I US Representative, 10 By Representative Denny Heck Supreme Court Marriage Decision Only the Beginning Congressional District tation or gender identity hap identity gender or tation orien sexual their what matter no people embraces that nity commu proud a have acceptance, can we and through tolerance that demonstrated Thurston County Democrats OR CURRENT RESIDENT PRESORTED ties. For 25 years, we’ve we’ve years, 25 For ties. festivi Pride City Capital annual the at you of joined many I year, this June n PO Box 164 STANDARD Olympia WA 98507-0164 U.S. POSTAGE PAID OLYMPIA, WA

PERMIT NO. 107 th

- - - - Th E Stephanie Coontz, and her her of nature evolving the on ideas and Coontz, Stephanie own, Evergreen’s and Olympia cited even Kennedy Anthony Justice opinion, historic his Parade. In Pride Capital the of years 25 the in met I’ve allies the thousands of of LGBT and straight thought I nationwide. equal as recognized be would now that state our in married already couples devoted all the of thought and rejoiced I news, the heard I When love. you who marry to right legal the U.S. ensured the Court Supreme Olympia, in pride stronger. munity com our annual made has this gathering that mind my in doubt no is There be. to pens from a job because of their sexual orientation.” “… one out of every 10 lesbian, gay, and bisexual workers have been fired marriage and commitment.” Evergreen’s own, Stephanie Coontz, and her ideas on the evolving nature of “In his historic opinion, Justice Anthony Kennedy even cited Olympia and tive.” This isn’t exactly House House exactly isn’t This tive.” initia size class Legislature the suspends approval, voter “Despite law.” school charter down strikes Court “Supreme schools.” funding fully not contempt for in declares Legislature the Court headlines. “Supreme through being are formed education of public perceptions citizens’ our 22nd Legislative District Representative Chris Reykdal Courts, Charters and Class Size The Three ofEducation Cs Moving Forward, United Forward, Moving October 2015 Edition THURST Not long after we celebrated we celebrated Not long after these days, it seems seems it days, these But process. learning be and teaching the about should ducation e ON C - - OUNT Americans have experienced discrimination in their personal lives. “… the nonpartisan Human Rights Campaign found that 63 percent of LGBT their sexual orientation or gen or orientation sexual their of because jury a on or serve to mortgage, a for apply school, to attend to housing, ability the denied be should citizen American No Senate. and House the in Act Equality support. your with do, will we more and do, can we more is There pleted. com not is work the know we change, historic this celebrate year’s to weekend next Pride City in Capital part take wait to can’t I as much as and commitment. and marriage of schools run by private non- private by run up schools of made is industry charter fledgling Washington’s money. payer tax receive can schools) (public schools “common” only Here’s why: is unconstitutional. levies. school local via payers tax local on education basic of burden increased the put is do can’t Legislature What the taxes. new or growth, economic natural purposes, dedicated from revenue ing shift areas, other in cuts from come can doesn’t it – how say court really The budget. state our in jump 9% a about That’s obligations. education basic our fund fully to 2018, by basis, biennial a $3.5 on least billion at with up come with three years of “edudrama”: up caught fully be to know to system. education public to our related is ans, there a but lot of drama Kardashi the even or Cards of As a start, we can pass the the pass can we start, a As was, day that as joyous As The charter school initiative initiative school charter The to needs Legislature The Here are ten things you need Y – Moving Moving – Y - - - - one out of every 10 lesbian, lesbian, 10 every of out one that found study Another lives. personal in their discrimination experienced have Americans LGBT of percent 63 that found Campaign Rights Human tisan nonpar the by year this earlier conducted study A sight. plain in happening is discrimination This problem. a of solution search in a isn’t this laws, ID of regard. all this in citizens their protect to failed have states many protections, ment employ and housing provided identity. der our basic education obligation, obligation, our basic education thing like this, if we can’t afford some is logic The high tag. its price to due table the off legislators of majority size November class last initiative a approved ers vot go…Washington we Here end. the in together all it pull to promise I but squishy, gets happen…See next. #4 to going Not once. at this fix and session special come a in back Legislature the insist money. mon” schools eligible for public “com are they before boards school accountable locally and charter elected locally under put schools structurally to have you say, people rational more but this, solve will fix ing fund a that argue clear.Some pretty this made decision 6-3 a in Court Supreme State The money. public get can’t they thus And schools. are public not they Therefore, profits. And unlike onerous Voter Voter onerous unlike And has state Washington While Stick with me people, this this people, me with Stick supporters school Charter Forw ard, batted batted that a that United ------leader in the nationwide push push nationwide the in leader a be to continue can County Thurston policies, for progressive advocacy continued and munity, and business positions. com civic, influential in serve to community LGBT the from representatives more recruit and to government, of levels all candidates pro-equality as possible. soon passage of the complete bill as the support and rights, credit and housing to pertains it as will forward bill this I move to work Committee, Services member of the House Financial is at great risk. a job, their livelihood economic onto hold cannot and housing orientation. sexual their of because job a from fired been gay, and bisexual workers have for for equal protection under the law. sion, anything goes. It’s like a like It’s goes. anything sion, ses in are we once scope, the limit to attempt can Governor a special the session. Although call can Governor the only fix, a had we if even And money? taxpayer using schools vate pri for fix a provide to money) school PUBLIC underfunded General Fund (the source of our our from money divert to town to back come Legislature the schools, why in the world would public our for mandate cation edu basic constitutional the from money away take would it because afford can’t we tive initia class-size a passing for around voters the slapped has Legislature the and schools, public not are they because unconstitutional charters ruled has court the and basic education, funding not for con tempt in are they Legislature the has told court the now that So, reductions? size dollars class for additional of afford billions possibly we can how I believe with your support support your with believe I strong, elect also must We stable keep can’t person a If Continued on page 5 on Continued As As a committee ------2 THE DEMOCRAT October 2015 I like the idea of being an obstacle! By Carolyn Cox as the idea of rep- ston County to have a third coerce government to do their sible. I don’t know about you, Secretary, resentative govern- party oversee an environmen- bidding – paying for elections but I like the idea of being an Thurston County Democrats ment become a tal review of its request – this and environmental studies, obstacle! quaint notion? If the despite a state appellate court filing lawsuits, and hatching Groups like the Freedom H decision that forbade asphalt schemes to recall Supreme Foundation which loudly pro- Tea Party and friends are to be believed, it has. recycling in the valley. Court justices. fess to be fighting for our Witness two well-publicized Lakeside paid for a slick ad These brazenly overt rights are stealthily working to efforts to essentially bribe campaign designed to make it attempts to buy government undermine them. The Freedom public officials into overturn- appear that big, bad, overzeal- decisions make me nostal- Foundation has been targeting ing prior decisions. The most ous county commissioners gic for the “good ol’ days” public employee unions for the recent was an attempt this were unfairly refusing to give when John Boehner handed past couple of years. If unions summer by a political action this poor little multimillion-dol- out checks from the tobacco are diminished, who stands committee calling itself the lar company a hearing. So far, industry on the House floor. to gain? Certainly not public Effective Self-Governance their tactics haven’t worked. Of course, the true objective employees and Democrats! Thurston County Association of Thurston County It seems that groups like of these big business-backed Don’t be bamboozled by Democrats (ESGATC). A committee repre- Lakeside, ESGATC, the Free- groups is abundantly clear: their slimy tactics, and above www.thurstondemocrats.org sentative openly offered the dom Foundation, and their To fool the public into voting all, don’t give up! Look how Membership Meetings Lacey City Council $2,500 to buddies the Koch brothers against their own best interests far we’ve come in Thurston Fourth Monday of every month pay for putting the question of think it’s perfectly acceptable and to remove all obstacles to County despite them. This is at Thurston County Courthouse Bldg. 1, Rm. 152, 7 p.m. whether plastic bags should be to do whatever it takes to making the biggest profit pos- no time to quit! banned on the November bal- 2015 OFFICERS lot. Lacey, Tumwater, Olympia Roger Erskine, Chair [email protected] and Thurston County have all Banning Plastic Bags Makes Ecological Sense banned one-use plastic shop- Doug Bell, 1st Vice Chair By D. Eric Jones In 2011, Thurston County mental and health hazard. … [email protected] ping bags. ight now, thousands Solid Waste Advisory Council We therefore conclude that it Susan Herring, Council Members Lenny of your neighbors use began work on a new policy is essential to have the same 2nd Vice Chair Greenstein, who accepted a [email protected] paper and reusable with a detailed public involve- ban on plastic bags that $300 campaign donation from Carolyn Cox, Secretary grocery bags when ment plan. Following the lead has been adopted by other Poly Bags of Tacoma on May R [email protected] they shop. Since last year, of Seattle and communities municipalities in the State of Katrina Wynkoop Simmons, 11, 2015 – coincidence? – and millions of plastic bags have nationwide, they worked to Washington.” Treasurer Jason Hearn led the effort for been kept out of landfills. This increase adoption of reus- Forging consensus among [email protected] a ballot measure. They insist is, in part, due to ordinances able bags without affecting retailers, politicians, and Christine Garsts, State that issues such as plastic bag banning disposable grocery businesses bottom lines or consumers, Olympia, Tumwa- Committee Woman [email protected] bans should be decided by vot- bags in much of Thurston inconveniencing consumers. ter, and Lacey and Thurston The advisory council got to Dylan Carlson, State ers. County. After 16 months, County passed bans on dis- Committee Man A majority of council mem- should your neighbors keep work in Bucoda, in Yelm and posable plastic bags. The [email protected] places in-between. After a bers, led by Mayor Andy Ryder, the effective waste preven- rules became effective July 1 Meren Gadman, Committee tion plan? Or should they just year of leg work, the result 2014, and the past year has rejected Greenstein’s motion Member-at-Large bag it? was a practical plastic bag seen positive results. to put the plastic bag question [email protected] First, some background: ban ordinance in place in to a public vote. And rightly so. Mizanur Rahman, Committee Americans discard more than Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater, Eric lives and works in Tum- Member-at-Large We elect city council members [email protected] 100 billion plastic bags annu- and Thurston County. water with his wife and three to lead and make decisions on ally, the Clean Air Council In its fall 2012 report, the children. He’s a recovering jour- The Democrat Newsletter our behalf. If we don’t like their council wrote, “plastic bags Published Quarterly: January, reports. In our county alone, nalist and proud graduate of April, July, October decisions, our recourse is to roughly 90 million bags went constitute a serious environ- Western Washington University. vote them out of office. from one-time grocery store Dennis Mansker, Editor [email protected] Last year, Lakeside Indus- use and into garbage each tries upped the ante in its bid year. Break that down: That’s Marisa Elston, Design about 350 bags per person [email protected] to recycle asphalt in the agri- cultural Nisqually Valley. The per year going right into the To plan your advertising, email: trash. [email protected] company offered to pay Thur- October 2015 THE DEMOCRAT 3 New and Improved Jail Finally Open for Business By Sandra Romero Despite these challenges, Thurston County Commissioner my fellow Commissioners and ast month, Thurston I continuously worked with the County’s highly antici- Sheriff’s Office and successfully pated Accountability reached an agreement earlier and Restitution Center this year, clearing the way for L(ARC) officially opened. The the ARC to open. old, dilapidated jail at the Court- The ARC is approximately house is finally empty. 100,000 square feet and con- The ARC was designed around tains almost 400 inmate beds. a model of incarceration known As part of the new features, a as direct supervision. This 7,700-square-foot Work Release means that deputies actually Facility has been opened nearby stay in the housing units with that holds an additional 96 the prisoners, which greatly beds. This facility replaces the increases safety. old Work Release center at the This not only reduces the courthouse – a modular building number of prisoner-on-prisoner that was put in place in 1995 as attacks, but direct supervision a temporary solution to over- gives staff more opportunities to crowding. Now, 20 years later, communicate with inmates and it has far outlived its usefulness. monitor their behavior. Officers Furthermore, the old Work remain in constant association Release Facility held 92 male with prisoners, dissolving the inmates. Women were unable to participate equally in jail alterna- sometimes adversarial relation- also vastly improved over the skills preparation training. down on the number of inmates tive programs as they had to be ships between them and the old courthouse jail. The build- Corrections staff in the work who re-offend when they are housed within the main jail due prisoners and fostering a work ing has seven classrooms release area wear civilian cloth- released and to reduce the to space issues. The new facility environment that is unencum- that will be used for General ing and act as case managers number of inmates that must be provides for female housing and bered by fear and hate. Education Development (GED) to help foster positive rela- housed in the ARC. equal participation. The Work The new direct supervision classes, therapeutic programs, tionships with inmates. They The trend nationwide in crimi- Release building also houses model required an additional substance abuse resistance work with community-based nal justice is moving toward other alternatives to incarcera- 16 employees to staff the dor- education, jail ministries, and programs to help transition locking people up who are dan- tion, including electronic home mitory-style pods. Hiring these more. defendants out of custody and gerous and finding alternatives monitoring, day reporting, additional officers was a chal- Inmates may also participate partner with local businesses to for others who can potentially community betterment, work lenge because the economy in programs such as Alcohol- help them gain employment. live productive lives with appro- release, and day jail. took a nose dive just as the ARC ics Anonymous and Narcotics All of these programs are in priate help and treatment. The The classroom and treat- was being constructed. Anonymous, attend religion ser- place to help offenders get back ARC puts us in a better position ment spaces in the ARC are vices, and take advantage of job on their feet. The point is to cut to do both. 4 THE DEMOCRAT October 2015 Vote for the Winning Democratic Team Port of Olympia

I have the public service experience to get it done. I began my 45-year professional career as an emer- George Barner, Commissioner District No. 1 gency room and critical care nurse. Later, I earned my doctorate and, as an epidemiologist for the State Department of Health, helped communities respond to environmental health concerns, such as asthma, As your Port Commissioner and lifelong Democrat, I have worked to ensure inter- pesticides, cancer, air pollution and wildfires. ests for a safer, cleaner, and greener Thurston County by land, air, and sea. I’m serious As a Planning Commissioner, I wrote city policies on urban green space and sea level rise, and was liaison about my record of service and project completion. The Port Commission started to to the Coalition of Neighborhood Associations. Earlier, I served on the Utility Advisory Committee. I have make changes happen years ago. We recently hired an experienced, highly-qualified been a lifelong Democrat and Precinct Officer in two precincts. I am endorsed by WFSE Locals 443 and 872 marine terminal director. Together with the public, we can complete a full circle. (Ecology), Sierra Club, Washington Environmental Voters, and Mayors Foutch, Kmet and Jacobs. Thanks for Port Longshoreman have an excellent reputation for safety and efficiency in your support! cargo management, reducing pollution, and saving money. Our airport runs seven days a week with a terrific safety record. The New Market Industrial Campus Expansion provides space for new industry and jobs. Extension pro- Jessica Bateman, Council Position 2 grams from regional colleges and local vocational programs provide training and opportunity. The Port is I will bring a fresh, new voice to the city council, focused on collaboration and progressive in research and development of innovation for future Port activity. I promote lowering carbon effective solutions that can make Olympia a green, modern, thriving city. I’m footprint, continued retrofits with solar panels, update of SEPA policy, expansion of South Sound transit, committed to listening, learning, and working hard on behalf of all Olympians. cruise ship tourism, traffic refueling for docked vessels, update of the Port’s strategic plan, setting goals for I have professional experience working on public policy issues, including envi- sustainability, and gaining greater economic and environmental success. ronmental planning, public administration, and social services. I’ve worked in the I practice transparency to the public. Please contact me with questions at 360.357.8334 or at www. nonprofit sector, state, and local government and served for three years as the GeorgeBarner.com. I would appreciate your vote. legislative aide to Rep. Chris Reykdal. I’m currently the Community Impact Director for the United Way of Thurston County, advocating for citizens in our community. I serve as Secretary on Joe Downing, Commissioner District No. 1 the board of the nonprofit GRuB and as Finance Chair of the Olympia Planning Commission. Hello fellow Democrats. It was incredibly humbling to be the top vote getter in I’m proud to be endorsed by Representatives Chris Reykdal and Sam Hunt, Olympia Councilmember the primary election for Port Commissioner, District 1. I look forward to sharing my Jim Cooper, Lacey Mayor Andy Ryder, Lacey Councilmembers Jeff Gadman and Cynthia Pratt, Tumwater vision for the Port of Olympia in the final weeks of the campaign. Councilmembers Joan Cathey and Nicole Hill, Thurston County Treasurer Shawn Myers, NARAL Pro-Choice The Port cannot survive on past successes. We must learn from prior mistakes Washington, WFSE Local 443, Thurston-Lewis-Mason Central Labor Council, SEIU 1199 & 775NW. and missed opportunities. I’m running to bring new energy, greater consistency, I am dedicated to working together and building an incredible future for Olympia. I’m honored to serve this and a balanced perspective to Port leadership. With six years on the Port Advisory amazing community and would be humbled to have your vote. Committee, an economics degree, and MBA, I understand the issues, how to work with people, the importance of transparency in deliberations and actions, and how to best use economic Nathaniel Jones, Council Position 3 analysis in Port decisions, activities, and investments. Fellow Democrats, I’ve been active in this community for 25 years and have I’ll work with community partners, innovators, business, and labor to discover ways to increase and diver- served as Olympia’s Mayor Pro Tem for the past four. I have been a PCO and a sify marine activities that create revenue and financial stability. We’ll use new revenue to support job creation delegate to the State Convention. Currently, I am the Chair of InterCity Transit and in non-marine industries like a local food distribution/processing center, and enhanced activity at the airport. a Habitat for Humanity Board Member. It’s time for a 21st century leader that understands global economics while reflecting the strong values of our community. I welcome your comments and input. Thank you for voting in the upcoming election. - Joe I’ve made Olympia’s downtown revitalization a top priority and we’re seeing Downing, [email protected]. results. By the end of the year, new market-rate housing in downtown will top 250 homes. Renovation of the Washington Center, good parking meters, the isthmus cleanup, and greater public E. J. Zita, Commissioner District No. 3 safety have combined to make a difference downtown. Good things are happening throughout Olympia. We’ve protected our drinking water, rebuilt several parks, E.J. Zita is a scientist, farmer, and teacher. She has volunteered for many years our streetlights have been converted to LED, and many neighborhood projects have been completed across to strengthen our neighborhoods, farms, environment, and economy. the city. Chairing the Thurston County Agriculture Committee, Zita works to preserve Many Olympians still need better jobs and better wages. We need infrastructure improvements, environ- farmland and promote agriculture. Leading the Salmon Creek Basin Neighborhood mental remediation, a strategic climate response, and even better city services. Association, she held Port development to higher standards. Partnering with the I will build on Olympia’s strengths to revitalize our community and our economy. I will bring investment City of Tumwater and the County, Zita helped preserve public health and safety, to Olympia that is responsible and that honors our commitments to the future and toeach other. Olympia’s and natural resources. success depends on all parts of the community working well. Currently appointed to the Port’s Advisory Committee for New Market Economic Development, Zita supports sustainable development to improve our local economy, ecology, and quality of life. Financial transparency and community-based planning can improve Port operations. Taxes should be used for the public good, not short term profits for a few. The Port must listen to the people and plan for the future. City of Tumwater Zita will lead the Port toward greater opportunities, such as renewable energy, mixed-use development, and a food hub. With her skills and vision, she will support smart investments that serve the whole community and enhance our local environment. With a PhD in physics, Zita worked in industry and teaches at Evergreen. On her ranch in south Thurston Tom Oliva, Council Position 2 County, Zita farms sustainably with her partner, a 23-year Army veteran. It has been my privilege to serve on the Tumwater City Council for the past six years. I moved to Tumwater in 1996 and volunteered in my homeowners association, my neighborhood and in community service organizations before City of Lacey joining the council. I have a Master’s degree in Business Administration and have worked for the Washington State Parks Commission for the past 19 years. I love Tumwater -- its people and neighborhoods, its businesses and institutions, its history and oppor- Jeff Gadman, Council Position 3 tunities. I am running on my record of service to our community and my experience as an elected leader who produces results. My priorities include preparing for private redevelopment of the brewery property, You elected me to the Lacey City Council with a mission to keep our strong increasing public safety, supporting economic development, balancing the city budget and preserving our sense of community, to increase local living-wage jobs, and to improve the core natural and cultural resources. functions of our city. Looking back on those goals, I’d like to highlight some of my I am proud to be endorsed by State Senator Karen Fraser, State Representatives Sam Hunt and Chris accomplishments. Reykdal, County Commissioner Sandra Romero, the three mayors and a majority of council members from Tumwater, Olympia and Lacey, and many other community leaders and organizations. Community traditions are important, so I spearheaded the campaign to keep our Most of all, I am proud to be supported by you. I ask for your vote to continue our work for an even greater Tumwater! beloved 3rd of July Fireworks show, partnering with the lacey South Sound Chamber to expand the program so that it is bigger and better than ever. I have shown that Lacey is a great place to do business; I voted to reduce our local B&O tax and passed a balanced budget every year I’ve been on the Eileen Swarthout, Council Position 4 City Council. I was appointed to the Tumwater City Council last fall and hit the ground running. I’ve fought for the future of Lacey; as your representative on Sustainable Thurston, I helped design a plan for a vibrant future for lacey. I also worked to acquire additional water rights to guarantee future access to I’m deeply grateful to be able to serve as your newest voice on the council, and I clean drinking water. would be honored to have your vote in this election. I’m proud of my accomplishments for our city, and will continue my commitment to you by making careful Tumwater has a bright future ahead of it. We can revitalize the Brewery District decisions that are fiscally and environmentally responsive for the next four years. I would appreciate your vote. and fix the traffic problems on Capitol Boulevard that are slowing our city down. I’m committed to helping Tumwater stay safe with quality police and fire protection. I’m also an active runner, so ensuring we have superb parks and trails is always near the top of my mind. City of Olympia Tumwater can thrive if we work together. As a resident of Tumwater for over 25 year, I say that this is a wonderful community to live in. Over the years I have served as a leader in the PTA, the Boy Scouts and Ballet Northwest. It would be an honor to continue serving you on the Tumwater City Council. Cheryl Selby, Mayor Thank you for voting! We expect our Mayor to have practical experience, knowledge, and skills to bring the best out of people while leveraging limited resources. It is important we elect people with a solid sense of community and a record of achievement. Olympia School Board of Directors Over two decades in Olympia, I raised a family, built a thriving downtown busi- ness while also working and volunteering to improve our quality of life. As your current city councilmember, I focus on building partnerships, making safety a prior- ity, and invigorating our local economy. Joellen Wilhelm, Position 2 I’ll continue this work as Mayor and bring greater collaboration from our talented and diverse community. As your representative on the Olympia School Board I will work to support student We’ll learn from other cities how to promote and invest in our bountiful assets of arts, recreation, culture, and success. I am committed to competitive compensation for teachers, class sizes heritage to help us reach our community goals. Together, we’ll start solving our most difficult environmental, that work for students, and enhanced visual arts and music instruction. resource, and social priorities. I’m energized, committed, and ready to serve as your next Mayor. For more information on the depth and Schools are a valuable public good. This summer I personally met with leadership breadth of my experience in Olympia and ways that you can be a part of “Team Cheryl” please visit: www. at 17 schools in our District to gain a broad understanding of the current landscape. electcherylselby.com Thanks for your ongoing support! Our students come to the desk with different experiences, skills and resources. All these students have talent—talent is universal; opportunity is not. I will work hard to ensure that students Judy Barton, Council Position 2 have the opportunity they deserve. I serve on the Downtown YMCA Board and was 2014 Policy Volunteer of the Year. I volunteer at my I love Olympia. I’m proud of our unique city. Olympians deserve attractive and daughter’s school and was awarded the 2015 Madison Elementary Advocate of the Year recognition. My livable neighborhoods and a safe and active downtown. For quality of life and professional experience includes: Organizational Consulting, Development Coordinator at GRuB, MPA from economic health, I’ll invest in parks and open spaces, safe routes to walk and bike, Evergreen and Peace Corps Service in Macedonia. I am endorsed by: Mayor Buxbaum, Tumwater Council- and well-planned improvement projects, downtown and city-wide. I’ll support small member Joan Cathey, Former Mayor Doug Mah, and others see: www.electjoellenwilhelm.com businesses, urban agriculture, and public arts. I’ll insist on a responsible budget that I will ask tough questions, build on assets, learn from other Districts and take the time to listen to the earns citizens’ trust. I’ll help our homeless connect with social services. community. I ask for your support to do this work. October 2015 THE DEMOCRAT 5 Missing The Boat on Registration and Voting voters cast ballots in the 2012 to win local elective office. People will be more likely to And automatic voter registra- Presidential election. However, This idea will prove success- run and neighborhoods will be tion would lessen the work load it estimates that only 54% of ful in the cities of Seattle and more energized as a district for the Secretary of State and the eligible US voters are actu- Yakima this year. It is a simple election process develops. More local county auditors because ally registered. Belgium, Turkey, change—require candidates to people will register and vote the basics of voter registration Sweden, South Korea all had run by districts in the primary if they know there is a better would be handled for them. turnouts over 80%. Mexico had and general election. This pro- chance they will be represented Short of that, the very least 65%. cess was established by federal by a candidate who identifies we should do is enable 16 and The United States is often court order (based on the Fed- with them. (And, according to 17 year-olds to pre-register to referred to as a bastion of eral Voting Rights Act) in Yakima OFM data, Thurston County’s vote when they get their driver’s democracy; however, too many and by an initiative approved minority population is now over license or state ID card. Washing- Americans evidently cannot be by the voters in Seattle. As a 18%. But this population is ton already allows 17 year-olds By Representative Sam Hunt bothered with voting. There seem result, Yakima, which has never severely underrepresented in who will be 18 on Election Day to Legislative District 22 to be more important things to had a Hispanic elected to its city local elected offices.) register so they can vote in the do. People have evidently forgot- council should have at least two Washington needs to take a upcoming elections after they he United States (84.3%) ten what Washington, Madison, this year. This is a great step serious look at enacting Ore- turn 18. This is another mea- trails Australia (93.2%), Monroe, Jefferson, Jay, Frank- forward for a city that is over gon’s new Automatic Voting Law. sure that has passed the House Luxembourg (91.1%), lin and others went through to 40% Hispanic. Seattle will also Signed into law by Governor Kate several times only to die in the TBelgium (89.4%), Turkey win the Revolutionary War and see a more diverse city council Brown in March, any Oregon Senate. If we want young people (86.4%), Sweden (85.8), in the establish the Constitution that as a result of district elections. citizen who has dealt with the to vote, we should make regis- percentage of eligible voters depends upon the right to vote. In both cities there were record state’s Driver and Motor Vehicle tration and access to the ballot registered to vote. It must be What can we do to increase numbers of candidates who filed Services since 2013 will be easy and dependable. noted than Australia, Luxem- voter registration and turnout for city council seats. mailed a ballot for the next state- As technology advances, bourg, Belgium, and Turkey have at elections? There are several A state voting rights act, wide election. It is estimated our election processes need to compulsory voting; registered steps we can take to make which has passed the state that this will add 300,000 more change. My son asked me why voters must vote or face penal- Washington a leader in both House of Representatives three eligible voters. A person who he needed to find that paper bal- ties such as fines. categories. They are not revolu- consecutive years only to die does not wish to be registered lot, envelopes, and a stamp in However, when it comes to tionary ideas; in fact most have in the Senate, would offer local can request to be removed. order to vote, or why he has to voter turnout, the numbers proven highly successful in other governments the option of Washington’s most popular reg- get in his car and drive to a ballot are drastically different. Of states. enacting district-based elections istration method is through the drop box. “I rarely use stamps 35 developed countries, the First, Washington needs a that would allow voters in each Department of Licensing’s Motor and don’t have them on hand; United States voter turnout state voting rights act that will district to elect the person who Voter program; so we already so mailing a ballot requires me only exceeds Japan, Chile, and give people of color a fight- best represents that district. It have the technology in place to to go buy a stamp. Why can’t I Switzerland in their most recent ing chance to elect candidates would also eliminate the need for accomplish this. After all, we use my computer or cell phone national elections. Accord- that will represent them. The expensive federal voting rights must remember it is the right to vote? After all, I do my banking ing to Swedish-based Institute California Voting Rights Act has lawsuits like the current one in to vote not, as so many Repub- and pay my bills that way.” And for Democracy and Electoral a proven record of increasing Yakima that has cost the city licans believe, the privilege that, my friends, is a topic for Assistance, 67% of registered the ability for people of color over $3 million. to vote. another day, but think about it. The Three Cs of Education Courts, Charters and Class Size Legislative District 2 Report By Karelina Resnick, including both federal and state jobs and services difficult for many Continued from page 1 it’s public education that gets Eatonville parks and other protected lands in our LD. as well as private international We work to awaken commitment nearly half of all general tax WWF wresting match. Mostly corporately-owned forests, by the voters in the 2nd and pro- dollars (K12 and higher educa- he 2nd Legislative District scripted, but they still draw unconcerned with the local econ- mote a sustainable spirit in Olympia is a very large mostly blood once in a while and that’s tion combined). Returning our omy, local jobs, or regional health to meet the needs of our District rural district running why you keep watching. State budget to 7% of total of the environment. Much of our and our State. east-west from Thurston economic activity would add district has little or no public Private donors have agreed Tto Pierce County and includes transportation, making access to Karelina Resnick is a Democratice to keep charters open until a nearly $8 billion to the state parts of Lacey, Yelm, Rainier, Gra- Party activist from Eatonville legislative fix is presented (or budget. Enough to fully fund ham, Orting, and Mount Rainier. A presumably until a new initia- K12, completely pay for higher grass-roots Democratic organiza- tive is passed). Preferably one education access, return regu- tion, we are working to increase that doesn’t violate the consti- lar COLAs to public employees political participation and civic tution so clearly. and retirees and so much engagement. In our 2014 survey, local Dem- Private corporations and more. ocrats indicated the following We haven’t even touched wealthy individuals can afford priorities: to directly fund charters but excessive testing in this version • Overturning Citizens United they balk at any notion of a of edudrama, but rest assured, • Single Payer Health Care sys- comprehensive fix for the it swirls in the policy and politi- tem other 1.1 million kids in our cal primordial soup. It will be • Fully Funding Education public school system that pro- one of the major variables in • Food Labeling vides them nearly all of their an already multi-dimensional To meet these priorities, we inform, engage, and educate, workforce. So … education chess game. Yes, both our constituents and our leg- that was two metaphors in one! One must wonder what the islators, with public speakers and charter movement is actu- Nothing major will happen panel discussions. We maintain ally about; Better schools? until after November of 2016. both a Facebook page and web- “Choice”? Or is it really just a All sides believe there is too page, providing articles, petitions, teachers’ union busting tool much at risk politically to take cartoons, and news stories with masked as a bundle of private too much policy risk before a progressive Democratic view hope in a sea of public educa- then. to counter the biased television, radio, and newspaper reporting. tion despair — a brand that I I hope this helps to put We work with like-minded and the big pieces before you. As do not believe has substantial other local organizations to reach merit but has been promoted always you can call, text, email, further into our communities, aggressively in order to sell pri- telegraph or communicate in such as Chambers of Commerce, vate sector-like solutions? any way that works best for the Sierra Clubs, and the Nisqually Cutting your tax base from you if I can answer any ques- River Council. 7% of your economy to less tions, offer any conspiracy There are many other commu- than 5% in 35 years will cer- theories or otherwise entertain nity needs. Our area includes the highest rate of unemployment in tainly create despair (real or you while informing you. Pierce County. A large percentage perceived), especially when of our lands are a large portion of the remaining farmland in Pierce County. We also have forests, 6 THE DEMOCRAT October 2015 Hunt wins first Giffords Award for civility in government By Carolyn Cox killed. Giffords suffered a gun- the bill; the amendment was Secretary, shot wound to the head and destined to fail but the talk Thurston County Democrats has made an amazing recov- went on and on. When Hunt ery. Extensive rehabilitation and his staff director asked State Rep. Sam Hunt received and hard work have enabled why Magnuson just couldn’t the first Gabby Giffords Award her to walk and regain much of call for a vote and finish debate for Civility in Government. her speech capability. on the bill, the senator said he Former Arizona The award, sponsored by the couldn’t do that. When asked Congresswoman Gabby University of Arizona’s National why, he responded, “I might Giffords and her husband, Institute for Civil Discourse, need his vote on something former astronaut Mark Kelly, was also presented to state else tomorrow.” presented the award in person Rep. Hans Zeiger, R-Puyallup. Running over the other sena- during a reception in Seattle in In remarks, Hunt related an tor and forcing a vote might early August. experience he had when work- have prevented that, so the Congresswoman Giffords ing for Sen. Warren Magnuson debate went on and civility was shot in an assassination during debate on an Appropria- was maintained. And, yes, the attempt on January 8, 2011, tions bill about 2:30 a.m. on amendment eventually failed. in Tucson, AZ. Thirteen peo- the US Senate floor. Hunt also pointed out that Gabrielle Giffords, along with her husband Mark Kelly, far right, present the award for ple were injured and six were A senator was droning on in the division on house and sen- Civility in State Government to state House Reps. Sam Hunt, second from right, and Hans support of his amendment to ate floors “is an aisle not a wall.” Zeiger, left. Courtesy of National Institute for Civil Discourse Obamacare a Mixed Bag Where Are We and Where Are We Headed?

health care access to hundreds rates he cannot account for up Cigna for $54 billion, while More recently, enough of thousands of working poor the piled-up profit (“surplus”) Aetna is devouring Humana for Democrats followed Presi- Washingtonians – although low of the dominant nonprofit carri- $37 billion. Almost no federal dent Obama’s lead to pass payments are a provider deter- ers. After rates came in below antitrust enforcement occurs, fast-track authority on a rent. Our state also set up its the worse fears of many for as insurers are protected by Trans-Pacific Partnership that own exchange, the Healthplan- 2015, in part because carriers state-based regulation. Should includes a sweetheart deal to finder, through which insurance were allowed to raise deduct- the ACA-era marketplace be stall generic drugs by extend- can be purchased, and tax sub- ibles and narrow networks dominated by fewer carriers, ing patent monopolies. sidies received. This allowed (even denying autism care here however, the “more competi- Recently, Marilyn Tavenner, the state to avoid some initial until being forced to provide it tion” lie that kept a public option who spearheaded health care challenges of the federally-facil- by a private lawsuit), greater at bay will be exposed. Much reform for the Obama Adminis- itated exchanges (Healthcare. premium increases are in store of Washington, for example, tration, left the Administration gov), even if accountability nationwide for 2016. already has a single-payer sys- to run the nation’s health insur- has been questionable given Those of us who wanted tem: Premera Blue Cross and ance lobby. That lobby has By Brendan Williams outsourcing, the Healthplan- single-payer health care, or at its wholly-owned subsidiary already been hugely success- Former WA State Representative finder’s quasi-private status, least a public option, feel appre- Lifewise. ful in persuading members and the fact that only one hension. The ACA’s incentives Last year’s pharmaceutical of Congress to sign its let- ive years into Affordable designated consumer repre- have encouraged hospitals to price increase was the big- ters opposing Medicare (Dis) Care Act implementa- sentative sits on its board. consolidate and also buy phy- gest since 2003. This has Advantage savings, and it’s tion we can reflect on Washington is fortunate its sician practices – reducing been a resonant issue for reasonable to wonder how it where we have been F insurance commissioner has competition and raising prices. Vermont Senator Bernie Sand- will use Tavenner’s insights to and where we’re going. the ability to review rates, while Insurers are getting in on the ers, among 51 senators who further bend the ACA to its will. Our state embraced Medic- unfortunate that in reviewing act, too. Anthem is gobbling broke with the president and All of this is to say that while aid expansion, which provides supported a reimportation the ACA has been invaluable in amendment to the ACA (60 demonstrating a public appe- votes were needed to survive tite for health care, we must the Senate’s cloture rule). Dur- now fight the avarice of those ing the ACA debate, Sanders giant corporations to which had argued, “I know and you public policy is now inextrica- know that the drug companies bly� wed. This battle did not are very powerful. They are end in March 2010. delighted that the American Former State Rep. Brendan people are paying by far the Williams (D., 22nd District) writes highest prices in the world for nationally on health care. prescription drugs.” October 2015 THE DEMOCRAT 7 Vote No on Extortion – Vote NO on Eyman I-1366 By Dennis Mansker, Editor intends to hold the state govern- required a 2/3 majority vote on fore is also unconstitutional, but Hmmmm. I wonder how many ment hostage. tax increases. I also hope you he allowed it to remain on the bal- school lunches or how many ashington’s favor- Let’s call it what it is: Extortion. remember his temper tantrum in lot. If this gets approved by the antiquated school textbooks or ite political gadfly, All summer long he sent his court when it was ruled unconsti- voters, it will trigger yet another how many rides to the doctor for Tim Eyman, is at paid minions out into supermar- tutional. expensive constitutional chal- elderly shut-ins could be taken it again. As usual, ket parking lots and shopping But he’s going on with his cru- lenge, which will culminate in it care of with that kind of money? it’sW not pretty. In a move worthy malls to get voter signatures on sade, proving the adage that you also being declared unconstitu- It comes as no surprise that of a subplot on The Sopranos, he his latest attempt at anti-democ- can’t keep a bad idea down. tional by the Washington State Eyman himself is the subject of racy, Initiative 1366, which would This year he’s back with I-1366, Supreme Court. an investigation into the use of cripple public services unless the which is really just a walking-dead, So why does Eyman keep doing the money he’s collected to run legislature refers to the voters a lipstick-on-a-pig clone of I-601, this? One word: Money. his initiative scams on the state tax measure that would require a dressed up in gangster pinstripes He’s making a tidy sum from of Washington. Ample evidence two-thirds approval vote before and ready for the Valentine’s Day supporters who keep giving dona- seems to establish that he’s taxes are raised. dance. tions to him. diverted this money to line his This “two-thirds” seems to be Already a judge in King County One supporter who gave him own pockets instead of using it to a pet ratio for Eyman. You will has found that I-1366 is likely $50,000(!) said that she didn’t further his political agenda. recall his infamous I-601 back beyond the scope of the initiative see anything wrong with that and The Thurston County Demo- in 2002, which also would have power of the people, and there- “couldn’t think of anything better crats have voted unanimously to to spend the money on”. oppose passage of I-1366. Please join us in putting The Climate on Earth is A-Changin’ Eyman’s undemocratic hostage- taking extortion scheme in the Come coal, gas and oil men, How will they forgive you if you ground, where it belongs. Vote you’ve poisoned the air. don’t lend a hand. NO on I-1366. And the land and the water’ as if you don’t care. If the planet, for them, is worth savin’. For naught but your profits – and Then get off of your assets. more than your share. Pull your heads from the sand. Vote YES on I-1401 Well your hour of reckoning’s For the climate on Earth is arrivin’. a-changin’. Your in-the-ground assets will nitiative 1401 will appear on have to stay there. Indigenous peoples from both your ballot this election. If For the climate on Earth you’ve far and near. passed it would toughen up been changin’. Reject the despoilers of Earth’s laws dealing with the traf- biosphere. I ficking in endangered species. Come senators, congressmen, For the Seventh Generation* too Thurston County Democrats answer the call. soon will be here. By Dusty Rhodes Don’t pretend you don’t know. Their future is ours for the savin’. approved unanimously a “YES” (To the tune of “The Times They Don’t deny and don’t stall. So that when they are born they vote to endorse passage of Are A Changin” by Bob Dylan) For your failure to act could well will not live in fear. this important initiative. doom us all. Of a climate on Earth that’s Come gather ‘round people at There’s a typhoon outside and a-changin’. the Capitol dome. it’s ragin’. Letter to the Editor And demand that your leaders It’ll soon flood your basements Yes when they are born they save this planet – our home and creep up your walls. must not live in fear. Mr. Mansker, I read your article And accept nothing less – you Of a climate on Earth that’s For the climate on Earth is describing the potential dangers will not stand alone. a-changin’. a-changin’. If the Earth, to you, is worth savin’. of an Article V Convention and I’d Then you’d better start callin’. Come mothers and fathers * Indigenous peoples traditionally like to make a few corrections. Go pick up the phone. throughout the land. make no decision that might harm While it seems you understand the seventh generation. For the climate on Earth is If you don’t step up now your the basics of how such a conven- a-changin’. kids won’t understand. tion would work, you’re missing one key detail – that an Article V Convention is NOT the same as a Constitutional Convention. Delegates would only have the power to PROPOSE new amend- ments to the Constitution and any amendments proposed still need to be approved by 3/4 of the state legislatures so you can put any fears of corrupt Congressmen fun- damentally changing the nature of our government to an oligarchy to bed. This is an extremely important issue facing America today and, when determining ways of fix- ing our broken system, nothing should be left off the table. Jerome Larson Editor’s Note: Mr. Larson is cor- rect. This was not stated clearly in the article. Any proposed amend- ments do have to be passed by 3/4 of the legislatures. In 31 states. Republicans have control of both houses of the legislature (or, in the case of Nebraska which has only one house, all of the legislature), 8 states have “split” legislatures – one house Demo- cratic, one Republican. Only 11 states have Democrats in control of both houses. Since 38 states have to ratify, the Republicans would have to wheel and deal in 7 states to get this ratification. This is a high hurdle but not one that is insurmountable. 8 THE DEMOCRAT October 2015 2015 Elections: Dates to Remember General Election Caucus and Convention Dates for 2016

• October 5, 2015...... Last day to change/update voter registration • March 26, 2016...... Precinct Caucuses

• October 14, 2015...... Ballots available/ballots in the mail • April 17, 2016...... Legislative District Caucus

• October 26, 2015...... Last day to register to vote • May 1,2016...... County Convention

• November 3, 2015...... General Election • May 21, 2016...... Congressional District Caucus • June 17 to June 19, 2016....State Convention Advertise in the Thurston County Democrat!

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