ISLAND COUNTY: January 2026 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 are of general public interest.
Note from ICD chair, Jennifer Haase Morris
I will send out a message in the near future regarding the General Membership meeting. Watch for it
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
It is hard as darkness eclipses darkness in the political turmoil of our nation; it is hard to hold on to hope and to persevere. Each day the news offers another assault on our hearts and minds. We find outrage climbing on top of outrage, as if building a mountain of acts that history will judge. Around me, I see activists stand up, advocates speak out, and I am encouraged and once again, I believe by coming together we can and do make a difference. For what is the alternative?
Last fall, I read an article in Time magazine by John Hope Bryant in which he describes America as too messy, too noisy, too demanding to sit by and let democracy fail. So, we show up. He writes, “Despots can seem permanent in their day. But their power is brittle. They fall because they stand against the dignity of humanity, against the drive of people to be free. That is the lesson history whispers to us, if we listen: darkness is not permanent. Bad leaders may dominate for a season, but they never endure.”
I encourage you to be encouraged. For even in the darkness of Minnesota, our voice is growing stronger. Mourn as we must, fight as we should, and be heard, how and where you need to be heard. I’m listening.
If you wish to reach out to me on the issues of local government and how we are working to strengthen and protect our communities, including at the state and federal level, please email me at j.stclair@islandcountywa.gov.
Sincerely,
Janet St. Clair, Island County Commissioner
Message from Island County Commissioner, Melanie Bacon
On Wednesday, January 28, the Board of Island County Commissioners held a Special Session with the Mayors of Oak Harbor, Langley, and Coupeville, and the Island County Sheriff and Prosecuting Attorney, to discuss our concerns as local public leaders about ICE. This is the recording of that 45-minute meeting: https://islandcountywa.gov/…/01292026-Special-Session….
To summarize: the Sheriff will not assist ICE or border patrol, but his officers cannot interfere in activities of federal agencies. They can, however, witness. So this is what you should do if ICE shows up: (1) do not fight with them; your safety is paramount. (2) call 911 so the Sheriff or local police will show up to witness–and perhaps interact with on your behalf–the agents. (3) Pull out your phone and record what’s going on. Try not to let your rightful rage overwhelm your common sense.
Ultimately this issue will be resolved in the courts. In the meantime, be safe. If the Sheriff or Prosecuting Attorney provides me with updated information or advice, I will share that with you.
If you haven’t already watched Governor Ferguson and Attorney General Brown’s press conference from Monday the 26th on how Washington plans to respond, you can see it here: https://youtu.be/TYc_bl_U-Kw?si=S32JGWEMTc1COLNW.
Message from State Representative, Dave Paul
A message from Dave Paul detailing key pieces of new legislation to be introduced during this ongoing legislative session:
HB 2324: Supporting Military Families by Expanding Tuition Waivers
- My bill helps families of veterans and service members whose military service has left them permanently disabled — unable to continue working and supporting their families. When a parent’s service-connected disability ends their ability to earn a living, the cost of college can put higher education out of reach for their children. This bill expands access to tuition waivers at Washington’s public colleges and universities, helping these families stay financially stable and giving students a fair shot at building their future. It’s a meaningful way to honor service by making sure disability doesn’t close the door on opportunity. And it’s also a way to show gratitude — by investing in the people who have already given so much.
HB 2325: Boosting Washington Tourism Through Local Investments
- This is a great bill! It creates a new self-supported tourism assessment program to strengthen how Washington promotes itself to visitors. Instead of relying solely on traditional state funding, this approach lets communities come together, invest in shared tourism marketing, and collectively raise the profile of Washington destinations. The idea is to boost tourism promotion through contributions from local businesses and partners with the goal of bringing in more travelers, more economic activity, and more opportunities for small businesses and the communities they support.
HB 2638: Property Tax Relief for Families After Line-of-Duty Loss
- This measure provides meaningful tax relief to surviving spouses and domestic partners of state and local law enforcement officers, firefighters, and other public safety personnel who died from duty-related injury or disease. Under my bill, the primary residence of an eligible survivor could be partially or fully exempt from property taxes, helping ease financial pressure during an already difficult time, and giving families more stability when they need it most. This change honors the service of those who served and protected our communities by supporting the loved ones they leave behind.
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
I am heartbroken and outraged by the news of yet another killing of an American citizen carried out by federal agents in Minneapolis. As a country, we mourn this needless death alongside the victim’s family, the Minneapolis community, and every American who is rightly horrified by the Administration’s indefensible actions.
The Trump Administration’s brutal occupation of American communities with armed, masked agents must end immediately. Emboldened by President Trump, Stephen Miller, Kristi Noem, Speaker Johnson, and Congressional Republicans, these agents have not focused on removing hardened criminals from our streets, but rather targeted hardworking individuals, killed American citizens, beaten and brutalized peaceful protestors, and spread chaos and fear across the country.
Alongside my colleagues in the New Democrat Coalition, I demand a full, independent investigation of this killing – along with the killing of Renee Nicole Good and other DHS-related shootings – and full accountability for the officers involved. Secretary Noem is ultimately responsible and should be fired immediately or resign in disgrace.
Congress has a responsibility to defend the American people from this lawlessness. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle must unite in oversight authority to hold the Administration accountable. We must stop this violence before more lives are lost.
More soon,
Rick
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