GRASSROOTS

GRASSROOTS Primary Election We support candidates who

Ballots Due August 18 will ensure that our commu-

The Newsletter of the Thanks to a three-way race for the nities are great places to

Whatcom County County Council At-Large seat, all voters live, work, learn and play

will receive ballots this Primary election.

Democratic and:

Here are the candidates endorsed by

Central Committee the Whatcom Democrats that will appear Encourage Sustainable

on your Primary ballot: EconomicVitality

Membership Meeting County Council At-Large: Laurie • Advance sound governance and

Caskey-Schrieber (see page 2) fiscal responsibility

Thursday, August 18 Port of Bellingham District 1: John • Support local business

7:00 – 9:00 pm Blethen • Foster job growth

Norway Hall Port of Bellingham District 2: Michael Manage Growth Effectively

1419 N. Forest St, Bellingham McAuley • Preserve our agricultural lands

(between Champion & Magnolia) • Retain and enhance neighbor-

hood character

All Democrats Welcome • Maximize transportation alterna-

PROGRAM: Final endorsement for tives

2009 election season. Candidates and Conserve Our Environment

issues to be considered: • Protect water quality in all

watersheds

Bellingham City Council Ward 6, • Clean up contaminated sites

see page 3 • Protect and restore wildlife

Bellingham School Board Postion 4 habitat

(page 3) and position 5 (page 4)

Whatcom County Library System

Levy (page 5) Debate Centers on Details of Health Care Public

Referendum 71, Domestic Partner- Option

ship rights (page 5)

Initiative 1033, Tim Eyman’s latest Whatcom Democrats passed a resolu- Medicare reimbursement rates.

anti-tax proposal (page 4) tion at the July 16th membership meeting On July 28th, Congressman Larsen an-

expressing profound disappointment with nounced that a deal was reached between

Whatcom County Congressman Rick Larsen’s statement that House leadership and a health care “equal-

he would not support the public option in ity coalition” of Members of Congress in-

Democratic Picnic current health care reform legislation. cluding Larsen, other Washington Demo-

August 30, 3-7 pm The Whatcom Democrats platform en- crats and Representatives from sixteen

dorses a national single-payer health care other states who are working to fix long-

Fairhaven Park, 107 Chuckanut Dr, plan. Since single payer health insurance standing Medicare reimbursement prob-

Bellingham, Upper Pavillion legislation is not currently being consid- lems that have hurt access to health care

$7 per person, ered, Whatcom Democrats consider inclu- for Washington seniors.

Hemplers Hot Dogs and drinks sion of a public option an essential part of Larsen has pushed to get a fair deal for

Bring a side dish to share any Health care reform bill. Washington state and change the way

Dessert contest among candidates A recent poll shows that 76 percent of health care is delivered to reward “value

the American public feel it is important to not volume” – value for the patient, not

August 2009 “give people a choice of both a public plan volume of tests or procedures.

administered by the federal government “One hundred and four thousand of my

Vol 5, Issue 8

and a private plan for their health insurance.” constituents don’t have health insurance,

info@whatcomdemocrats.com and local families and businesses are strug-

Congressman Larsen had stated that

www.whatcomdemocrats.com he would not vote for the current public gling with the high cost of care,” said

360-647-7661 option because payments were tied to

continued, page 2

Remembering Whatcom Democrats’ Endorsed Candidate

Karen Durham Laurie Caskey-Schrieber, County Council At-Large

1940-2009 As your repre- est on this land would be the best action

by Stephanie Kountouros sentative on the that we could do for the long-term health

County Council, of Lake Whatcom.

I first met Karen Durham through work- I’ve worked hard In supporting Democratic values, the

ing at Sean Humphrey House, the AIDS to support our council created the Whatcom Alliance

support center named after her son who shared values and Healthcare Access (WAHA) program

died of the disease. Their founder and ideals. For nearly bringing medical providers together with

board member, Karen was someone who eight years, I’ve people in need and without health insur-

combined a deep understanding and com- taken actions to ance. This is a novel approach that is re-

passion for people living with AIDS with protect our sus- ceiving national recognition.

a fearless determination to increase their tainable agricultural industry, which pro- Other acheivements:

quality of life and provide services. Vol- duces $330,000,000 worth of food for our • Secured funding for Drug and Family

unteering with her as she managed Greta tables each year and adds to the value of Court (both lead to reduced rates of

Cammermeyer’s 1997 congressional cam- our local economy. recidivism).

paign, I got to know Karen the political strat- I have strengthened our park system • Offered support for local businesses

egist whose focus and inspiration helped by securing funding for land acquisitions by providing funding for Western’s

lead a powerful grassroots campaign. and maintenance to keep parks open. I Small Business Development Center.

A Bellingham native and lifelong com- have also worked with the school district • Addressed Climate Change by

munity activist, Karen Durham’s involve- superintendents to pass a school impact fee requiring County Government to

ment in our community was diverse and ordinance, so that schools aren’t adversely purchase 100% Green Power.

far-ranging. She was on the board of the affected by growth in their communities. I appreciate the support that I’ve re-

Bellingham Public Library and League of While in office I’ve supported bold ceived from my fellow democrats, and I’m

Women Voters as well as the Farmer’s actions to protect Lake Whatcom; created honored to have the opportunity to serve

Market Association, serving as Market new development standards, restricted you once again. THANK YOU!

Manager and helping it grow to its present land clearing to the dry summer months,

success. She was an active Democrat and through down zoning, transfer and pur-

member of the Uppity Women of Whatcom chase of development rights, we’ve elimi-

County. Her work in these areas and es- nated 3,300 development sites from the

tablishment of a viable, important AIDS watershed. Right now we are working on

organization is a powerful legacy. I am in- a re-conveyance proposal, which would

spired and motivated by her legacy and transfer 5,000 to 8,000 acres of commercial

honored to have known her. forest land, back to the county to then

manage as conservation parkland. This

Health Care area is equal to 25% of the entire water-

continued from page 1 shed. Re-establishing the old growth for-

Larsen. “My constituents deserve health

care reform that works for our state. That

is why I am working to pass health care

reform that expands access to care for lo-

Whatcom Democrats Executive Board

email: add @whatcomdemocrats.com

cal seniors and other patients. Our deal is

Chair Natalie McClendon 671-6851 demchair

an important step toward reaching that Vice Chair Bill Newmon 733-5386 demvchair

goal.” Treasurer Peggy Borgens 384-0861 treas

The initial idea of a public option was Recording Secretary Michele Kammerer 398-2878 recsec

to bring needed competition into the fi- Corresponding Secretary Carole Jacobson 734-5019 corsec

State Commiteewoman Stephanie Kountouros 734-7340 statewoman

nancing of health care. John Geyman MD, State Commiteeman Hue Beattie 671-5597 stateman

of Physicians for a National Health Pro- Affirmative Action Monica Gunderson (425) 351-9477

gram says, “ Forget that dream. Although Campaign Adam Day (206) 914-2170

the current House and Senate bills both Candidates John J. McGarrity 738-9695

Communications (Vacant)

include a “public option”, it is in name Finance Roni Beall 756-1405

only. What might have roared like a lion is Issues and Resolutions Tim Douglas 676-8530

becoming, at most, a mouse that barely Membership Steve Schuck 733-1063

squeaks.” Technology (Vacant)

WCD Women’s Clubs Catherine L. Chambers 647-3888

While the position of the party is Young Democrats Andrew Lamb (425) 374-9686

clearly in support of single-payer, it is un- 40th LD Representative Bob Burr 671-8862

clear at what point the legislation is so 42nd LD Representative Steve Lydolph 384-5414

compromised as to warrent opposition.

page 2

Bellingham School Board Director, Position 4

Steven Smith Rogan Jones I served on the 2005 Public School

Levy Advisory committee and helped pass

If you think I am a third a $67 million bond, the largest school levy

back to your years generation in our community's history. The citizens

in school, what Bellingham resi- of Bellingham have chosen to keep and

lessons, projects dent, active com- maintain our small schools. With public

or activities do munity member, school enrollment completely flat, why is

you still remem- and have two chil- our district continuing to build new

ber? Some I have dren currently in schools in undeveloped areas? Our neigh-

spoken with re- Bellingham borhood schools are centrally located, well

member an art schools. I am run- loved, and sustainable. They encourage walk-

project or play, ning for school ing and biking, they build community, and

others a history project, still others remem- board because I want to preserve the char- make Bellingham a desirable place to live.

ber a shop class or an engaging science acter of our neighborhood schools while There is a disconnect between the long

experiment. The common thread is not the providing a world-class education for our term plans for the schools and the

activity remembered, but that the activity children. Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. I will

touched that person’s skills and interests. I currently own and operate Affordable work to forge closer alliances between the

Unfortunately, mandated standardized Information Systems, a custom software schools, the city and the county, and to

testing has forced school districts to cre- company as well as manage several com- improve communication between the

ate one-size-fits-all curriculums, thus lim- mercial properties. I am a member of the School Board and the citizens of

iting the ability of students to mold their Rotary Club of Bellingham, and am a di- Bellingham.

education to fit their needs. rector of the Whatcom Community Foun- Consolidating our schools and taking

As students enter high school, they dation and Business Bank. them out of our communities is a mistake.

should have options to pursue Vote Rogan Jones for School Board.

coursework that leverages their unique

skills. For some this will mean four-year Bellingham Council Ward 6 “Do Over”

college preparatory classes. For others this

may mean acquiring technical skills for em- The membership of the Whatcom We want a healthy democracy and

ployment after high school graduation. A Democrats did not endorse a candidate in public process. I have been one of those

quality education is not one-size-fits-all; the Ward 6 race at our June endorsement involved citizens. I helped found Citizens'

our high schools can and should offer op- meeting. A two-thirds majority is required Forum, to set up a better kind of commu-

tions to meet individual student needs. for endorsement, and the vote was enthu- nity dialogue.

A quality education is multi-faceted. siastic, but split. We want responsible and sustainable

At its base is a strong foundation in math, With preliminary counts on the Primary growth—change on our terms. On my own

reading and writing. Arts and music edu- balloting to look at, we will again consider and through Futurewise Whatcom, I've

cation help students develop creative candidates in this race, on August 20th. worked on neighborhood planning, trans-

thinking. Self confidence and strong work The following candidates, Michael portation and public transit, containing

ethics provide students with ‘structural Lilliquist and Catherine Chambers, have sprawl, and rural preservation.

integrity’, so that when failures occur stu- been certified as Democrats, and have ac- The Washington Conservation Voters

dents are able to learn from them and carry cess to Party resources to pursue their and the local firefighters offered me their

on. Our schools can and should be places campaigns. sole endorsements; I would love the en-

where all students can achieve their po- dorsement of the Whatcom Democrats as

tential, and I believe that by working to- Michael Lilliquist well. I believe I am ready for the job, and I

gether – educators, parents and the larger ask for your support.

community – we can provide a quality edu- Since my fam-

cation to all students. ily moved to

Teaching college level accounting for Bellingham, I have Catherine Chambers

the past 14 years has provided me both been an active citi-

zen, and it's as a As a 30 year

the classroom and financial experience to

citizen that I now resident of

help guide the school district into the fu-

want to serve our Whatcom County

ture. As a school board director, I will lis-

community on the I have seen many

ten to your concerns, and work with edu-

City Council. changes. Yet

cators, community members and my col-

We all want to Bellingham re-

leagues on the school board to help each

save Lake Whatcom. I am vice chair of the mains a place I

student achieve their potential. Website

Watershed Advisory Board, and helped love. I am a par-

at www.bellinghamk12.com; email

develop 33 specific “management actions” ent of three chil-

bellinghamk12@gmail.com.

to protect our drinking water. OVER

page 3

Catherine Chambers Bellingham School Board Director, Position 5

continued from previous page

Michael Jay Scott Stockburger

dren, two adults and a 17 year old son.

Growing up here has been a rewarding and Education is a Current Oc-

enriching experience for them. I have vehicle by which cupation/

worked in local service organizations to we can improve Empolyer: Family

advocate on behalf of people facing many our future, today. Doctor, Stock-

challenges. While the econo- burger Family

As a Democrat I am an elected pco, a my is taking its Medicine

state committee woman, President of the toll on our Significant

Washington State Federation of Demo- schools, this is an Career Experi-

cratic Women and Whatcom County opportunity for ence: Physician

Democratic Women. I am a hard worker setting Belling- licensed to prac-

and work to help build the party and raise ham Schools on a path toward greater tice medicine in the State of Washington,

money. collaboration with the City and County to and a member of the Medical Staff of St.

My priorities are consistent with our better address the needs of every child. Joseph Hospital since 2000.

Democratic values. To protect and im- The challenge is to be lean but not mean! • Stockburger Family Medicine, 2005-

prove the quality of our drinking water, We need to get the most from our invest- present

listening to neighborhood concerns, de- ment ensuring that every child is support- • Sea Mar Community Health Center,

veloping sustainable living wage jobs and ed in excelling where they show aptitude Bellingham, 2000-2004

making tough financial choices. I am ask- and provided assistance in areas where • Area Health Education Center, Fort

ing for your support in this race and for they are challenged. Our focus must turn Smith, Arkansas, 1998-2000

the Democratic endorsement. from the institution to the individual. His- • University of Arkansas for Medical

torically, institutions have focused on top Sciences, Little Rock, 1997-1998

Eyman Initiative Would down administration, managing and allo- Education:

Cap State Spending cating local, state, and federal funds to • M.D. 1997 University of Arkansas

programs and services based on the needs College of Medicine

I-1033 is professional initiative spon- of populations of students. The shift in • B.A. 1989 Hampshire College,

sor Tim Eyman’s latest anti-tax proposal. focus to the individual supports educa- Amherst, Massachusetts

It is based on a Colorado initiative voters tors, administrators, and parents in our Family: Married to the Rev. Andrea

passed and later shelved after education, goal of reaching each student. McMillin, 1993. Daughters Clara, grade

health care and transportation funding Community plays an essential role in 2, Happy Valley Elementary; and Sophia,

reached a breaking point. addressing the needs of each child as grade 6, Fairhaven Middle School.

It would place a cap on spending by learning extends beyond the classroom. I Statement: Dr. Stockburger is com-

state and local government based on the stated in a 2007 Herald interview that, mitted to our schools and our community.

previous year’s budget. Spending would “schools should represent the interest of He will support full-day kindergarten,

be allowed to increase by a small percent- the community” and indicated that they neighborhood schools, arts and music,

age based on inflation and population are at the center of our neighborhoods. math and science. He will work to ensure

growth, but wouldn’t account for costs This relationship enriches our schools, that our schools continue to reflect our

that outpace inflation—like health care families, city, and county making community’s values and our city’s plans

costs, one-time capital investments, vet- Bellingham a place where our children can for growth. “Strong schools make for

erans returning from war needing addi- flourish. I am committed to supporting and strong families, a strong community, and

tional government services, and a grow- establishing policy that addresses the a strong economy. As a School Board Di-

ing older population that pays less into a needs of each learner and the community rector, and a parent of young children, I

system they rely on for greater levels of on which they rely. pledge to support our teachers and ad-

service. Any request for higher tax in- I started my career as an educator and ministration, advocate for full-day kinder-

creases would need voter approval. for over 25 years have continued to serve garten, and always put our students first.”

After a decade of similar budget K-12 in private industry. As a 16 year See more of Dr. Stockburger and his ideas

constaints, Colorado voters suspended Bellingham resident, I am prepared to bring about our schools at

the law with the support of business lead- my experience to bear in service of our stockburgerforschoolboard.org.

ers and a former Republican Governor. children and community. I look forward to

Washington State businesses, teach- receiving your vote of endorsement on Members of the

ers, health care providers, fire fighters, July 20th ensuring every child is helped

ahead.

Whatcom Democrats

environmental organizations and others

have already united against I-1033 be- You can find my blog at are urged to attend the

cause of its stringent spending caps - www.jay4education.org August 20th meeting to

which would lock in the nearly $4 billion vote on endorsements

in cuts made by legislators this year.

page 4

Referendum 71 Puts Domestic Partnership Law to Farm Friends Topic of

a Vote of the People Lynden Dems Meeting

At press time the effort to get Refer- adopted to a vote of the people, to either On Saturday, August 15, Lynden Dems

endum 71 on the ballot was too close to approve or reject. So if Ref. 71 makes it to will hold their monthly breakfast meeting

call. Sec. of State Sam Reed predicts it to the General Election ballot, a vote to ap- at Homestead, in the bar room. Please ar-

take up to a month to verify the required prove would retain the SB 5688, the Do- rive a few minutes before 9:00 so you can

signatures. mestic Partnership extension law of 2009. find a seat.

Washington’s new Domestic Partner- Our featured speaker, Henry Bierlink,

from Whatcom Farm Friends, will inform

ship law is under attack by Larry Stickney, Resolution Considers us about some of the issues facing farm-

president of the Washington Values Alli-

ance. His group filed Referendum 71 with

Support of Non- ers in this county. As consumers of farm

the state in hopes that votes would re- Partisan Candidates products these issues involve all of us,

peal it. not just those who work in agriculture.

The Whatcom Democrats membership

They needed to collect 120,577 valid Please invite friends and neighbors to join

will consider at its August 20 meeting on

signatures by July 25 to put the measure us.

final reading at resolution to treat non-par-

on the November ballot. Proponents We'll also talk about the health care

tisan candidates equally with partisan can-

turned in 137,689 signatures - 14 percent plans that congress is working on and will

didates when granting State Democratic

more than the minimum needed to be conside after the August recess.

Party resources.

placed on the November ballot. The aver- So that we can get an approximate head

The current practice is to charge Demo-

age historic signature error rate for citizen count please RSVP your intention to at-

cratic candidates for access to the party's

referendums and initiatives is 18 percent. tend the meeting to Bill Jennings at:

voter database, if they are running for non-

The Washington state legislature has

partisan office. Those running for parti-

passed a series laws that provide rights san office as Democrats are granted this

and responsibilities to lesbian and gay same resource as an in-kind donation from Covert-Bowlds Elected

Domestic Partners. The 2009 DP extension the State Democratic Party. The resolution

law, SB 5688, was recently signed by Gov- asks that partisan and non-partisan Demo- State Committeewoman

ernor Chris Gregoire. State Senator Ed cratic candidates be treated the same, with Ferndale Democrat Debi Covert-

Murray (a prime sponsor) said “the bill in-kind access to the voter database. Bowlds was elected in July by the 42nd

treats gay and lesbian families the same The state party’s voter database was LD Democrats to serve as their State Com-

as married families without requiring any- developed as part of Howard Dean’s 50 mitteewoman. Debi previously served as

thing different of churches or schools, and state strategy while he was Chair of the Chair of the organization in 2005, and is a

without changing the legal, religious or Democratic National Committee. It was put PCO.

social definition of marriage.” into use during the 2008 Presidential cam- Covert-Bowlds will represent the Leg-

A Referendum submits a law already paign, with great success. islative District at the State Democratic

Party meetings, and plans to be involved

in the Agriculture and Rural Caucus on

Whatcom Library System asks for citizen support the state level.

Levy Lid Lift on General Election ballot In early August, she is participating,

along with her teenage daughter, in an in-

Whatcom County Library System has January 1, 2010 to balance the library bud- terfaith peace delegation to Japan on the

placed a levy increase measure on the bal- get. anniversaries of the US atomic bombings,

lot because costs of materials and services Library checkouts have increased 46% where they will learn from survivor-wit-

have increased more than the one percent since 2001, and population increased 13%. nesses about their experiences and their

per year increase the library is allowed to Last year WCLS libraries checked out path of non-retaliation.

levy. Current library funding is not suffi- 1,441,375 books, issued 5,798 new library

cient to support services now provided cards, made 1152+ visits to the homebound

by Whatcom County libraries and the in- and 3,716 children, teens, and adults par- Democrats at the Fair

creasing demand for more services. ticipated in Summer Reading. Again this year we will have a booth at

Approximately 92.5% of the library’s The voters last approved increasing the NW WA Fair in Lynden, August 17-22.

operating revenue comes from property the library levy 29 years ago. The Library We have a great location, just opposite

taxes which is limited to 1% growth each Board is asking for an increase in the cur- Gate 1 on Front Street. Come by and see

year. The 1% increase does not allow the rent levy rate of $0.338 to a level of $0.44. us!

library to maintain current services. Washington State Law allows for up to Volunteers are needed to staff the booth

If the measure is not approved, WCLS $0.50 per thousand dollars of assessed and be ambassadors for the Democratic

will have to reduce current services. Two valuation. The measure on the November Party. Please call the office at 647-7661 to

budgets will be written for 2010; one with ballot would increase property taxes by sign up.

a levy lid lift and one without. If the pro- 10 cents per thousand dollars of assessed Volunteers receive a pass into the fair

posed levy lid lift is not approved by vot- valuation, which will cost the owner of a on the day they work. Shifts of 4 hours in

ers, library services will be reduced on $250,000 home approximately $25 per year. length start at 10 am, 2 pm, and 6 pm.

page 5

Whatcom County Democrats PRSRT STD

215 W. Holly Street, Suite B-27 US POSTAGE PAID

Collecting P.O. Box 3095 BELLINGHAM, WA

Now Bellingham, WA 98227 PERMIT NO. 28

for Fall Sale!



Household Goods, Working

Electronics, Smaller Pieces of RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Furniture, Clothing in Good

Condition, Collectibles



Drop off at 215 W. Holly Street,

Suite B-27 (enter on Bay)

M-F, 10 am to 2 pm



For details call 647-7661or email

office@whatcomdemocrats.com







For weekly updates of

Democratic Party and com-

munity events, subscribe to

our Announcement list, at

whatcomdemocrats.com,

menu item “Get Involved”.







AUGUST 2009 Check whatcomdemocrats.com for details







      

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