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
Sarah E. explained that the meeting agenda would be modified a bit to accommodate the guest speaker who was joining from Washington D.C. and thus in a later time zone.
GUEST SPEAKER
Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) – Spoke to members for approximately 15 minutes related to the dramatic and devastating policy changes under way at the Federal level. She discussed significant Medicaid cuts, illegal and un-American approaches to immigration policy that omit any due process, and the serious and frightening national security breach using the Signal app. During the Q&A period, Dr. Schrier recommended that attendees make sure to connect the dots when in public and talking to neighbors, colleagues, friends and family, and ensure people clearly understand the relationship between DOGE cuts and the personal impacts people are experiencing.
Her aide, Stuart, invited additional questions be sent to info@drkimschrier.com.
Sarah E. notified attendees that another 31st District Dem delegation would be visiting Dr. Schrier’s office again in the near future, and to email her at sedwards2971@gmail.com if interested.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA (March 26, 2025) and MINUTES (February 26, 2025) – John W. motioned to approve, Michelle D.-B., seconded, Motion unanimously approved.
INVITED SPEAKER
Julie Andrzejewski, Indivisible Tacoma spoke to members for approximately 15 minutes and explained her varied political background that includes serving as Co-Chair of the Washington State Centennial Committee and as current rep for the 28th LD. She gave an in-depth background on the Indivisible Tacoma movement, which started in 2017 and served as the model for Indivisible chapters across the nation. The Tacoma chapter has been instrumental in flipping several seats, and helped elect the first woman of color to the Port of Tacoma. They successfully ousted Moms for Liberty candidates on the School Board, and support national protests activities through other similar type organizations including 50501.
She explained Indivisible is a nonprofit and nonpartisan, and only endorses candidates that subscribe to their values. She advocated for attendees to ask their reps to raise state revenues instead of cutting so that we have funding to sustain us through any federal cuts.
They have found the most success in knocking on doors, and invite others to join in their movement by signing up for their newsletter, attending a member event at the Black-owned Caballeros Club in Tacoma (Pizza provided, no host bar) – more info on individisibletacoma.net.
ELECTED OFFICIALS
Hamdi Mohamed, Seattle Port Commissioner, Position 3 – Spoke for approximately 5 minutes
Commissioner Mohamed spoke about the latest Port accomplishments in which she supported, including passing a $5.6M capital improvement plan, that to date has invested $19M into the community, doubling workforce and development investments for the maritime and aerospace industries.
CANDIDATES SEEKING ENDORSEMENT
Girmay Zahilay for King County Executive
Toshiko Hasegawa for Seattle Port Commissioner, Pos. 4
Ryan Calkins for Seattle Port Commissioner, Pos. 1
All three candidates outlined their past accomplishments and positions. More information can be found on their completed candidate questionnaires located on the 31st District Democrats website.
Sarah E. mentioned that in the interest of time, given Dr. Schrier’s participation in the meeting, the Moment of Sharing portion of the meeting will return in April.
2025 BUDGET
Treasurer Helen M. discussed changes made to the 2025 budget after issues that arose in 2024, gave a rundown of proposed 2025 plans/expenses, noted that donations are welcome, and answered questions (with Michelle D.-B.) about the addition of an inflation line item to ensure the budget captured anticipation increases in expenses due to Federal tariffs, etc.
Cora Y. made a motion to approve the 2025 budget, Rudy A. seconded the motion. The motion was approved unanimously.
CANDIDATE ENDORSEMENTS
Michelle D.-B. moved to endorse all three candidates, Helen M. seconded the motion. Motion was approved.
NEW BUSINESS
Michelle D.-B. made a motion to approve a resolution calling for the establishment of an ombuds office for the Pierce County Sheriff’s office given the election of Keith Swank as Pierce County Sheriff, and his social media posts exhibiting racist and transphobic rhetoric. The goal is that the resolution will be approved at all LDs, and then sent to the Pierce County Council for adoption and funding:
WHEREAS, The Washington State Democratic Central Committee (WSDCC) platform adopted June 13th, 2020 expresses our demand for police “to be held accountable for abusive practices” and for “courageous conversations in our communities and across the nation about the race- and class-based challenges we face in fostering trust in community-police relations” under Pillar #1, Criminal Justice Reform, and the spirit of holding police accountable for abusive practices and demanding courageous conversations in our communities is firmly established in the WSDCC platform and in resolutions passed at the State, County, and Local Party Organization levels; and
WHEREAS, in March 2020, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office was involved in the racist profiling and unjust killing of Manuel Ellis by sworn Tacoma Police Department officers, exposing the County to significant reputational risk, litigation risk and financial exposure, as well as immeasurable community trauma; and in January of 2021, Sedrick Altheimer, a Black man working a newspaper delivery route in Tacoma, was subject to racist and classist profiling from then-incumbent Pierce County Sheriff, who believed he looked suspicious despite a lack of evidence, and resulting in a significant financial settlement paid by the County; and
WHEREAS, in January of 2025, a disciplinary report signed by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief stated that the current Pierce County Sheriff, Keith Swank, a former SPD captain, “gave the people we serve reason to believe that you and the officers under your command would not treat them fairly and equitably, particularly given your rank,” and would have been fired for showing prejudice and making derogatory remarks toward people’s gender identity, political ideology and race, behavior that stands in stark opposition to established County Government policy and community values; and in January of 2025, Sheriff Swank suggested that under his command, the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office would unlawfully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement actions in violation of our state’s Keep Washington Working Act; and
WHEREAS, an ombuds role can be empowered to be an advocate for good governance and entrusted with investigating and issuing reports concerning allegations of law and policy violations providing an evidentiary basis to support County Council action, as supported by multiple resolutions passed by the American Bar Association promoting the greater use of ombuds offices to receive, review, and resolve complaints involving public and private entities; and
WHEREAS, the establishment of an ombuds office is a fiscally conservative measure that will safeguard County funds by allowing for the resolution of complaints prior to litigation:
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the 31st Legislative District Democrats, as one of the local party organizations representing Democrats in Pierce County, call upon the Pierce County Council and the Pierce County Executive to enact legislation creating an ombuds office with oversight of the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 31st Legislative District Democrats encourage the Pierce County Council and the Executive to take all measures necessary to properly fund and staff the newly established office, and to assure that the office is executed equitably in accordance with community values, the Pierce County Charter, the Washington State Constitution, and the United States Constitution.
Tamara S. seconded the motion, which was approved.
OFFICER & COMMITTEE REPORTS
Vice Chair’s report: Judi C. – Reported on Dr. Schrier’s recent Town Hall.
Treasurer’s report: Helen M. – Given earlier budget discussion Helen focused on a question around compliance with the Public Disclosure Commission. Motion to approve the Treasurer’s report made by Helen M., Rudy A. seconded. The motion was approved.
Chair report: Sarah E. – No change as yet in meeting venue, so meeting will most likely take place at the Grange in April. Call for help on the website. Appreciation for the support last month to pass a Resolution Affirming Trans Rights which has also been taken up based on ours and passed by four LDs and the King County Democrats. Encouragement to contact federal reps to support trans rights.
Book Club report: Tamara S. – Coming up on April 8, “On Tyranny” by Timothy Snyder. [31st LD Theme for 2025 is Democracy in Action]. Helen M. added that she has four extra copies that Robin M. paid for if anyone needs one.
Pierce County Democrats meeting report: Leslie L. – New communicate initiative to promote what’s going on throughout the district – send flyers, campaign literature, etc to pcdemsinfo@gmail.com. PDC fundraiser with State Committee Meeting, May 3, 7-9pm, Murano Hotel Tacoma. The Pierce County Charter Review Commission has issued a Call for Candidates. Candidate filing is May 5-9, and more info can be found at- piercecountywa.gov.
A presentation by the 50501 Movement/Evergreen Resistance, more info at evergreenresistance.org.
Membership report: Cora Y. – We welcomed five new members. A call for phone calling volunteers to help update the 31st District’s master membership list.
GUEST SPEAKER
Vicki Bates, Indivisible Auburn. Vicki announced the creation of a new Indivisible chapter, and encouraged interested parties to join by visiting the Facebook group or contacting indivisibleauburnwa@gmail.com.
ADJOURNMENT
Rudy A. motioned to adjourn, seconded. Meeting adjourned.
