31ST LD DEMOCRATS GENERAL MEETING JANUARY 24, 2024 – MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 7 pm by chair Sarah Edwards.
Rudy moved and Cathy seconded the agenda for the meeting be approved. All in favor.
Skipped straight to guest Bob Fergusen, candidate for governor to accommodate his schedule.
Noted there were some very close open seat races for governor in the past
He is not accepting money from large corporations or pacs, raised 6 million from 50,000 donors
Is backed by a broad, diverse coalition
Reichert liable to be his main opponent, someone who voted with Trump 92%, more than other
conservatives, Ferguson will be the pro-choice candidate
Questions:
Michelle – where does he stand on universal health care in general, Whole WA specific, says
doesn’t know enough about Whole WA, needs more info
Matt- reminded everyone of Reichert’s stands during Newtown
Linda – asked about differences between being AG and Governor, talked about large suits he
filed, acknowledged different powers
LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
“We acknowledge that our legislative district is on the traditional homelands of the Puyallup and Muckleshoot tribes, who have lived on and stewarded these lands since the beginning of time and continue to do so today. We recognize that this land acknowledgement is one small step toward true allyship, and we commit to uplifting the voices, experiences, and histories of the Indigenous people of this land and beyond.”
OTHER ENDORSEMENT REQUESTS
Brian Gunn asked for endorsement of Auburn School District Levy, renewal of existing levy
which makes up the gap between what state pays and what it costs
Bill Pugh (last name?) asked for endorsement of Sumner-Bonney Lake Schools Propositions 1 &
2 which are replacement levies
Eric Goheen – asked for endorsement for his candidacy for King Conservation District, he is
committed to fire prevention and salmon recovery (says KCD not in compliance with federal
law), involved in development of regional food systems.
NOVEMBER 15 MINUTES: Rudy m, Victor s, approved
NEW BUSINESS
ENDORSEMENTS
Was suggested we combine the endorsement of the two levies, Amber m, Helen s, Amber noted
it is important to support the funding of programs and supporting schools. Unanimously
approved.
Bob Ferguson for governor, Amber m, Rudy s, both noted he is strong candidate, has good
experience, champion of information. There was one abstention, all others voted for
endorsement.
Eric Goheen for King County Conservation District, Tamara m, Michelle s, important position,
lots of money involved, hard to vote in conservation district races. Motion was passed.
ELECTION 31ST VICE CHAIR – KING COUNTY
Brian Gunn resigned from the web site position (Matt Brown shadowed him all last year,
ready to take that position). Sarah called for nomination, Tamara nominated and Mark
seconded. Only PCO can vote, unanimously elected.
ELECTION 31ST WEBSITE CHAIR
Michelle nominated Matt Brown, Mark seconded, unanimously elected.
OFFICER AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
TREASURER MARK DUNNING – in Virginia babysitting and sick
SARAH EDWARDS CHAIR
Candidacy recruitment team on the hunt
Budget team starting work on 2024 Budget
31st Executive Board Retreat was productive:
2024 – Year of Healthcare
Healthcare for All
Abortion Care
Gender Affirming Care
Lots more!
Delegates to State Convention 6/22/24
Filing deadline for state delegate March 31st, once candidates file, need to hold a forum
for them, voting happens April 6. State convention will elect delegates to national
convention and electoral college
National Convention is August 19-22
Need volunteers for:
State convention
Co-chair of Outreach
Representative to King County Democrats (Pierce County resident okay, Zoom mtgs)
AMBER OLSEN WALKER PCO COORDINATOR REPORT
Continue with Vote Builder training and door knocking
Plan to have PCO potluck in the spring
Book Club looking for healthcare book, sign up online
Need more PCOs
KIRBY POLLARD PIERCE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE REPORT
PCDCC has applied for $2000 for booths at 2024 events
Continues to seek volunteers for coordinator of endorsements
Election Observer Training in February, sign up on Pierce County Election website
TAMARA STRAMEL MEMBERSHIP CHAIR REPORT
Dues due for 2024
2024 Lobby Day February 8, Olympia, contact Tamara if interested
State committee meeting Jan. 27-28
ROBIN MACNOFSKY
Community Meeting Observers needed to attend meetings at your city council, school
board, water district, etc. Contact Robin if interested
Helen has agreed to help with booth organization for various events
MICHELLE DEPORTER-BRATT COMMUNICATIONS CHAIR REPORT
On going work of making sure our logos, branding, consistent, website “bump up” so website
and Facebook consistent
GOOD OF THE ORDER
Judith – Indivisible Tacoma and Allies have good listing of all the legislative bills
King County Dems kick-off Feb. 11, Machinists Hall, Seattle
Cathy – please donate to your local foodbanks
Brian – COP 28 (UN Climate change conference)
Held in petro state (Dubai) and president of conference worst polluting company
Climate scientists included in delegation, part of process
Acknowledged fossil fuels driving global warming
Making phase out fair big topic
Global accountability – what did you say you would do, did you do it
Brian m to adjourn, Mark s. All in favor.
