Our February membership meeting will be an opportunity to get up-to-date legislative reports, write letters and make calls on pressing issues in the Washington State Legislature, as they reach the half-way point in the 2010 session. 

Members will also consider whether to endorse the WTA Levy proposal on the ballot April 27th. Find more infomation on this ballot measure HERE.

The meeting is Thursday, February 18, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Norway Hall, 1419 N. Forest St, Bellingham (between Champion & Magnolia) MAP

Grab your thinking caps, fellow Democrats, because it is time for our Grassroots Strategy Sessions. On March 6th, each precinct will meet and discuss the various parts of the Whatcom Democrats platform and how it can best represent our values. We hold these caucus-like events on off-years to evaluate our party platform, strategize with fellow democrats, and as always, get to know our neighbors better.

by Shane Roth

We are no longer wondering if the newly conservative County Council, headed by Chairman Sam Crawford, will ignore the Charter and the County Code at a council meeting. It is now only a question of when will they learn what the law actually allows, and how much taxpayer time and money will they waste before they figure it out.

by Richard May, 42nd LD State Committeeman

Rep. Rick Larsen attended the State Democratic Party meeting on January 30 and spoke to state committee members from the 2nd Congressional District. Rep. Larsen openly and brazenly said he supports the public option. No ifs, ands, or “gotta think about it some mores” about it. He is fully on board.

At its quarterly meeting Jan. 30, the WA State Democratic Party nominated incumbent Rep. Rick Larsen as the Democratic Party candidate for the 2nd CD. All other Democratic congressional incumbents in Washington were also nominated.

In January, two Democratic challengers announced they were running for the 2nd Congressional District seat, as well as at least one Republican. The Democrats are Larry Kalb and Dianna McGuiness, both of Bellingham.

Our Democratic elected officials have been hard at work in Olympia this year representing the 42nd and 40th Legislative districts. Rep. Kelli Linville, as Chair of the influential Ways and Means committee, has been hard at work developing a state budget that will reflect our values as Democrats. Sen. Kevin Ranker has sponsored a bill to create a farmer internship program that will encourage the next generation of local farmers. Rep.

Whatcom County Democrats are concerned about County Councilman Sam Crawford’s proposal to eliminate funding for over 280 water related projects. These projects include implementing storm water treatment options on Lake Whatcom, and channel realignment on Jones Creek to prevent possible flooding.

Please join us as Former State Senator Harriet Spanel leads us through the process of developing a state budget. There will be an update on the current progress of the budget and thoughts from 42nd Legislative District Representative Kelli Linville.

The meeting is Thursday, January 21, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, Norway Hall, 1419 N. Forest St, Bellingham (between Champion & Magnolia) MAP

Also: Congressional nomination process, Platform development, Dems Annual Budget

Please note: Corrected Date is March 6, 2010.

All Democrats are encouraged to attend the party’s informal precinct caucuses March 6th to help craft the Platform that describes the values and priorities of the Party. This platform guides the party leadership in knowing what to put their energy and focus on.

With the new year comes some changes in the Whatcom Democrats leadership. We are pleased to have three new committee chairs fresh from the campaign of 2009.