3 vote of those voting is required.
87. United States Senator.
87.1 Dennis Saunders moved endorsement of Hong Tran. Seconded.
Dennis and Hong Tran both spoke for the motion. Dan Fievez spoke against.
87.2 Tim Nuse moved endorsement of Maria Cantwell. Seconded. Phil Talmadge
and Mark Wilson spoke for the motion. Robin Hess and Maurice Reginer spoke against.
87.3 The major issue in this endorsement was Senator Cantwell's
continued support for the war in Iraq.
87.4 Vote on Hong Tran endorsement: Failed 22 to 56.
87.5 Vote on Maria Cantwell endorsement: Passed 58 to 20,
so the motion carries.
88. Point of Order by Peggy Tlapak - Not all discussion had been allowed
on a particular motion. Chair stipulated that Peggy's point was valid.
89. United States Representative, 7th District:
89.1 Alan Munro moved endorsement of Jim McDermott. Seconded.
Alan and Dan Fievez spoke for the motion. No one spoke against.
89.2 No one else was nominated for this position.
89.3 Vote on Jim McDermott endorsement: Passed unanimously, 74 to zero.
90. United States Representative, 9th District.
90.1 Alan Munro moved endorsement of Adam Smith. Seconded.
Alan Munro and Ivan Weiss spoke for the motion.
90.2 Vote on Adam Smith: Passed 67 to 2.
91. State Senator and State Representatives, 34th District Sarah Earl moved
endorsement of Senator Erik Poulsen, Representatives Eileen Cody and Joe McDermott
by acclamation. We didn't need speakers for this motion, which passed unanimously, 70-0.
92. State Supreme Court (3 positions).
92.1 Alan Munro moved to endorse incumbents Gerry Alexander,
Susan Owens, and Tom Chambers for their respective positions. Alan Munro and
Michael Taylor spoke for the motion. They noted that the Building Industry Association
of Washington and others are trying to take the State Supreme Court by running opponents
to these candidates The religious right is also pouring money into the opposition
candidates.
92.2 Leslie Harris spoke against the motion. Justice Alexander
supported DOMA (the Defense of Marriage Act), essentially denying same-sex couples
the right to marry. Leslie asked to amend the motion to make a qualified endorsement
of Alexander. Peggy Tlapak raised a point of order about this. After consultation, the
Chair ruled that a motion to amend a motion to endorse and make it a qualified motion to
endorse was not in order. Harris agreed to bring it up under new business.
92.3 The motion passed 65 to 1.
93. Seattle City Council Position #9
93.1 This is a special election to fill the seat vacated by the
resignation of Jim Compton for one year – the position is up for election again in 2007.
93.2 Bill Schrier moved endorsement of Sally Clark. Seconded.
93.3 Sally Clark spoke about the need for living wage jobs and
workforce development training. Barbara Schaad-Lamphere spoke for the motion.
No one spoke against it.
93.4 Motion passed 65 to 2.
94. Chair Weiss extended a welcome to State Representative Zack Hudgins
of the 11th District.
95. State Initiative 920.
95.1 Ann Martin moved we endorse a "No" vote. Seconded.
Martin spoke for defeating I-920, which would repeal the estate tax in Washington
State, which is used to support schools. This tax affects about 240 estates a year
out of 40,000 and cuts funding to schools. Stephen Lamphear also spoke for the motion.
Michael Taylor spoke against the motion, only to see there should be a better way to fund
schools rather than taking money from dead rich people.
95.2 Motion passed unanimously, 70-0.
95.3 Linda Johnson asked for a point of personal privilege.
She stated William Gates Sr. is on the "No on 920" committee despite his wealth.
96. State Initiative 933.
96.1 It was moved and seconded to endorse a "No" vote This initiative
would require compensation for landowners and developers when State and Local
governments make land use changes such as re-zoning. Katie McClendon and Stephen
Lamphear spoke for the motion, no one spoke in opposition.
96.2 The motion passed unanimously, 71 to zero.
97. State Initiative 937.
97.1 Tim Nuse moved we endorse a "yes" vote. This initiative requires
positive, proactive actions to support clean energy in Washington State Tim Nuse and
Richard Bartlett and Beth Greiser spoke for the motion No one spoke against.
97.2 Passed unanimously, 65 to zero.
98. City of Seattle Initiative 87 and 88 Bill Schrier moved to defer consideration of
these initiatives until we can determine the specific wording and intent. Seconded.
Passed on voice vote.
99. City of Seattle Initiative 91.
99.1 Michael Taylor moved to endorse. Seconded. This initiative
would limit how the City can manage sports stadiums, and is specifically directed to
the Seattle Supersonics' arena. Michael Taylor and Dan Fievez spoke for the motion.
Ivan Weiss and Sarah Earl spoke against because it ties the hands of City negotiators.
99.2 The motion failed 17 to 22.
100. Creation of a Vashon Public Utility District.
100.1 Dennis Saunders moved we endorse this proposition. Seconded.
Cliff Goodman spoke and Ivan Weiss spoke for the motion. No one spoke against.
100.2 The motion passed unanimously, 55 to zero.
101. Precinct Committee Officer, Burien Precinct 34-0846.
101.1 It was moved we endorse Maggie Larrick in this race. Seconded.
Her opponent is a known Republican – Cherisse Luxa produced a photograph showing a David
Irons (R for County Executive) sign in front of his house.
101.2 Maggie spoke about changes coming from the bottom up.
That's the job of a PCO. Cherisse Luxa spoke for the motion. No one spoke against.
101.3 Passed unanimously, 58 to zero.
102. King County Proposition to create an elected Auditor position.
102.1 Dan Fievez moved we oppose this proposition Dan Fievez
spoke in favor of an endorsement of a "no" vote This change would move the management
of County elections into a special-interest, partisan world Robin Hess also spoke in
favor of a "no" vote He was once an elected assessor. We need professionals in
professional positions – positions requiring a special expertise or ability should not
be managed by those elected by their popularity. No one spoke against.
102.2 Passed unanimously, 53 to zero.
102.3 Bruce Stotler stated that our position should be sent this
to newspapers and the King County Council.
103. Leslie Harris moved that the 34th send a letter of concern to State Supreme
Court Chief Justice Gerry Alexander regarding the position he took and opinion he
wrote on the DOMA issue (He voted to uphold the Defense of Marriage Act and therefore
deny same-sex couples the right to marry.)
103.1 Leslie spoke for this motion. She generally believes
Justice Alexander does a good job. But Alexander sided with the 5-4 majority upholding
DOMA, a position which puts all civil rights legislation and law in jeopardy. Michael
Taylor also spoke in favor of this motion.
103.2 Dan Fievez offered an amendment stating that Harris
should draft the letter and the E-Board approves it. Seconded.
103.3 Vote on the amendment: unanimous.
103.4 Vote on the main motion: passed 45 to 2.
104. PCO Appointments: Heather Woodruff and Beth Grieser both asked to be
appointed as PCOs in their respective precincts, SEA 34-1257 and SEA 34-1423.
Heather moved into a new precinct. Beth asked to be appointed PCO in her precinct,
because the incumbent PCO, Peggy Abby, has moved out of the precinct.
105. Good of the Order.
105.1 Voter Registration Mike O'Donnell asked that people help
him register voters. He mentioned the registration deadlines and he needs help for
events such as Bumbershoot. People can also register voters on their own and he described
how.
105.2 Walt Blair spoke in favor of a cable-stay bridge to replace
the Alaskan Way viaduct, gave written materials to the chair, and passed out other
written materials to the membership.
105.3 Forrest Smith, campaign manager for the "34th District Team"
of Erik Poulsen, Eileen Cody, and Joe McDermott mentioned that he has yard signs and
can use members' help in the campaign.
105.4 Litsa Buffington spoke. She is glad we banned sole endorsements.
105.5 Katherine Sprigg moved we endorse Darcy Burner in the 8th
Congressional District. Seconded. It passed unanimously.
105.6 Alan Munro moved we endorse Peter Goldmark, 5th Congressional
District. Passed unanimously.
105.7 Ivan Weiss suggested we endorse Richard Wright in the 4th
Congressional District and it passed unanimously.
105.8 Michael Taylor stated Tim Sheldon in the Mason County 35th
District is a Democrat in name only. Stonewall Democrats is sponsoring a phone bank to
help Kyle Taylor Lucas, who is running in the primary against him and is a much better
Democrat. Taylor moved we endorse Kyle Taylor Lucas Passed unanimously.
105.9 Tanya Aguilar moved endorse we endorse Tomas Villanueva for
State Senate in the 15th District. Passed unanimously. She also stated they need help
doorbelling there on the 26th of August.
105.10 Leslie Harris noted that Dina Johnson just left the hall and
again reminded members of the August 20th "Uncaged Cabaret" event.
105.11 Dennis Saunders invited all 34th members to Vashon Island for the
Vashon Democrats Picnic on August 19th at 5:00 PM Hong Tran, Mark Wilson, Erik Poulsen,
Eileen Cody, and other candidates and elected officials will attend The event is at Wax
Orchards. Ivan Weiss noted that Dennis is the host On the website at
http://www.34dems.org/news_calendar.htm#vashondems.
106. Weiss adjourned the meeting at 9:30 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Bill Schrier, Secretary
Informal Notes and Photos
Click any photo to enlarge it.
Agenda
Meeting of Wednesday August 9th
The Hall at Fauntleroy
9131 California Avenue S.W.,
West Seattle, Washington
34TH DISTRICT DEMOCRATS
"All The Democracy You Can Handle"
• 6:30 PM - Social - drinks provided, please bring potluck food to share
• 7:00 p.m. - Call to Order
• Flag Salute
• Approval of Agenda
• Approval of Minutes (June meeting)
• 7:05 p.m. - Chair's Report
• Note: Other reports from State Committeepersons, County Committeepersons, Treasurer, Outreach Committee, etc. will not be rendered in person at the meeting. See the newsletter for these reports, or click on the links to go to a page on the website with the latest reports.
• Speaker, John Ehrman, Coordinated Campaign
• Speaker, Maggie Larrick, Garden Party coordinator
• Speaker, Noemie Maxwell, Hightower event
7:20 p.m. - Program: Endorsements Meeting
We will consider endorsements for the September 19th Primary Election and the November 7th General Election. For a detailed program of the meeting, click here (40kb PDF document).
As a first order of business, the membership will consider and vote on "sole endorsements". The Executive Board recommends we do not consider any motions for "sole endorsement". See the recommendation and explanation below.
For other rules governing endorsements, see the excerpt from our bylaws, shown below or the full text of the by-laws elsewhere on this website.
Offices and Candidates
To see a list of all offices subject to election this year, see the candidates page.
City of Seattle Propositions and Initiatives
There are about three potential initiatives for the ballot in the City of Seattle for September or November. See the initiatives page for latest information.
• Initiative Measure No. 88, relating to a property tax levy lid lift to support schools -
• Initiative Measure No. 87, relating to providing funding for schools
• Initiative No, 91, relating to tax subsidies for sports stadia
State Initiatives and Referenda
These will not be considered in September, but rather in November. There appear to be four initiatives which may be on the November ballot. See the initiatives page for more details:
• Initiative 917, limiting car tabs to $30.
• Initiative 920, repealing estate taxes.
• Initiative 933, concerns government regulation of private property.
• Initiative 937, relating to clean energy
Vashon and King County
These proposals may be on the ballot. See the initiatives page for more information:
• Proposal to create a Vashon Island public utility district
• Potential proposal to create an elected King County Auditor to run elections
9:25 p.m. - New Business
• PCO Appointments
9:40 p.m. - Old Business, Good of the Order, Adjourn
Next Meetings:
• September 13th - North Highline Annexation
Recommendation Regarding Motions for Sole Endorsement
The Executive Board recommends the body pass a motion that would bar motions for sole endorsement.
We believe this will be more fair to all candidates and their supporters, more efficient and does not preclude us from actually making a sole endorsement should that be the will of the body.
More fair and efficient: If a motion for sole endorsement passes, all other candidates for a position would be precluded from being considered for endorsement. If a member is undecided about two or more candidates, but feels the candidates merit endorsement, the member is forced to vote against the motion for sole endorsement. If the motion for sole endorsement fails, new motions for each of the candidates would be needed. Without a motion for sole endorsement, each candidate can be considered on his or her own merits. Supporters have an equal right to make motions and arguments for endorsement of their candidates.
Does not preclude sole endorsement: There are three possible outcomes of motions to endorse: a multiple (usually dual) endorsement; a sole endorsement; or no endorsement. If there are two or more candidates meriting the District’s support as demonstrated by the needed votes for endorsement, a multiple endorsement can be made. If only one candidate is supported by the needed votes for endorsement, a sole endorsement will result. The barring of motions for sole endorsement does not preclude sole endorsements as an outcome. Finally, if no motions for endorsement garner sufficient votes to pass, the effect is no endorsement by the District.
The 34th District Democratic Organization is a group that embraces the diversity of its membership and wants to give an opportunity for its membership to present, hear and discuss issues in an open and welcoming forum. It is for this reason and the reasons stated above that the Executive Board has recommended this action and will present a motion to that effect at the August meeting.
Ann Martin
Bylaws on Endorsements
Below is the section of our bylaws that govern our endorsement meetings:
Endorsements Section 1. This organization may endorse candidates for public office, ballot measures, or initiative, or referendum signature campaigns. Candidates for office must complete and return the questionnaire presented by this organization. Judicial candidates need not answer any questions that would breach the Canons of Judicial Conduct.
Section 2. More than one candidate for the same office may be endorsed.
Section 3. The executive board shall propose rules and procedures governing the endorsement time line and process and shall send written notice of the rules to the members (newsletter is considered written notice for this purpose) ten days prior to the meeting at which the members vote on the rules. The membership shall adopt such rules and procedures at least 30 days prior to the start of the endorsement meeting. Adoption shall be by majority vote. If this organization fails to adopt special rules governing endorsement(s) for a given election, these by-laws will be the sole authority.
Section 4. The executive board may recommend endorsements to the membership. In the absence of special rules, the membership may accept the board's recommendation by a majority vote. If the board declines to make a recommendation, or the membership chooses another course, the membership may endorse, provided twothirds of the eligible members present and voting concur.
Section 5. Unless otherwise provided by the rules, voting shall be by a hand count or a signed ballot if requested by a voting member, with two tellers appointed by the chair who are acceptable to the concerned parties, and where applicable, observers from each campaign directly involved may monitor the count.
a. Only members in good standing by the end of the prior month's meeting may vote.
b. Candidates may select two people, one of which may be the candidate, to speak on their behalf. Each speaker will have two minutes.
c. Candidates who ask to be endorsed must complete and return any questionnaire presented by this organization. Judicial candidates need not answer any questions that would breach the Canons of Judicial Conduct.
Section 6. The endorsement of ballot issues shall follow this same procedure.
Section 7. This organization shall support and publicize its endorsements in such ways it deems appropriate and necessary.
Message From the Chair, August, 2006:
We're on the March -
And We're just Getting Started
34th District Democrats have been hitting the streets, marching in parades, banging on doors, calling on voters - and dialing for dollars - and the 2006 campaign still has three months to go.
Our endorsement meeting for the primary will be Wednesday, August 9. Our 11th Annual Garden Party and Auction will be Friday, August 25. At our September 13 meeting, we will discuss the most pressing local issue in our District - North Highline Annexation.
We'll need "all hands on deck" for all three events, but you can read about them elsewhere. This month's message is about one of our most important long-term projects - our "sister district" relationship with the 15th Legislative District.
By the time you read this, several of our members, including me, will have been over and back to Wapato, south of Yakima, for the 15th's fundraising dinner, having renewed some acquaintances and made a whole lot of new ones. We will have some better idea of how we can help build the party organization in a District that lies in parts of four counties, and whose largest city has fewer than 15,000 inhabitants.
We pulled our oar for the 15th on July 20 at the Labor Temple in Seattle at a reception and fundraiser for Democratic State Senate candidate Tomas Villanueva, complete with ten-piece mariachi band. Latino and labor leaders from all over the state all spoke of the importance of this race, and how necessary it was to help organize around Tomas' candidacy, to give some hope to Latino and Native American voters in the 15th, and to all working people there. The event was a financial success, as we raised about $6,000 to support Tomas.
Tomas is challenging incumbent Republican Jim Honeyford, who might have the single worst anti-worker voting record in either house of the Legislature. Honeyford, who gets his money from banking interests, pesticide manufacturers, and big Pharma, has hardly faced a challenge in recent elections, and the time is now. The 34th District Democrats have pledged to raise another $1,000 for the Villanueva campaign by the end of August. We can do this.
We were well represented at the Labor Temple event. Tanya Aguilar, Bruce Stotler, Bill Schrier, Gabriela Quintana, and I were there. We'll keep you updated on this important work with Web site postings and future newsletter articles, and we hope to have everyone's support.
See you at our endorsement meeting Wednesday, August 9, for "all the democracy you can handle."
Ivan Weiss, Chair, 34th District Democrats
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