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
My 3-2-1 for April
- 3 things on my mind (or worth sharing with the group)
- 2 ways you can get involved
- 1 thing to do in the next 30 days
3 Things on My Mind:
- The political process is beginning to heat up, and the election cycle for a number of local races will soon get underway. With that in mind, it has been helpful for me to review a resource created on Thoughtful Citizenship. This e-book produced by the Inquiry Institute has some useful articles and resources for engaging in our democracy.
- Many people will feel disappointed, frustrated, or even betrayed with our political leaders or the political system. When we feel let down by the political process, we have a choice. We can feel powerless or focus on blaming. Or we can provide a thoughtful response by acknowledging how we feel, reframing the experience, working to understand all side of the situation, and then letting go and moving on to the next, most productive step for finding solutions.
- This quote from Margaret Wheatley resonates deeply with me: “It’s not our differences that divide us. It’s our judgments about each other that do.” I have had several uncomfortable conversations over the past month with people with whom I disagree, and I worked hard to really listen to the other person and try to understand why it triggered me when I became agitated. Not sure I’ll ever master this, so I’ll commit to keep learning.
2 Ways You Can Get Involved:
- We could still use some help in keeping our website up to date. The platform is easy to manage, and we have some volunteers who can help with writing the content. It would be valuable to have someone paying attention to this. Know someone who can help?
- If your membership is not current, please consider making your membership contribution this month. Thank you!
1 Thing to do in the Next 30 Days:
- Sign up to volunteer at the Holland Happenings in Oak Harbor on April 29-30, 2023. We need volunteers for the ICD tent on both days (can do short shifts) and for the parade on April 29. Send an email to icdchair@gmail.com, and I’ll get you connected to the volunteer coordinators.
Jennifer Haase Morris, Chair
Island County Democrats
https://islandcountydemocrats.org
News from ICD
From Camano Island Democrats
We are excited to announce that our April Meeting will be held this upcoming Saturday, April 1st, at 1:30 p.m. at the Camano Library, and will be an IN-PERSON meeting.
The topic is the proposed fireworks ban in Island County and as this is an Island County-wide issue with many speakers coming from Whidbey, we have set this for a SATURDAY AFTERNOON MEETING.
Background:
- Island County has the third highest per capita fire incident rate in Washington State as reported by the WA State Fire Marshal.
- To date over 1,500 signatures have been submitted in support of the petition which was started by the Safe and Humane Fireworks group which can be found here.
- Representatives from the grassroots Safe and Humane Fireworks org will present along with Island County District 1 Commissioner Melanie Bacon as well as a speaker from a local veteran’s group.
This is a topic that (pardon the pun) is really heating up on Camano and we want to ensure we have a great turnout; please RSVP so we can be sure to have enough seating.
To learn more about this issue please read the overview below and/or visit the Safe and Humane Fireworks’ website: https://www.islandcountyfireworks.com
Regards,
Donna Conner | Chair Camano Island Democrats
425-417-3749
https://www.facebook.com/CamanoIslandDemocrats
https://www.camanoislanddemocrats.com/
camanoislanddemocrats@outlook.com
Mission statement: Safe and Humane Fireworks is seeking a change to Island County Code that limits fireworks to those permitted and sponsored by the towns, cities or County, and only on the 4th of July.
Historically, there have been 3 days of fireworks activity on Whidbey and Camano Islands, WA. Three days of loud booms, three days of domestic pets and farm animals being terrified, three days of detrimental impact to local wildlife, three days of disruption to the health and livelihood of local families, three days of increased fire danger and road hazards, three days of increased impact on local resources (emergency services, hospital, police and fire, and, three days of heightened noise, water and air pollution on our beautiful islands. With more and more communities banning personal fireworks, for all the above reasons, Whidbey and Camano Islands will become even more of a destination for off-island folks seeking a venue for personal fireworks celebrations.
Banning personal fireworks displays will not deprive anyone from enjoying fireworks on the 4th of July. There are beautiful municipal sponsored fireworks displays in Oak Harbor, Freeland & Stanwood every year. These venues provide ample opportunity for families and friends to meet and celebrate the holiday and enjoy fireworks together.
Key Issues
- Noise Pollution – Impact on Domestic Pets, Farm Animals, Wildlife & Humans
- Environmental Pollution – ocean, lakes, wetlands and beaches contaminated.
- Air Pollution – concentration of pollutants, particles and gases from explosives
- Fire Danger – nationally, exploding fireworks start 19,500 fires per year
- Injuries and Accidents – nationally, 4,500 daily emergency room visits between July 4th-5th
Safe and Humane Fireworks – https://www.islandcountyfireworks.com/
Email us at info@islandcountyfireworks.com
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
Join me for my monthly Town Hall series featuring special guests, county updates and information about programs in policy in Island County. These town halls vary in format with in-person, hybrid and virtual options depending on the month. For more information or to sign up for my gov delivery to get regular updates: j.stclair@islandcountywa.gov.
March is a follow up to my February hybrid Town Hall on Camano. This was an open format featuring quarterly updates on Board of Island County Commissioners actions and discussions for first quarter 2023. This Town Hall will be held March 28 at 4 pm at Fire Station #5 3440 Taylor Rd, North Whidbey. I will host Todd Morrow, Island Transit to update on our recently passed strategic plan for a zero emissions fleet by 2040 as well as updates and Q&A. This is an in-person only event.
On April 13, we celebrate Earth Month 2023 with an amazing panel of guests who will share local, state and federal programs that incentivize property owners to protect forests and wetlands in our county. Guests include USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, Snohomish and Whidbey Conservation Districts, WSU Extension Forestry and Island County Planning and Community Development. This is a virtual only event. For information, email or go to my facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/janetstclairislandcountycommissioner and click on events.
Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner District 3
Message from State Representative, Dave Paul
We are in the final month of the 2023 Legislative Session, and the House’s Operating, Transportation, and Capital budgets were recently released. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to community members about their priorities for the legislature. I’m proud that each of these budgets includes initiatives, programs, and projects that I’ve developed to help our community.
The House Operating Budget includes continued funding for the Island County Youth Mental Health pilot that I created last session. This program provides peer mentorship, youth engagement opportunities, and increased staffing for programs that strengthen youth mental health outcomes.
The House Capital Budget includes several of my requests to increase public safety in our community. It includes $500,000 to upgrade emergency equipment for the Island County Emergency Services Communications Center (ICOM 911) that will better serve the public and prepare for earthquakes and other natural disasters. The budget also includes $2.7 million for Central Whidbey Island Fire and Rescue to complete the replacement of Station 53 on Race Road.
In addition, several of my initiatives are funded in House Transportation Budget, including a significant increase in maintenance and preservation of Washington State Ferries. Under my proposal, a second shift will be added to the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility, allowing ferries to be repaired more quickly—and get back to serving our local commuters.
I’m also working hard to pass legislation that will help members of our community. I’m pleased to report that the Senate has passed HB 1007—and the bill is now headed to the Governor’s desk. HB 1007 will ensure public servants who served overseas and earned an expeditionary medal receive their state retirement benefits. As many of you know, this issue was brought to me by a local police officer in 2019, and I’m proud that we have fixed this policy—so that veterans can get the benefits they have earned.
Finally, thanks to all who were able to attend my recent town halls in Oak Harbor and Arlington. I’m looking forward to additional town halls and coffee chats across the district once the session is complete.
As always, it’s an honor to serve as your representative.
Dave
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