21 present in person, 17 present online (including speakers)
CALL TO ORDER/LAND ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Sarah Edwards: “We acknowledge that our legislative district covers 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.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA James J: Motioned to approve agenda. Rudy A: Seconded. Unanimously approved by members. Motion to approve agenda passes.
PPROVAL OF MINUTES – April 23, 2025 :Rudy A moved to approve minutes. Sue R: Seconded. April’s Minutes are unanimously approved by members.
CODE OF CONDUCT Reminder: Sarah E, Chair
INVITED SPEAKER
- Sophia Danenberg, WA State Parks & Rec Commissioner/ DNC member
BIO: Ms. Danenberg served as a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention. as a presidential elector for the Biden-Harris ticket in the 2020 election. In 2019, was appointed to fill the Washington State Park Commissioner post by Governor Jay Inslee; her term expires on December 31, 2026. In 2021, she was appointed to the King County Districting Committee. Danenberg lives on Whidbey Island.
SD addressed the members of the 31st LD Dems. The Democratic National Committee aka DNC –is the officially recognized organizing body of the United States Democratic Party. WA Central Democratic Party is the official Dem party in WA state –ditto for the other U.S. states. (recently, other states have had issues about which “Dem Party” is recognized by the DNC as ‘official’). LD’s / Legislative Districts are independent bodies—but send elected representatives to the state Dem Central Party. Each group has distinct by-laws and goals consistent with the DNC, with some variations. ‘Overview of the Rules is the primary concern of the DNC’: “To set the infrastructure to enact the will of Democratic voters: i.e., processes and procedures, to make the will of the voters heard via elections. The DNC does not decide who will be elected as state officials. There are 425 DNC members, half of whom are elected. in WA State we have 4 DNC members: Myself, Javier Valdez, David McDonald and Sharon Mast, who sit on WA Dems Executive Committee. WA State Chair & Vice Chair are also elected members of the DNC. And ex-officio members (past members) are also appointed members –by the Chair, and ratified by the body as a slate. I serve on the Climate Caucus. Not every DNC member is on a committee. Some are small and very powerful. Rules & Bylaws and Finances are most the most powerful. There are additional opportunities for members to serve on regional caucus by geographical location. Each region can also nominate (2) At-Large members for each committee. At-Large positions can be any registered Democrat. DNC membership meet twice a year, except for the convention year. A controversial vote coming up for DNC this Fall: There is a Credentials challenge from the full committee that would oust two newly elected Vice Chairs: David Hogg & Malcolm Kenyata, following claims that the DNC rules for their election were not followed. DNC has had increased calls for re-ballot, including from Shasti Conrad [WA Dems Chair]. The dispute also centers around a new Resolution requiring all DNC members to sign a Neutrality Pledge (for DNC staff & officers—to be ‘neutral’ in primaries) by not ‘putting their thumb on the scale’ for presidential candidates. Q: Which LD are you from –and how did you come to be elected: SD: I was asked to be a replacement for U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp-Perez after she was elected. Q: What is the DNC doing to have more diversity/integration at a higher level? SD: The new Chair is working on expanding focus on grassroots organizing & fundraising. Shasti Conrad was very interested in grassroots fundraising when she ran for a Vice Chair position… but she lost her nomination.
FYI: Danenberg also serves on the boards of: NatureBridge, SheJumps, National Institute of Reproductive Health, and the Legislative and Public Affairs committee of the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (SPEEA) [Wikipedia] a member of WA 10thLD / CD2, she was asked to run for the DNC position to replace Rep. Maria G-Perez. She is concerned that DNC does not have representation from Eastern WA.
CANDIDATES SEEKING ENDORSEMENT
- James Jeyaraj– Candidate, Auburn City Council, Position 6 (former member & Deputy Mayor 2 years) addressed the members. Originally form Singapore, worked in Spokane in electronics, then moved to western WA for aerospace. Running again for City Council—things falling apart. Non-profit work globally with refugees. Also: Serving as President (Board) of King County, St Stevens Housing Assoc with 60 homes for low-income/no-income families. Affordable/ accessible housing is his main priority for Auburn. Lakeland Hills is still building high end homes. “We need more affordable homes for working families. Lack of Affordable housing is main cause of homelessness.” James is running for the 6th Position. Looking for volunteer campaign manager and door knocking.
- Claudia Balducci – King County Executive (Former Mayor of Bellevue). Local Goverment must work for the people we serve, affordable and be Safe AND SUSTAINABLE AND PROTECT from Trump administration. Worked in public service for over 24 years. Former Atty. Direct public safety, transit and rails. Also parks and open space. See website. Smart Strong and Outspoken. We do not sit still while our rights are being stripped: LGBTQAi, immigrant, etc. Fighting the Trump admin on taking away funding. “We need to partner with ALL counties in WA. Must reach out to “red” counties too—these policies will hurt everyone. Forming coalitions. Passing resolutions and on the streets to be loud and visible. We can’t give up and we need to stick together to get through and get to better time” See Claudia’s website: Hyperlink above is her name.
- King County Parks Levy — Owen Sinderman: asking for endorsement. The King County Parks Levy is for financial commitment to public health safeguarding waterways and habitat, to protect air, water & climate. 200 Parks receive funding form the levy, restroom, tech updates and safety upgrades. To remain inclusive and safe for everyone. Connect neighborhoods and reduce traffic. KCP also maintains regional pools and creates enhanced access to parks and prioritizes Health Equity and community connection for King County residents and visitors. Q: New Lighting replacements (ie. White River Trail has been dark for years?) OS: Levy will bring more funding to towns and cities to support their parks programs. YESKCprop1.com
CAMPAIGN UPDATES (7:45)
- Megan Sheridan – Candidate, Milton Mayor (already endorsed by the 31st LD)— Megan is now facing 2 opponents. Mom’s For Liberty is moving into Milton’s community. Extreme religious Right –there are (4) new city council member “candidates” who are running uncontested! They were handpicked by Megan’s opponent (incumbent Mayor). School boards are a concern. Megan is asking for fundraising / door knocking assistance. Will post on the 31st LD FB page. with a link for donations. Pleasedonate atMeganForMayor.com
ENDORSEMENTS
Robin M Motioned to endorse James Jeyaraj as a candidate for the Auburn City Council, Rudy A seconded. Robin spoke on his behalf. Voice vote: James Jeyaraj is unanimously endorsed by the 31st LD Dems for Auburn City Council.
Andrea O Motioned to endorse Claudia Balducci. Tamara S seconded. Andrea O spoke on her behalf. Voice Vote. Claudia V is unanimously endorsed by the 31st LD for Kiing Cty Executive.
King Cty Parks Levy did not submit their form in time for our endorsement deadline. However, we can vote to waive the standing rule and endorse them tonight. Tamara S. motions to waive the 3-week rule, Michelle DP seconds. Voice vote: unanimously waives the 3-week rule for endorsement. James J motions to endorse the King Cty Parks Levy, Cora seconds the motion. Cora spoke on behalf of the Levy. Voice Vote unanimous. The King Cty Parks Levy is unanimously endorsed by 31st LD.
BREAK: 10 Minutes
NEW BUSINESS
PCO appointments Chellie DP motions to have Ryan Williams appointed as a PCO. James J Seconds. Ryan was formerly a PCO and wants to “re-up”. Resident of Sarah’ precinct. Voice vote: Ryan Williams is unanimously approved as a PCO for the 31st LD Dems.
OFFICER & COMMITTEE REPORTS (8:25)
- Chair’s report: Sarah Edwards Tech Training –we can schedule another one if people are interested. Jun e 14th will be a big rally day.
- Treasurer’s report: Helen Mansfield Expenses Report for April 2025. 31st LD fees for booth at (5) local Summer Fairs have been registered and paid. Rudy A motioned to approve the April Treasurer’s Report, James J seconded. The April Treasurer’s report is unanimously approved by 31st LD.
- Summer Fairs: outreach Helen M: we need help to staff the booth. Dates are posted on our website. Signup forms for each fair will be online and, on the website, soon. SignUp Genius app is very easy to use.
- PCDCC: Leslie L: Pierce County Central Dems: endorsing AFTER the primary. Revamped their process. Pierce County Charter review 21 positions—all have a Dem running. Tamara S is running from our City. Passed Freedom of Religion resolution
- WA Dems State Committee Tamara S & Judi Cattended the recent WA Dems State Committee meeting: the Dems State Comm will hold a meeting in the Fall in the Vancouver area.
GOOD AND WELFARE June 14 Rallies: Auburn Indivisible: Auburn Rally on 15th Street & Auburn Way S, they’ll post the rally info on the 31st LD FB page.
ADJOURNMENT Rudy A motioned to adjourn the meeting, Michelle DP: seconded. Meeting adjourned at 8:35.
