Meeting, June 12, 2019

32^nd Legislative District Democratic Organization

Minutes of Regular Monthly Meeting, June 12, 2019,

at the Richmond Masonic Center

Following 15 minutes of "Open Mic" time, including remarks by Mark Weiss, Jenna Nand and various judicial candidates and incumbents, and a fine dinner prepared by Rosamaria Graziani's volunteer crew, the meeting was called to order at 7:02 pm by District Chair Alan Charnley. After opening with the Pledge of Allegiance, M/S/C to approve the minutes of our previous meeting.

Guest speaker: Seattle Libraries Levy

Ben Anderstone, of the "Yes! Seattle Libraries" levy" campaign, explained and answered questions on this Seattle ballot measure, which would largely be a renewal of a previous Seattle levy for support of its library system. M/S to endorse the measure. Following remarks by Stephanie Harris in favor of the motion, it was voted to endorse the measure.

Election of Non-male Rep to KCDems

In view of Janet Way's recent resignation as our female representative to KCDCC, M/S to nominate Amber King to fill that position. There being no further nominations, Amber spoke and was questioned, whereupon our PCOs voted to elect her.

Endorsements

M/S to endorse Nina Martinez for Seattle Port Commission, Position 2. M/S to endorse Sam Cho for the same position. Mario Brown spoke in favor of Ms. Martinez, and Mr. Cho spoke for himself. Following Q & A for each, it was voted (by apparent unanimity) to endorse Mr. Cho. The ensuing vote on endorsing Ms. Martinez attained a 57 ½% favorable vote, slightly short of the 60% threshold required for our endorsement in this situation.

Incumbent Port Commissioner Fred Felleman, whose re-election had already been endorsed, then spoke briefly.

Nancy Katims spoke persuasively on behalf of her candidacy for Edmonds School Board, District 5. M/S to endorse her. Following Q&A, it was it was voted (by apparent unanimity) to endorse her.

Two candidates for Edmonds School Board, District 3, were introduced: Jennifer Cail, and Rory Graves. Each spoke, and was subjected to Q & A. M/S to endorse Ms. Cail. Following remarks by Carin Chase (as a continuing Edmonds School Board member) in favor of endorsing Ms. Cail, it was voted (by apparent unanimity) to endorse her. M/S to endorse Ms. Graves. Following remarks by Carin Chase in favor of endorsing Ms. Graves, it was voted to endorse her too.

Following an 8-minute break to carry out a scheduled raffle, the meeting resumed at 8:15 pm.

M/S (by Endorsement Committee) to endorse Rebecca Rivera, Ph.D., candidate for Shoreline School Board, District 5 — who is currently unopposed, due to withdrawal of the incumbent. She spoke briefly, answered questions, and was endorsed unanimously.

Meghan Jernigan., candidate for Shoreline School Board, District 1, spoke briefly and was subjected to Q & A. M/S to endorse her. Carin spoke on her behalf, following which Ms. Jernigan was endorsed unanimously.

Joe Cunningham and Sara Betnel, competing candidates for Shoreline School Board, District 5, were introduced, spoke briefly, and were subjected to Q & A. M/S to endorse Mr. Cunningham. Following speakers pro and con, it was voted (62% to 38%) to endorse him. M/S to endorse Ms. Betnel as well: Following one or more speakers in favor of doing so, it was voted (85% to 15%) to endorse her too.

Other Business

Carolyn Ahlgreen announced upcoming KCDCC training to be conducted on the use of "Minivan" in campaigns.

Two PCO appointments were announced: Margaret Brennand for SHL 32-1228, and Michael Bachety for SHL 32-1030. Each spoke. M/S/C to approve Margaret's appointment. M/S/C to approve Michael's appointment.

M/S to endorse Anna Alexander for Judge in Position 7, Snoco Superior Court. She spoke, and was subjected to Q & A. Upon it being pointed out that she had not yet been interviewed by our Endorsement Committee, and that we'd already endorsed another candidate for that position (Judge Edirin Okoloko, who spoke), it was M/S/C to postpone a vote on Ms. Alexander's candidacy until our August meeting.

Good of the Order: Jenna invited all comers to attend a scheduled rally, and Carin announced a July 21 Commemoration of the Life of Elaine Phelps (to be held at the Innis Arden Clubhouse). Ted Hikel thanked us for endorsing his candidacy for a Snoco Fire District Commissioner position, and urged others to file for such Fire District positions. Lael White urged each of us to contact our Congressmembers in support of H.R. 1384 ("Medicare for All"), and H.J.R. 48 (to override the infamous Citizens United decision).

M/S/C to suspend the rules to enable consideration of a Resolution Urging Enactment of the "Do No Harm Act," which would amend and limit the scope of the 1993 "Religious Freedom Restoration Act." Printed copies of the resolution had been available throughout the meeting, and Carin projected its text onto a screen and read it aloud. M/S/C to adopt the resolution.

M/S/C to adjourn, at 9:42 pm, whereupon Alan announced that our next "meeting" will be an informal picnic on July 13, to be held at Hamlin Park in conjunction with LD46.

Prepared and submitted by Dean Fournier, Acting Secretary pro tem.