24 present at Marion Grange Hall 13 present online (including speakers) 37 Total
CALL TO ORDER/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. Optional Pledge of Allegiance to the US Flag.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES –– February 25, 2026 Minutes Wayne F Motioned to approve; Judi C Seconded. Unanimously approved.
INVITED SPEAKER
Elizabeth Parent – WA Dems Coordinated Campaign EP Lives in Bonney Lake. Working on the WA Dems Coordinated Campaign. Targeted areas for canvassing: Orting, Buckley, Tehaleh and Lakeland Hills. School funding and lowering healthcare costs is most important. 66% turnout rate in general elections. 31st LD shows “unprecedented growth” in district—with a ”High Impact” grassroots effort. This year: the LD should set a door-count goal. Determine who will lead canvassing. Attend Party trainings. Assign Team Leads. Build up volunteer capacity—and of course!! —Support Tamara and her canvasses. Q & A: In WA’s rural areas, it is more effective to prioritize phone banking for inaccessible areas. And/or Postcards to Voters. If you encounter a NO TRESPASSING sign or gated driveway, “Hey, I would love to have a conversation with you—but saw your no trespassing sign…” Note it in Minivan with a small detail from their yard/home and then write them a follow-up note. Use the Buddy System: one driver, and 2 canvassers to door-knock together. Mary & Amber are hosting kickoff house party to engage PCO’s and volunteers for a Silent/Deep Listening canvassers’ training. Mary S: what about Ground Truth training? —EP: Swing Left is a partner in the initiative. [ def of ‘Silent Canvasser’ is a tag-along person and Minivan input buddy.] Email Elizbeth@wa-democrats.org
CANDIDATES SEEKING ENDORSEMENT
- Chris Roberts – King County Assessor CR addressed the attendees in-person at the Grange. Been a decade since he’s been to the 31st. Former Chair of the 32nd in ‘No King County.’ Served 16 years on the Shoreline City Council, and as Mayor. Running now to be sure that Assessments are fair and transparent. Goal is to keep residents/seniors in their homes. “Too many people don’t know about the senior exemption to prop taxes. Or how to appeal an assessment. It can take years. I believe we can do more. Bring the Dept services into communities to help people navigate thru process so they remain in their homes.” Q&A. See hyperlink above [click on candidate’s name] for link to website.
- Rob Foxcurran – King County Assessor RF: addressed the members via Zoom. King County Assessor. UW grad. Grew up here. Prop taxes—value of every property in the County, Requires expertise. Real estate appraiser. Hearing examiner on King County Board. Seem Corporate pay to get taxes slashed. When wealthiest corps don’t pay their share—affects everyone. Monthly payment options. Universal homestead exemption. Seniors & vets and persons w/disabilities to qualify for exemptions. Gov. should make life easier, not harder. Q & A for 3 minutes. See hyperlink for candidate’s website.
- Matthew York – King County District Court MY: addressed members in person at the Grange. Great candidates here tonight. Incumbent. Non-partisan position so this is our chance to speak with you during election. Raised by single mom. In So Nevada. Raised in ‘Service.’ Worked for the King County as judge –eventually as a limited jurisdiction court judge. Reviewed his resume and years of working for King County as a judge in variety of diff courts. Here to get to know you, been your judge for past 9 years. If anyone wants to have a chat see me at the break. Q & A for 3 minutes. Spoke about mitigating witness trauma. Personal experience seeing this in court. See hyperlink for candidate’s website.
- Heather Barker – King County District Court . [Southeast Div 5.] HB: addressed members via Zoom. Virginia Motto is not seeking re-election. Been substitute in tis position for past 3 years. Extensive background in mental health, 12 years of civil litigation in small law firm. Served on the King County Bar, learned diff courts need diff types of Judges. HB: raised in Kent; now lives in Renton. Heard cases on misdemeanors, mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness. Wants to reduce high rates of recidivism—goal is to assist people with services when they are ready—facing potential jail time. Have more services available. “Fair & thoughtful justice builds a stronger community.” Q & A. [no website active yet] email: heatherbarkerforjudge@gmail.com
- Leesa Manion – King County Prosecutor LM: back at 31st again to report on the work I’ve done for the past 3.4 years. Reduced gun violence 2 years in a row—down 60% in So King Cty. And ^0% reduction in youth gun violence. 31 years of experience. Eliminated pandemic backlog of cases; Fought back on Anti-DEI, Abortion, LGBTQ limitations on spending—preserved more than 160M dollars that Trump’s Feds tried to take away from king Couty. More work ahead, to make meaningful dent in human trafficking, massage parlors, brothels, “—too many young girls are being exploited on Hwy 99. Focus on connecting Crisis responders and public defenders to help people in crisis get the help they need before they become victims or defendants… [we] need to do better at treating the underlying issue.” “…I believe mental health treatment is needed alternative…” to jail or detention. Q & A for 3 minutes. See hyperlink for candidate’s website.
Special guest: Melissa Chaudry, US House 9th CD—running for congress against Rep. Adam Smith again this year. MC: I was pregnant last time I visited the 31st LD, now my son is running around here tonight. Stated 3 core Campaign Values: Fairness, Courage and the Constitution. “…Need leaders to say ’NO’ to corruption and endless war. The Constitution is what holds nation together. US not for sale to the highest bidder…” MC’s husband who is fully documented and in legal process. was abducted by ICE and held at Tacoma detention center for 124 days. They had to fight in 4 jurisdictions to get him back home. Melissa has authored a new book: “Service & Sacrifice.” “I Know what it means to fight in federal court. MC is wife and daughter of Vets. Running a Grass roots campaign zero corporate donors. Opposing Adam Smith. MC opposes this war on Iran.I am not polished or career politician. I am offering honesty and service. Not seeking endorsement tonight. Will be here for our chat.
TIME OF SHARING (ROUNDTABLE)
BREAK
NEW BUSINESS
ENDORSEMENTS: 4 candidates are eligible for endorsement tonight: Are there any motions to endorse?
Multiple candidate endorsements are allowed. Brian G: Motioned to endorse Chris Roberts for King County Assessor Wayne F Seconded. BG: spoke in support of candidate. Motion to endorse Chris Roberts passed unanimously.
Mary S motioned to endorse Leesa Manion. Judi C Seconded. JC: spoke in support of candidate. Motion to endorse Leesa Manion passed unanimously.
Judi C Motioned to endorse Matthew York. Wayne F seconded. WF: spoke in support of candidate.Motion to endorse Matthew York passed unanimously.
Waye Fmotioned to endorse Heather Barker, Michelle DPseconded. MDP: spoke in support of candidate.Motion to endorse Heather Barker passed unanimously.
Mary S motioned to endorse Rob Foxcuarran. Andrew seconded. AB: spoke in support of candidate. Tamara S: not in favor of dual endorsements. Encouraged 31st to choose one endorsement. Brian G: agrees with Tamara—Multiple endorsements dilute their value… Following discussion, endorsement vote called: Vote 3 YES / 5 NO (in room); 4 YES / 2 NO (online). TIE VOTE: 7-7. LD Chair votes to break tie: vote is NO. Rob Foxcurran is not endorsed by 31st LD.
Steve: Requests to Rescind the endorsement of Chris Roberts—and delay vote for a head-to-head runoff at the next LD general meeting. Brian cited Roberts Rules of Order: “Motion to Reconsider: …’The motion, must be made by someone on the winning side [of original endorsement vote] and must happen the same day as the original vote’.” Brian: ALSO: “…to overturn a unanimous vote of the body, there must be good cause provided…” Sarah: The motion still requires a Second. Steve motionedto reconsider Chris Roberts’ endorsement. Wayne seconded motion to reconsider. Vote: (in-room) 2 YES / 4 NO; (online): 3 YES / 5 NO. VOTE: 5-9. Motion to Reconsider Chris Roberts endorsement does not pass.
OFFICER & COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Treasurer’s report: Mary S: reviewed the current expenses. Announced our application in process for $1000. For rural organizing. Income and expense reviewed. Including PDC balances. Wayne motions to accept the Treasurers Report. Steve seconds. Report is approved.
- Chair’s report: Sarah E: 31st LD delegation to WA Dems State Convention [this summer] have held 2 meetings. They’ve elected LD convention officials to serve our delegation. Pierce County Charter review Commission chaired by Kelsey Barrans. Meetings are weekly, questions about our Sheriff—elected or appointed. Sarah is going to attend next Monday. FYI: The 28th LD Dems are coord’ing our shared booth at the Puyallup Fair. we will need volunteers for the booth. Volunteer forms are on tables and online. FYI: Open positions for 9 months to serve as a rep for either Pierce or King County Dems; This position gives you a seat on the 31st Executive Board. Duties: Attend meetings and report back to our LD. Short term positions – so, good way to get ‘feet wet.’
- Judi C:NO Kings Day Protests this Saturday: Champions of Democracyhas hosted weekly protests all year on state route 410 at Costco. Enumclaw 11-1. Then on 410 from 2-4 at Costco.
- Chellie D: 31st Newsletter: 2 diff email lists—opt in only for the newsletter. Will generate QR codes for volunteers and for newsletter sign up. More QR codes for donations.
GOOD AND WELFARE
Mary S: shout out to Steven, learned a lot and good conversation!
Tamara S: Launch Party next Tuesday at Post & Pour—please join me
Melissa C: Our book about my husband’s arrest is available.
ADJOURNMENT Steve S Motioned to adjourn; Judi C Seconded. Meeting adjourned.
