ISLAND COUNTY: May 2024 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
ICD endorsed candidates
Lists of federal and local endorsed candidates can be found here: https://islandcountydemocrats.org/2024-candidates
Message from Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair
Greetings Friends,
On June 25, 1978 Harvey Milk gave an impassioned speech and call to action to commemorate the Stonewall Riots. He said, “Rights are won only by those who make their voices heard.” As we celebrate Pride Month as advocates and allies, we gather to remember, to affirm, and to protect the freedoms of all to love and live as they choose. I will be joining with others at Pride across Island County. Whether you join with me on June 1st at the Stanwood Camano Pride Celebration at Freedom Park, in Coupeville or Oak Harbor, or you march with us in the South Whidbey Pride Parade on June 22, we will lift our banners and our voices because “hope will never be silent.” I look forward to seeing you.
Janet St. Clair
Message from Island County Commissioner, Melanie Bacon
I am so grateful to the ICD for your endorsement for my reelection campaign. I was able to include your endorsement in my statement in this year’s Voters’ Guide, which was very important to me.
As you’ll read in the paper this week, the weekend after I was endorsed by the ICD more than twenty of my signs from Clinton to Oak Harbor were stolen, including a large sign on private property, an act of trespass which has truly frightened the owner of the home where the sign was installed—a particular shame for the ICD because they are now not going to allow any political signs in their yard, including signs for other Democrats running for other offices.
Besides my fury over my supporter being frightened away from expressing their first amendment rights by displaying one of my signs, my outrage over this act of election interference is also because it shows a shameful disrespect toward the voters who have donated to my compaign [sic]. My husband and campaign manager, who is also my sign guy, is offering $1000 from his personal funds as a reward to finding the perpetrator of these multiple illegal acts.
So now we have to put up more signs, which means raising more money. If you’d like a sign, would enjoy sign-waving, or want to donate to my campaign, please contact me at [Ed. Note: email link omitted].
And again, thank you so much for your endorsement. It is an honor to serve you.
Warm regards,
Melanie Bacon
Message from US Representative, Rick Larsen
Bipartisan, Bicameral FAA Reauthorization Act Heads to Biden’s Desk
One year ago, I introduced the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration. The bill was a good faith bipartisan effort to create a safer, cleaner, greener and more accessible U.S. aviation system – and I am happy to share that President Biden will sign it into law this week, adding to this administration’s long list of bipartisan accomplishments.
Getting to the finish line was not easy. It took months of negotiation and collaboration with my colleagues in the Senate and my colleagues across the aisle to reach a final product we can all be proud of. The bill provides critical safety enhancements, grows America’s aviation workforce, invests in infrastructure at airports of all sizes, sets clear priorities for advancing innovative aviation solutions, improves the flying public’s travel experience, and ensures a healthy general aviation sector for years to come. It is supported by the Aerospace Industries Association, Air Line Pilots Association, Aircraft Maintenance Fraternal Association, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, American Council of Engineering Companies, American Society of Civil Engineers, and National Air Traffic Controllers Association, along with many more unions and stakeholders.
A strong Washington state aviation workforce means a strong American aviation workforce. This bill invests in and diversifies our unparalleled workforce, creating shared economic prosperity. Moreover, it provides regulatory clarity to new entrants to the U.S. airspace to safely advance innovation and cultivate jobs that pay well. The FAA reauthorization secures Washington’s place in America’s aviation future, and proves that with Democratic leadership, the government can do its job.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Rick
Email: [Ed. Note: email link omitted]
Election events
Clinton Community Hall is located at 6411 Central Ave Clinton 98236\
Doors open at 6:00PM
Forum 6:30-8:00PM
8:00-8:30PM Citizens can meet with Candidates
Join us for an opportunity to listen to local candidates discuss issues that are of significance to the Clinton and South Whidbey community.
What issues would you like the candidates to address? We’re currently soliciting questions from the community to be presented to the candidates at this event. You can submit questions at:
info@clintoncommunitycouncil.org There will be a second forum for state candidates on July 9th. Watch for information in the June newsletter.
Candidate Information
Dave Paul
Request for Volunteers: Like you, my goals are to champion the environment and address climate change, improve housing affordability, and protect women’s reproductive rights. My request today is simple: join me and volunteer this campaign season as we knock on doors and engage with voters ahead of the primary election.
Our canvassing work is the single biggest reason we flipped the seat in 2018, and our outreach efforts will be pivotal to our victory in November. I am actively seeking volunteers to help with my campaign starting now in all areas, especially Oak Harbor, Camano Island, Stanwood, and Arlington.
Sign up today: [Ed. Note: link omitted]
Contribute: [Ed. Note: link omitted]
I look forward to connecting with voters in every part of our district, and at upcoming events Team Dave will be at. Check our website, votedavepaul.com for our campaign calendar for updates!
Thank you for your help—and it’s an honor to serve as your State Representative.
Clyde Shavers
Janet St. Clair
Corrected information from WIDC & Humanities Washington
News from Camano Island Democrats
Bob Ferguson, currently serving as our Attorney General, is one of the key candidates in this race. His extensive track record of public service and dedication to the people of Washington is worth noting. Here are some key accomplishments that highlight his commitment to our state:
- Consumer Protection: Bob has taken on powerful corporations to protect consumers from unfair practices, securing millions in restitution for Washingtonians.
- Environmental Stewardship: He has been a leader in the fight against climate change, holding polluters accountable and defending our state’s environmental laws.
- Opioid Crisis: Bob has played a crucial role in addressing the opioid epidemic, holding pharmaceutical companies accountable for their role in the crisis and securing funding for addiction treatment and prevention programs.
- Civil Rights: He has been a steadfast defender of civil rights, challenging unconstitutional actions and standing up for the rights of immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized communities.
One of the most critical issues in this race is Women’s Rights. Bob Ferguson has been a staunch advocate for women’s health and reproductive rights. He has consistently fought to protect access to healthcare services, including contraception and abortion. In contrast, many of his GOP opponents have supported policies that would restrict women’s rights and limit access to essential healthcare services. The GOP’s extreme positions threaten to roll back decades of progress on women’s rights. We are not going backward on this issue.
As we approach the election, it’s essential to stay informed and engaged. While we cannot endorse a candidate, we can ensure that our community is aware of the significant impact this election will have on the future of our state, particularly concerning women’s rights and other vital issues.
To help spread awareness, we have Bob Ferguson yard signs available for those who wish to display them and show their support for his candidacy. These signs are a powerful way to demonstrate our community’s commitment to an informed and engaged electorate.
ACTION: If you would like a yard sign, please reply to this email and we can arrange for you to pick-up his signs at my house at your convenience or drop one off for you.
Thank you for your continued dedication to our community and for staying informed about the issues and candidates that will shape our future.
In solidarity,
Donna Conner | Chair Camano Island Democrats
425-417-3749
https://www.facebook.com/CamanoIslandDemocrats
https://www.camanoislanddemocrats.com/
camanoislanddemocrats@outlook.com
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.]
