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
Note: For those of you who also receive the Progressives on Whidbey newsletter, my writing this month is a modified version of that same article. I will have another article in mid-February to share some thoughts after the Washington State Democratic Party meeting scheduled for this weekend.
For most of my life, as long as I have been able to dress myself, I have solidly been a sock-sock-shoe-shoe person. Until….a few months ago. For no apparent reason, I became a sock-shoe-sock-shoe gal. There was no preceding trauma or injury or conscious decision.
The first time I sock-shoe-sock-shoed, I thought it was just an anomaly. But then it happened the next day. And the next. And now I am fully locked into sock-shoe-sock-shoe. I even say out loud “sock-shoe-sock-shoe” when I get dressed in the mornings, as if to confirm the change. Or to declare it to the universe.
I did a search to see if this shift in behavior is common and found a Reddit thread that asks the question “Do you go sock-sock-shoe-shoe or sock-shoe-sock-shoe? Why is your way better?” The responses were almost as funny as the classic original argument between Archie Bunker and Meathead. One of my favorites was the person who responded “flip flop flip flop” and proceeded to call the rest of us a bunch of “f#*&ing conformists.”
If you are still reading this and wondering “what the heck is she talking about?” let me explain that I am seeing this now as definitive proof that I am capable of change at the most elemental level. I know I’m capable of significant change (changing careers, moving), and – of even leading strategic change for organizations. But I still read a lot of self-help books to sustain changes in my daily habits.
In preparation for what I fear is ahead of us in 2024, I have been ensuring that I am as healthy as possible, I am well rested, and I am firmly committed to my strengths and values and “normal” behaviors. And in the midst of that, I became a sock-shoe-sock-shoe. When sock-sock-shoe-shoe had been working just fine for me after a lot of years and practice.
Until it didn’t.
The outcome is the same. I still leave the house fully dressed with socks and shoes on both feet. But the way I get to that outcome is different. Even while intentionally working to ensure that I am doing so many other things in my life as consistently as possible, I changed that routine. I am capable of remaining true to the outcome while exploring a different way of getting there.
I recently saw an interview with Rachel Maddow in which she said (with my paraphrasing) that the only way TO democracy is THROUGH democracy. She said this in the context of how we need to ensure that we are consistently using the principles of democracy, the strengths of the justice system, the very backbone of the Constitution in response to threats to our democracy.
So, I have been sock-sock-shoe-shoe’ing my way through the various roles that I can play in strengthening our democracy, and it worked. Until it didn’t. And my subconscious started moving toward the sock-shoe-sock-shoe way of things to get me to see a new direction. A new way to get my feet out the door.
In the face of crushing violence and sadness in the world in complex situations, exasperation at the overwhelming volume of disinformation, and polling numbers that make me desperate to turn that tide, I often wonder if I even have the strength to put my socks and shoes on or if we should just pack up and move to Canada.
And then I remember that I am a sock-shoe-sock-shoe now, and I can even be a sock-sock-shoe-shoe again if the situation calls for it. And yes, perhaps I will even need to do a of bit non-conforming and haul out the occasional flip-flop-flip-flop. Because we as Democrats and Progressives have never agreed on the best way to get the work done. We agree to argue about it. To wrestle with the difficult stuff. But we keep the outcome – the end goal – in mind. I will talk to you as long as needed if you’re willing to stay in the conversation rather than packing up your socks and shoes and leaving the game. The outcome is simply too important to abandon.
If you have a strong opinion about the socks and shoes debate or are interested in reading an article or a book together and talking about how we can all find different ways to figure this out, drop me a note.
Jennifer Haase Morris
Chair, Island County Democrats
icdchair@gmail.com
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
Greetings Friends,
Happy New Year and a big year it will be. After much thought and consideration, I am excited to announce that I have decided to run for the 10th LD Senate seat. Now, more than ever, it is time to find solutions to the complex problems facing our communities. I have proven that I can bring together resources and people to address the challenges we face. My work to support working families, businesses, seniors, and veterans has demonstrated that I listen, do the work and serve people, not partisan rhetoric. I have been a tireless advocate for healthcare and will continue to protect not only access to care but the rights for all to make our own healthcare choices. Recognizing the importance of housing, good jobs, and a stable economy, these issues were prioritized under my leadership. Finally, I will continue my work to protect the rural beauty and natural resources of our region, including the iconic species we cherish through salmon and orca protections. We need leadership that recognizes the climate crisis and takes action. I have the skills, experience, and commitment to serve the people of the 10th Legislative District. I look forward to meeting with you, hearing what matters most, and sharing more of how I can help so all can thrive. For more information, check out www.janetforsenate.org.
Janet St. Clair
Message from Island County Commissioner, Melanie Bacon
Hello, Democrats! These are the highlights from my work as your District 1 County Commissioner this month.
- Armoring for shoreline properties remains a contentious issue as we look toward to finally adopting the Shoreline Master Program (SMP) update. I am personally very torn on this one: as an environmentalist, I abhor hard armoring and encourage soft armoring for the benefit of shoreline habitat. But as the representative of the people, I must also respect the desire of property owners to protect their homes from flooding—a problem that is only increasing as sea level rises. I think it’s important that our Comprehensive Plan addresses the current and future actions we must take in response to sea level rise, and that we identify the trigger points for decisions in advance. The Board discussed this here, beginning at mark 00:55:30 in the recording. We will hold a public hearing on the SMP on February 6, and will consider the comments from that public hearing at a future work session before voting on the plan.
- I have long been concerned about the need for the State to put a roundabout or traffic light on SR-525 and Bush Point/Honeymoon Bay Road, but last Wednesday, I expressed my outrage over finding out that the proposal for this has actually been on the County’s list for 25 years! I knew it predated my time on the Board, but had not realized that in 2009 the Board dusted off a then-10-year-old proposal in a failed attempt to get federal funds for it. I was clear with Public Works that this roundabout (or a traffic light! I don’t care which—just something!) has now become my number 2 priority this year, after the Comp Plan update. Expect to hear more about this in the coming months.
- I gave testimony this month to both the Senate Transportation Committee and the House Transportation Committee on the importance of fixing our ferry mess. Basically, what I said to both was: we have two really important ferries, both are broken, we can’t rely anymore on ferry availability to get to our medical appointments or to work, and they need to fix it. I deeply appreciate the work of Rep. Dave Paul on the House Transportation Committee, and his work on this topic in particular.
- This week the Board passed Resolution C-87-23, Amending Island County Code Chapter 9.08A, our Fireworks code. This amendment, which I wrote after two previous attempts at stricter language, bans mortar-style fireworks in Island County and eliminates July 5 as a fireworks day. I have worked hard on this because I consider Public Safety to be the County’s #1 job, and I worry about the possibility of wildfire hitting our beautiful home in the same way it did last year in Maui. With our summers getting drier and hotter, the number of fires in Washington State due to fireworks have been increasing every year. The public hearing and discussion on this lasted almost an hour-and-a-half, and can be found here. You can hear me talk about my views on American patriotism and public safety beginning at mark 1:22:30. I am very grateful to Commissioner Janet St. Clair for her vote in support of this resolution.
I have started my re-election campaign, and am excited to speak with all of you about my experience, my achievements as County Commissioner, and my vision for the future of Island County. You can reach me at electmelbacon@gmail.com.
Thank you for the honor of serving you.
Message from State Representative, Dave Paul
Our communities depend on ferries for jobs, for education, and for health care.
It’s clear that our ferries—and the people who depend on them—are struggling.
Just like you, I’m frustrated and angry by the decline in ferry service.
Our state will now have gone more than a decade twice (2000-2010 & 2018-2028) without building any new ferries. That’s unacceptable. While we are finally prioritizing building new boats, they won’t come online fast enough to restore service to every route for several years.
I’m proud that the legislature, with leadership from the House Transportation Committee on which I serve, allocated additional resources to restore 2-boat service to the Clinton-Mukilteo run, which is vitally important. I’m also fighting to ensure that the Coupeville-Port Townsend route will return to 2-boat service as quickly as WSF has the resources to do so.
The long-range plan calls for building 16 new boats by 2040.
There’s funding for five new boats in the Move Ahead WA package, which already passed the Legislature.
After those five ferries are built, we must commit to building one boat every-other-year to ensure that boats get replaced on a rolling basis instead of aging out all at once.
The governor’s proposed transportation budget included all the major requests from Washington State Ferries, and I’ll push for that funding in the final transportation budget.
I’m especially pleased with the proposal to add two extra crew members to each ferry to ensure boats can meet Coast Guard standards and sail if a crew member is sick. This will reduce cancellations.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your representative.
Message from State Representative, Clyde Shavers
Dear Friends and Family,
With the end of the third week of the 2024 legislative session, we’re working tirelessly to make sure your voice is loudly heard in Olympia!
Three bills have passed out of committee and will (hopefully) be heading to the House floor soon:
Environmental Protection. HB 1924: Promoting the integration of fusion technology within state clean energy policies. By requiring the state to pursue technology like fusion energy, we can create a clean environmental future that creates good-paying jobs, lowers energy bills, and supports a path toward energy independence
Voting Rights. HB 2023: Improving meaningful access to elections by increasing language assistance. Our democracy is stronger with all of us participating, and this bill ensures that every citizen can fully take part in our elections with language translated voting material
Veterans Assistance. HB 1925: Expanding the veterans service officer program to increase veteran support statewide. VSOs are critical towards helping veterans receive benefits (housing, food assistance, and medical), and we’re fighting to ensure that every veteran receive the benefits they deserve
Four bills have received a public hearing and will (hopefully) pass out of committee:
Safe, Secure & Responsible Technology. HB 1951 – Promoting ethical artificial intelligence by protecting against algorithmic discrimination. Check out Crosscut’s article – “Washington Legislature aims to regulate AI — but treads cautiously” – that highlights this bill here
Health Care & Education. HB 2236 – Expanding and strengthening career and technical education core plus programs. This bill will expand and strengthen career and technical education by creating the Core Plus Allied Health Care high school program to develop a new generation of professionals in healthcare fields, including long-term care. The Core Plus program uses hands-on curriculum for professional development and career learning.
Environmental Protection & Agriculture. HB 1936: Concerning tax incentives for farmers. A win-win for our farmers and nature, this program helps farmers keep natural resources and farmland healthy for all. By participating in conservation / stewardship programs, this tax credit can go towards new equipment, seed, feed, and other expenditures
Public Safety. HB 2390: Concerning penalties related to eluding police vehicles and resisting arrest. Attempting to flee from law enforcement in a vehicle is dangerous not only to the police officer but to innocent pedestrians and other drivers. We have a responsibility to prevent further collateral consequences that can lead to lethal consequences for all parties, and that means removing that vehicle to a place of safety.
Finally, I’m fighting to increase our paraeducator wages with HB 2380 – Increasing compensation for Washington paraeducators. I’m hoping this bill gets heard in the Appropriations Committee soon.
Democracy is hard work. I believe that preserving our democracy is our defining challenge. As long as all of us come together with decency and common purpose – take the punches and meanness and move forward with kindness and caring – our democracy will be stronger.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to continue my life-long dedication to public service.
As a veteran having attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduated from Naval Nuclear Power School, trained at a naval nuclear reactor plant, and served in the Middle East and Southeast Asia as a public affairs officer, I am honored to serve you here in the Washington State Legislature.
Always at Your Service,
Clyde
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
Did you catch my Op-ed on HeraldNet? I shared my reflections on the January 6 insurrection and what work still needs to be done to hold domestic terrorists accountable, and to ensure that we are protecting our democracy.
Here’s what I shared with them:
On Jan. 6, 2021, I was in my office in Congress’ Rayburn House Office Building as violent domestic terrorists stormed the U.S. Capitol building across the street. Like you, I could only watch in disgust as these terrorists attacked law enforcement, vandalized the Capitol, and threatened the exercise of our democracy and the peaceful transfer of power.
Democracy bent but did not break on Jan. 6. I never doubted the outcome of that day: Congress would affirm the election of President Biden and Vice President Harris.
Three years later, progress has been made to hold accountable those responsible for the attack, protect our democracy and restore trust in government. In December 2022, the bipartisan January 6th Committee completed its thorough investigation and filed a report that establishes a clear historical record and contains several legislative recommendations to prevent another deadly attack. In December 2022, Congress enacted the bipartisan Electoral Count Reform Act to close loopholes in how presidential elections are conducted. And since Jan. 6, more than 1,230 people have been charged with federal crimes and more than 450 people have been convicted and sent to jail or prison for their role in the attack.
However, Congress must do more to improve elections and strengthen democracy. The American people overwhelmingly support legislation such as the Freedom to Vote Act and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act that clean up elections, protect the right to vote and guarantee every American’s voice is heard at the ballot box. I am also working with Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Texas, to pass the America Votes Act, a commonsense bill modeled on a successful Washington state law that allows voters to affirm their identity by submitting a similar written statement along with their mail-in ballot.
Jan. 6 is not a day to agonize. It is a day to remember, organize and move forward. On the third anniversary of the attack, join me in remembering the five officers who lost their lives defending our democracy and the Capitol. Join me in honoring the more than 140 officers who were physically injured and the many more who still bear the burden of that horrible day. And join me in organizing for voting rights to move our country forward and prevent another Jan. 6 from ever happening again.
Rick
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