ISLAND COUNTY: September 2025 ICD Newsletter
The Island County Democrats publish a monthly newsletter, which we are posting here. We believe that the statements made by the leadership of each party is of general public interest.
Message from ICD Chair, Jennifer Haase Morris
We Need a New Way to Think About Our Party
Nearly every day, someone tells me they’re fed up with the Democratic Party—whether it’s the DNC, federal legislators, or Island County Democrats. I listen, I respond, and I encourage people not to give up on the party we still want to be and may need to recreate. Because frankly, I get it.
We’ve all heard the “big tent” analogy – that diverse perspectives make us stronger. That image for describing Democrats used to make sense to me, but lately I’m struggling to make it work. Maybe we need a different way to think about what we’re building together.
What if the Democratic Party is less like a tent and more like a theme park? At its best, a theme park is about fun, family, and adventure. And you define your own experience within it. We share the same entrance, the same basic rules, but we don’t all have to ride the same rides. Some like roller coasters. Others prefer the carousel.
As Democrats, I believe there really could be some core aspirations we all agree on—maybe just 3-4 things like fair elections, constitutional principles, and making decisions that benefit the most people. We start fighting when we get lost in 100-page platforms and get bent out of shape over one sentence in Section 12, paragraph 11.
I’m an executive coach and spend about half of my week coaching people who have recently been laid off. In a recent conversation, a client who hasn’t yet completed his green card process asked me if he should be afraid to take a job in a state that won’t be as accepting of his immigration status or sexual orientation. In a heart-breaking moment for me personally and professionally, I said: “yes.” I want off that roller coaster. And I think all of you do, too.
In our Democratic theme park, you can find progressive ideas and moderate perspectives, young candidates with big dreams and seasoned leaders with deep experience, those who love policy debates and those who just want basic human dignity protected. There are fun, safe rides for everyone. And when we disagree, we don’t leave the park. We remember why we came in the first place.
Message from Island County Commissioner, Melanie Bacon
Commissioner Bacon writes a newsletter every Friday to update citizens on the actions taken and planned by the Board of Island County Commissioners. To subscribe, contact her at District1@islandcountywa.gov. This is her newsletter for September 19.
Message from State Representative, Dave Paul
I’m working to save two important projects for Whidbey Island that were denied funding by Republicans in the state Senate this year: the Double Bluff Community Forest acquisition and the Oak Harbor Marina and Downtown Revitalization Improvements.
The Double Bluff Community Forest project will protect scenic shoreline and forest along Useless Bay on Whidbey Island. In addition to preserving critical wetlands and ecosystems, the project would provide outdoor educational opportunities. Without protection, the 257 acres faces the threat of being subdivided into 51 residential home sites.
The Double Bluff Community Forest project received the #2 ranking out of 41 proposals in the statewide competitive Estuary and Salmon Restoration Program (ESRP). Despite its high ranking, the project was removed from the Capital Budget in the final days of the session by Senate Republicans.
In addition, I worked with the City of Oak Harbor to help fund upgrades at the Oak Harbor Marina and Catalina Park. Senate Republicans refused to sign off on the grant after the 2025 Legislative Session.
You can learn more about the backstory in the recent articles in the Whidbey News Times and South Whidbey Record.
I am committed to putting our community above petty, backroom politics—and I’ll be working to ensure both are included in the 2026 Capital Budget.
Message from State Representative, Clyde Shavers
Campaign Kickoff Welcomes Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction
Hope you are able to join my team on Friday, October 3, at 4:30 pm, at the Freeland Hall, Freeland, WA to kick off my re-election campaign to continue serving you in the Washington State House of Representatives!
I am excited to share that Chris Reykdal, Superintendent of Public Instruction, will be our special guest for this event. Public Education is under attack at the federal level, and we are so fortunate to have such a strong advocate for the children of Washington and their right to a high quality education.
My Campaign Kickoff event will be family-friendly, stocked with some great local BBQ, and the opportunity to hear more about how your elected officials in Washington are fighting every day for the issues that we know you care deeply about.
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
Last month, I joined Governor Bob Ferguson to hand out free lunches at Lynnwood Elementary. After handing out lunch, I heard firsthand from the Edmonds School District staff about how President Trump’s Big Ugly Law could impact food insecurity in Snohomish County.
When President Trump fast-tracked his Big Ugly Law earlier this summer, he cut approximately $186 billion in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding through 2034. Every month, around 1 million Washingtonians rely on SNAP benefits to purchase food. The Big Ugly Law puts 14,000 people in Northwest Washington at risk of losing food assistance through SNAP benefits.
The Big Ugly Law is literally taking food away from hungry families to pay for one of the largest tax breaks in American history, which is largely going to the richest Americans and the largest corporations. We need to let Trump know that we do not stand for these destructive budget cuts, and we will continue to fight them every step of the way.
More soon,
Rick
Donate
Your generous contributions will directly help ICD:
- Host local community education and information events
- Coordinate local Democratic Party volunteers activities
- Train and inspire PCOs to action
- Provide tools, materials and space for local Democratic Party planning and organizing
For the biggest bang for your buck, mail your checks to:
[Ed. Note: donation information omitted]
Editorial Policy: The Voter Interests Project is a non-partisan organization. Part of our mission is to keep voters informed about the activities of elected officials and candidates for public office. We do not endorse or support any particular candidates; therefore, we omit all email links and donation links from candidate communications to supporters. If you are interested in supporting a candidate, we recommend you contact the candidate or their campaign directly.
