NEXT KCDW MEETING – OCT 27TH

We will meet at the All Star Lanes, 10710 Silverdale Way NW, in Silverdale. Our guest will be Richard Lemieux, author of "Breakfast at Sally's". He will discuss his experience of being homeless. Please bring canned goods and other non-perishable foods, to donate to the Salvation Army.

TIME TO START WORKING – REALLY!
by Jo Fox Burr

The biggest problem Democrats have in this election is the enthusiasm gap between us and the Tea Partiers. Polls are bad for us when counting likely voters, but good when counting all registered voters. So obviously what we need to do is get everyone on our side to vote. If you are not already involved, NOW really is the time to start. Call the Silverdale Office at 360-698-6833 or drop by. It is at 2819 NW Kitsap Place, Suite 160, behind Michaels.

KCDW has endorsed candidates and taken stands on some ballot measures. Here is a breakdown.

The candidates we have endorsed are: At the Federal level, Sen. Patty Murray, Representatives Jay Inslee (1st CD), and Norm Dicks (6th CD). At the State level: in the 23rd LD, Representatives Sherry Appleton and Christine Rolfes; in the 26th LD, St Sen. Derek Kilmer, Rep. Larry Seaquist, and Sumner Schoenike (running against Jan Angel (R)); in the 35th LD, Representatives Kathy Haigh and Fred Finn; and for Washington State Superior Court, Pos. 6, a non-partisan position, Charlie Wiggins. At the local level, all incumbent Democratic county office holders – Commissioner Josh Brown, Prosecutor Russ Hauge, Treasurer Meredith Green, Clerk Dave Peterson, Auditor Walt Washington and Sheriff Steve Boyer, plus Linda Gabriel for PUD Commissioner, which is also non-partisan.

The ballot measures are more complex.

Three concern state taxes. Passage of any of them could significantly impact our economic health – one for the good and two for the bad. Let’s talk about the bad first. Tim Eyman’s I-1053 would reinstate the requirement of a 2/3rd majority to pass tax increases to fund education or healthcare, giving a minority exorbitant power. I-1107 essentially undoes the compromise reached in the last grueling legislative session to balance the budget. It would remove taxes on such things as candy and bottle water. Candy is bad for our health and plastic water bottles are bad for the environment. These taxes are a win/win for us. They help balance the budget while deterring bad habits. For the good, there is I-1098 which would create a fairer taxing system by creating an income tax for the wealthiest 1.2%, while decreasing state property taxes and B&O taxes. And contrary to opposition claims, this income tax can only be extended through the initiative process. Quality educational and healthcare systems are core to the well being and economic health of this state, and they are both in trouble. I-1053 would put serious limits on how these systems could be fixed. I-1107 would force even deeper cuts to these systems. However, revenues generated by

I-1098 are dedicated solely to funding education and health care. Voting NO on I-1053 and I-1107, and YES on I-1098 is essential for their recovery.

Passage of I-1082 would be a severe blow to our workforce. Currently, all employers and employees, except large self-insured companies, are required to pay into the State L&I Fund. This fund offers injured workers decent compensation benefits while protecting employers from being sued. As a public system, there is no overhead profit. I-1082 would enable employers to select cheaper options from private companies which provide the same employer insurance while decreasing employee benefits. Vote NO on I-1082.

Referendum 52 would positively affect our educational system as well as our economy. It would authorize $500 million in state bonding for the purpose of making structural changes to our public schools that extend their physical life, make them more energy efficient, and create healthier and safer physical environments. Our school systems could save an estimated $130 million per year, enabling them to dedicate more funds towards books and teachers. Further this will create thousands of construction jobs which will stimulate the economy. Vote to APPROVE Referendum 52.

Locally, Kitsap Regional Library needs a Lid Lift. Our library system is under severe stress. Its supply of books is insufficient. Open hours have been cut back. Its technology is behind the times. AND two of its library buildings need to be replaced.  This lift will cost the owner of a home valued at $250,000 less than $3 a month. It’s a small price to pay to ensure a quality library system. Vote to APPROVE the Kitsap Regional Library Lid Lift.

Vote early so Get Out The Vote (GOTV) callers won’t have to call you. Share your views with those who will listen. Encourage them to vote. Come to headquarters to help GOTV. We can close that enthusiasm gap and pull off more wins than expected. Let’s give the pundits a November surprise.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Kitsap Co. Dem. Women
Date: Oct 27th (Wednesday)
Time: 11:30 am lunch; 12:30 Meeting
Place: All Star Lanes – Meeting Room
Speaker: Richard Lemieux, author of "Breakfast at Sally's"
Please bring some non-perishable food to donate to the Salvation Army

Kitsap County Democratic Central Committee
Date: Oct 18th (Monday)
Time: 6:00 pm (Deserts available)
Place: Silverdale Dem. Office
Purpose: Phone banking, Bring Cell Phones

23rd Legislative District
Date: Dec 12th (Sunday)
Time: 4-6 pm
Place: TBD
Purpose: Re-organization Meeting

26th Legislative District
Date: Nov 2nd (Tuesday- Election Day)
Time: 7-9 pm
Place: Kitsap Rm, Givens Community Center; 1026 Sidney Rd, Pt. Orch.

KCDW NOVEMBER MEETING
We usually move our November meeting to another day to avoid having it the day before Thanksgiving. This year it will be the following week – Dec. 1st. Note: It will be our re-organization meeting.

HOLIDAY PARTIES
KCDW’s party is Dec. 11th at Ambrosia Catering.
Kitsap County Dem. Central Com. Party will be on Dec. 8th; 5:30 – 8:30 pm at the Silverdale Beach Hotel.
Details for both events will follow later. 
 

“Bad officials are elected by good citizens who do not vote.” George Jean Nathan (American Journalist, Critic, Essayist and Editor, 1882-1958)

Jo Fox Burr, Newsletter Editor; foxburr@comcast.net