Jeff Davis Wins Democrats' 35th District Nomination by 73%

Jeff Davis, candidate for State Representative in the 35th Legislative District, position 2, is the chosen nominee of the 35th LD Democratic Party going forward into the August Primary Election. This determination was made by vote of the Democratic Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) from throughout the three-county district on Saturday, April 21, meeting in a nominating convention at the Bremerton Airport Diner. The process requires a weighted vote, with each PCO casting a ballot with weights determined by population per precinct according to 35^th Democratic Chair Mark Biggs.

            Davis, Commissioner of the county-wide Port of Olympia prevailed over fellow Democrat Lynda Ring-Erickson, Commissioner of Mason County, by 123 to 44 weighted votes, with 24 of the 32 PCOs favoring Davis.

            “I am truly honored to have earned the support of the 35th Democrats,” said Davis. “I am working hard to bring our values and workable solutions for our district to the forefront of this election. I will continue to meet with folks throughout the district to hear their concerns as we move forward toward the Primary."

            The 35^th District includes all of Mason County and portions of Kitsap and Thurston Counties. The position is currently held by State Rep. Fred Finn (D) who is not seeking re-election.

            The reason behind the nominating process, according to Biggs, is due to the Top Two Primary system whereby any candidate may claim they “prefer” a party, whether they are part of it or not. In contrast, this process indicates the Party prefers a specific candidate: in this case, Jeff Davis. Both Democrats will go into the Primary with a Republican and an Independent opponent where two will move forward to the General Election           

During the convention, former 35th LD State Representative William “Ike” Eickmeyer put Davis’s name into nomination with a second from Marcia Hamilton. After the results were announced, Eickmeyer said, "The selection of Jeff Davis as Nominee for the House of Representatives was a wise and thoughtful action of the Democratic PCOs. Jeff's ultimate election will be a real win for the citizens of the 35th District and the State of Washington. Once in a while we get it right."

            Davis, age 44, works as a longshoreman and owns a property management business. He lives on a small farm in rural Thurston County with his three children.

            Davis has identified his top issues as jobs, education, natural resources and financial accountability.

            Jeff Davis has a degree in political science from the University of Oregon and he also studied at Cambridge. He is currently a director of Thurston County’s Economic Development Council and a trustee with the Thurston Chamber of Commerce. He is a former school board member, planning commissioner, and served on the board of a credit union, among others.

            For more information on newly-nominated candidate Jeff Davis, please see his website, www.electjeffdavis.com

(Submitted by Linda Thomson, Campaign Manager for Committee to Elect Jeff Davis (D). who may be reached at 360-801-0139 c or 360-372-2529 h or

linda@electjeffdavis.com . Jeff Davis may be contacted at 360-789-0205 or jeff@electjeffdavis.com )

Linda Thomson, Campaign Manager

360-372-2529 H; 360-801-0139 C
Committee to Elect Jeff Davis (D)
23969 NE SR-3, #G-260
Belfair, WA 98528
www.electjeffdavis.com

Support Jeff on Facebook!

Call to Convention: April 21st, 1:30 pm at Bremerton Airport Diner

CALL TO CONVENTION

Pursuant to bylaws of the 35th Legislative District Democrats, the Washington State Democratic Party, and in accordance with the laws of the State of Washington, I hereby call eligible Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs) of the 35th Legislative District Democrats to assemble in a Nominating Convention for the purpose of selecting our party’s nominees for the Washington State Legislature for 2012.

The convention will be held Saturday, April 21st near Belfair WA, at the Bremerton Airport Diner, at 1:30PM:

8830 State Highway 3 SW

Bremerton, WA 98312

Eligible PCOs (appointed and elected PCOs who reside in their precincts) shall cast weighted ballots for the nominee of their choice for 35th LD State Representative Positions 1 and 2. As representatives of the voters of your precinct, your vote is public record and your must sign your ballot. Announced Candidates for our nomination are Jeff Davis and Lynda Ring-Erickson for Position 2; and Kathy Haigh for Position 1.

You have received this Call to Convention because you are listed in our records as an eligible voting PCO. In the event of an eligibility challenge, final decisions on voting eligibility will be made by the Convention Credentials Committee. There are no proxy or absentee votes allowed.

The Nominating Convention will take place immediately following our Champagne Brunch, in the Banquet Room of the Airport Diner, at (no earlier than) 1:30PM. You are invited to attend the Champagne Brunch as well. Information is available at www.35thDemocrats.org. Attendance at the Brunch is not required to participate in the Nominating Convention.

The nomination of candidates for office is one of the most serious duties of a Precinct Committee Officer. PCOs are the most local elected officials in our representative democracy, and I urge you to attend the Nominating Convention and represent your precinct. If you have any questions, please contact me at 360/620-5407 or email me at Chair@35thDemocrats.org.

Mark P. Biggs

Chair, 35th LD Democrats

Please Join Us at the Bremerton Airport Diner on April 21st!

Join Us in Shelton for Our General Meeting and Holiday Party - December 3rd

Representative Haigh's Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you for taking the time to read my Ememo update regarding the State Budget.  I hope you find it informative and a helpful resource.  As always, thank you for the opportunity to represent you in the 35th District.

Sincerely,
Kathy

Global economic crisis continues; the effects are hitting Washington state hard

The state Economic and Revenue Forecast Council  (ERFC) released their latest report Thursday, and the news is pretty grim – since the 2011-13 operating budget was approved earlier this year, the revenue forecast has dropped $1.8 billion.

That’s a huge number.  And, according to Dr. Arun Raha, the Executive Director of the ERFC, things are unlikely to turn around anytime soon.  “The aftermath of the Great Recession is turning out to be a never-ending nightmare...I see no end in sight, the best I can hope for is that we don't slip back into another recession," he said.

He also made these points:

• Every time our state has looked like it would break out of the malaise, it has been sucked right back in.
• The gridlock in Washington DC and the instability of the European markets are affecting our recovery.
• It appears that we are at best in for an extended period of muddle-through – slow economic and job growth, high unemployment, and weak confidence. The risk of a double-dip recession too has increased.
• Consumer confidence is headed back down, as are sales expectations and small business optimism.

Raha did note that the aerospace and technology sectors of Washington’s economy are strong, but that they are not enough to make up for the “fear and uncertainty” that are keeping people from buying homes, cars, and other big-ticket items.

What does this mean for our budget? 

Well, the first thing to remember is that, unlike Washington DC, our state must balance its operating budget – and we can’t borrow money to do that.  And, after three straight years of deep budget cuts to vital services like public schools, higher education, nursing homes, and public safety, we have few options left.

Our budget leaders have been at work for some time, combing through the budget again, looking for more efficiencies and reductions.  At this point, all options are on the table.

What do you think?  Do you support balancing the budget with all cuts?  Do you think closing some tax loopholes should be considered?  What about increasing some revenues?  It’s important for me to hear from you as we move forward!  Please send me your ideas at haigh.kathy@leg.wa.gov
 
If you would like a refresher on what decisions were made in the current 2011-13 budget, here is a quick overview.

Keeping our kids healthy

There is some good news to report, though.  Even though the U.S Census Bureau reported last week that a record number of Americans now live below the poverty line, most Washington state kids are still getting the health care they need. Our award-winning children’s health coverage plan, Apple Health for Kids, deserves the credit.

The number of Washington’s kids who have no health coverage has dropped significantly in the past 10 years, according to the Census Bureau, and the total number of uninsured kids in our state (5.3%) is well below the national average of 9.7%. 

These numbers are even more impressive when you consider that between 2006 and 2010, nearly 165,000 children lost health coverage through their families employers.

Apple Health for Kids is recognized as a national model; just last month, the state was awarded and additional $2.4 million from the federal government to make sure more eligible kids are covered.  This is great news, because, despite the success of the plan, there are still nearly 85,000 Washington children lacking health insurance.

My commitment to early childhood education and support for full day kindergarten

Early childhood education and full day kindergarten for schools with high levels of students living in poverty is a passionate issue for me.

The legislative decisions last spring were very difficult and some social services had to be reduced.  But the legislature agreed to maintain funding to enroll both 3 and 4 year old children in early childhood education through the ECEAP program. This program offers a high quality preschool to students living in poverty as well as helping young parents to become strong supporters of their children's education and well being.  These are investments that can last a lifetime.

We also agreed to continue to increase funding for full day kindergarten in schools with a high percentage of students on free and reduced lunch.  When you speak to teachers in elementary schools that have implemented full day kindergarten, they will tell you the tremendous difference it makes in the success of those student as they continue through their studies at higher grade levels.

I will remain committed to these and other programs that focus on the well being and education of our youngest and most vulnerable citizens.  I know it will pay off in the success of these children for a lifetime by keeping them out of prison, well educated and contributing members of our society.


Representative Kathy Haigh:
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600

(360) 786-7966
1 (800) 562.6000 toll free
1 (800) 635-9993 TTY-TDD (hearing impaired)

haigh.kathy@leg.wa.gov

Home page
 
 

A Primer on the Statewide Measures You'll See in the General Election

It's that time again, when the minds of engaged citizens turn to the upcoming General Election. Among some of the most challenging decisions voters have to make, year in and year out, are regarding how to vote on various measures. As has been the case in nearly every election in recent years, there are some statewide measures - three initiatives and two amendments to the state constitution - which give us reason to spend time doing a little extra study.

Click here for the Statewide Online Voters Guide. There you will find the official titles, descriptions, financial impact statements, and official statements for and against the Statewide Measures.

Initiative Measure No. 1125 concerns state expenditures on transportation. This initiative is another by Tim Eyman. Love him or hate him (and there seems to be practically no middle ground), his is a force for change in Washington state.

It is notable that, right at the top of the financial impact statement, we encounter this foreboding statement:

The State Treasurer states that bonds secured solely by toll revenue will become prohibitively expensive if the Legislature sets tolls, thus eliminating this financing tool for transportation projects.

Among the intents of this initiative is to remove the setting of tolls from local commissions and place it in the hands of the state legislature. The Treasurer is of the opinion that this will reduce the reliability of toll-setting - tolls set by the legislature may be changed by the legislature - and that instability in income will cause bond issuers to charge prohibitively high interest rates. "Because investors in toll revenue bonds see the independence of toll-setting bodies as a critical credit characteristic, no other toll revenue bond issuer in the nation sets tolls subject to legislative approval," according to an analysis by the Public Resource Advisory Group.

"OFM: Tim Eyman’s I-1125 would imperil key transportation projects, raise borrowing costs"

However, supporters argue there's no difference between a toll and a tax. Initiative 1053, passed last year with a 64% vote, requires a super-majority of the legislature in order to enact increases in taxes and many kinds of fees. Supporters see this new initiative I-1125 as just a way of closing a loophole.

"Initiative 1125 assures accountability and transparency"

Find out more about I-1125. Start your research with these two web sites:
No on I-1125
Yes on I-1125 

Initiative Measure No. 1163 concerns long-term care workers and services for elderly and disabled people.

Didn't we already vote on this? Pretty much, yes. In 2008, voters passed Initiative 1029, which required federal criminal background checks and increased training for the long-term workers who assist seniors and people with disabilities. However, in response to budget pressures, the legislature reduced training requirements and delayed criminal background checks. I-1163 seeks to restore the background checks and training.

"NORTHWEST VIEW: Proponent says I-1163 will restore protections for seniors, disabled"

From the financial impact statement:

Current law requires increased mandatory training, background checks and certification for long-term care workers, depending on worker classification, beginning Jan. 1, 2014. Initiative 1163 would require the training, background checks and certification for long-term care workers to begin Jan. 7, 2012, but delay these requirements for community residential providers until Jan 1, 2016. For the long-term in-home care program, administrative costs are capped and performance audits with additional fraud investigators are required. Over six fiscal years, costs are estimated to increase $31.3 million and revenue from the federal government and fees is estimated to increase $18.4 million.

Opponents argue that the cost of these background checks and training will require the state to either raise revenues or, more likely, to cut services to the very people I-1163 intends to benefit.

Initiative 1163: Why no funding source, SEIU? 

No on I-1163 
Yes on I-1163 

Initiative Measure No. 1183 concerns liquor:  beer, wine, and spirits (hard liquor). This is Costco's effort to take a do-over after I-1100 failed to win voter support last year. Readers will recall that was one of two related initiatives - the other was I-1105 - which failed to pass. If approved by voters in November, the measure would require the state to close its 300-plus stores and sell off its liquor distribution center, while making Washington grocery stores with over 10,000 square feet (or approximately 1,500 stores) eligible to sell hard liquor.

Proponents argue that I-1183 gets our state government out of the business of distributing and selling liquor. They also say the campaign against 1183 "is funded by big national liquor distributors that profit from Washington’s outdated liquor monopoly."

Opponents say I-1183 will benefit big-box stores over smaller outlets, will increase liquor consumption and will drive up the cost of liquor, through increased taxes.

No on I-1183
Yes on I-1183 

Senate Joint Resolution 8205 would remove an inoperative provision from the state constitution regarding the length of time a voter must reside in Washington to vote for president and vice-president. One portion of the Washington Constitution allows a citizen to vote in all elections after they have resided in the state for 30 days. But, another section in the Constitution requires 60 days residency before they can vote for President. SJR 8205 fixes this conflict to allow the shorter 30 day voter residency requirement is the constitutional standard for all elections in the state, including the presidential election.

There is no official statement against this measure, on the Online Voters' Guide.

Senate Joint Resolution 8206 is a constitutional amendment which "would require the legislature to transfer additional moneys to the budget stabilization account in each fiscal biennium in which the state has received 'extraordinary revenue growth,' as defined, with certain limitations."

From the statement in favor of SJR 8206, we read:

In 2007, voters approved the creation of a constitutionally-protected rainy day fund that requires state government to set aside 1% of revenues annually for hard times. SJR 8206, a bipartisan measure, strengthens this fund by requiring a portion of “extraordinary” revenue – that which exceeds 133% of historical average growth – be saved, rather than spent.

However, the statement against this constitutional amendment points out that:

8206 requires more than the 1% that voters approved - it would also require that "extraordinary revenues" go into savings. While it sounds like a good idea to save more – the result is people paying taxes and getting nothing for it, except a bigger savings account.

"ELECTION 2011: Constitutional amendments"

So, there they are. Your 2011 statewide measures. What arguments are you finding particularly compelling? What resources are you finding to help you to come to an educated opinion regarding how you will vote? Leave your comments here.
 
 

Redistricting Proposals Could Change 35th LD - Public Asked to Comment

"The U.S. Constitution requires that all states evaluate electoral district boundaries every ten years following the U.S. Census. In 1983, Washington voters established the Washington State Redistricting Commission to ensure district boundaries are redrawn through a fair and bipartisan process. The Redistricting Commission includes two Democrats and two Republicans as voting members and a non-voting, nonpartisan chair."
     - from the web site of the Washington State Redistricting Commission

The commissioners' draft redistricting proposals are now posted online. Also online are links you may use to comment on these proposals. Public input to the drafts will wrap up with a meeting in Olympia on October 11. The meeting will be webcast on TVW and broadcast on TV. Public comments will be taken during the meeting by phoning in or joining the interactive webcast.

After the meeting on October 11, the Redistricting Commissioners will meet as often as needed to hammer out a final plan for congressional and legislative districts. Their meetings will be open to the public and announced at least 24 hours in advance. The Commissioners have set a goal of November 1st to agree on a final plan, providing time to correct minor errors before the Constitutional deadline for submitting the plans to the Legislature on January 1, 2012.

What are some of the preliminary reviews of the effects of the redistricting on the counties within the 35th Legislative District? From the standpoint of the area's Congressional Districts, the Kitsap Sun ran an article, "Kitsap could become a congressional 'big dog' under redistricting plan" in which author Steven Gardner observed that all proposals would place Kitsap County entirely within the 6th Congressional District, currently represented by Democrat Norm Dicks.

As far as changes to the Legislative District are concerned, Redistricting Commissioner Slade Gorton's proposal to move Silverdale into the 35th LD "would make the Mason County-dominated 35th more conservative."

On the other hand, Democrats on the Redistricting Commission proposed moving parts of Key Peninsula into the 35th.

Proposals which would result in changes to the Legislative District could have an impact on Representative Kathy Haigh's campaign for reelection and in the election to replace retiring Representative Fred Finn.

The majority of the proposals also remove from the 35th LD the sliver of western Thurston County presently within the District.

Denny Heck, who in 2010 lost to Jaime Herrera Beutler in the 3rd Congressional District, is said in the Olympian to have "put out a statement that said the final map looked nothing like the preliminary maps of 1991, the last time the state added a district." For this reason, it's an especially good time for interested voters to review the redistricting proposals and to make their comments known to Redistricting Commissioners.

Click here to review the proposals and to make comments to each of the four voting members on the Redistricting Commission.
 
 

You’re invited to a fundraising reception in honor of Representative Kathy Haigh!

Please join friends, family and supporters at a fundraising reception in support of Representative Kathy Haigh’s 2012 re-election campaign for State Representative in the 35th district! Show your support for Representative Haigh and help get the campaign under way by making a contribution of $35, $50, $100, or whatever you can afford. Light appetizers and complimentary beverages will be served.

Tuesday, September 13th, 2011
5:00-7:00 pm
Grove Street Brewhouse
233 S. 1st Street, Shelton, WA 98584

To RSVP or for more information please contact Mina Mercer at mina@hdcc.org or (206) 381-1220.

Can’t attend the event? Campaign contributions can be mailed to Committee to Re-Elect Kathy Haigh, 81 SE Walker Park Rd, Shelton, WA 98584.

This event is paid for by the Committee to Re-Elect Kathy Haigh, 81 SE Walker Park Rd, Shelton, WA 98584.