Upcoming Public Hearings on Clean Elections

For supporters of Clean Elections in Washington State, please be aware of the current activity on Olympia. This week there will be the following public hearings on bills before the legislature:


Thursday, February 1st:

The Senate Committee on Government Operations and Elections will hold their first public hearing on SB 5278 - Concerning use of public funds to finance campaigns for local office.

This bill is Prime Sponsored by Senator Rosa Franklin and is vital to allowing races for city and county council, as well as fire distrct, school district and other local races to be publicly financed.

On the same day, the committee will discuss SB 5226 Providing for public funding of judicial campaigns. (Governor Gregoire's proposed legislation). The public is invited to sit in but not engage in the discussion.

Wednesday, February 7th:

The House Committee on State Government and Tribal Affairs will hold its first public hearing on HB 1360 - Regarding public financing of campaigns.

This bill is Prime Sponsored by Rep. Mark Miloscia and would allow for full public financing of all state-wide and legislative races. (The Comprehensive Bill).

For those who are able to make the trip to Olympia, these are critical hearings to show the legislature that the citizens are backing this legislation. For information on the best way to get there and to add to the "united we stand" effect, go to the Washington Public Campaigns website to connect with them on ariival times and procedures. Unfortunately, these hearings take place in the afternoons so it would be best to attempt to make carpooling arrangements so that you have the least hassle with traffic on the way home. The folks at WPC may be helpful with that as well.

Whether you can get to Olympia or not, Contact Your Legislators to let them know you support Clean Elections. If you are going to Olympia, let them know you will be there and try to arrange a visit with them on this subject.

Peace,
Chad Shue
Vice-Chair, Democracy for Snohomish County

Clean Elections Continuing Update

The legislative session has begun and, as promised, bills are being filed that will move Washington State toward full public financing of political campaigns.

In the Washington Senate, the following bills have been filed:

SB-5278 – Concerning use of public funds to finance campaigns for local office.

The Primary Sponsor of this bill is Sen. Rosa Franklin from the 29th LD. Co-sponsors include: Jim Kastama (25th LD), Adam Kline (37th LD), Harriet Spanel (40th LD), Karen Keiser (33rd LD), Jeanne Kohl-Welles (36th LD), Rosemary McAuliffe (1st LD), Debbie Regala (27th LD), Craig Pridemore (49th LD), Erik Poulsen (34th LD), Karen Fraser (22nd LD), Marilyn Rasmussen (2nd LD), and Phil Rockerfeller (23rd LD). This bill is the same one that passed out of the Senate last year but did not get out of the House due to the short session. The bill will allow for local and regional governments to voluntarily create mechanisms to publicly finance campaigns at that level. This bill has been referred to the Government Operations and Elections Committee

SB-5226 - Providing for public funding of judicial campaigns.

This bill was requested by Governor Gregoire and the language, in large part, was crafted by her legislative affairs office. The Prime Sponsor in the Senate is Eric Oemig (45th LD), Vice-chair of the Government Operations and Elections Committee. Co-sponsors include: Darlene Fairley (32dn LD), Chair of that committee, Phil Rockerfeller (23rd LD), Jeanne Kohl-Welles (36th LD), and Adam Kline (37th LD). Although I believe that some of the financial thresholds in this bill are a bit on the high end and, therefore, do not quite embrace the true nature of Clean Elections, the fact that it was requested by the governor and is sponsored by both the Chair and Vice-chair of the responsible committee increases its chances for passage and may well be the first step toward state-wide public financing.

SB-5510 – Regarding Public Financing of Campaigns.

Senator Jim Kastama (25th LD) is the Prime Sponsor of this bill that would call for public financing of all state-wide and legislative campaigns in Washington State. The co-sponsors include: Eric Oemig (45th LD) and Adam Kline (37th LD). This bill will require the most work on the part of concerned citizens but will produce the biggest result. As you can see, the list of sponsors is short. However, Senators Oemig and Kline are both on the responsible committee (Government Operations and Elections) and should be very influential in this effort.

If you see your senator in the names listed above, please call and/or email them and thank them for stepping forward. If your senator’s name is not included above, call and/or email them and ask them to give their attention to these bills and help get them to the governor’s desk for signature this session.

On the House side we will start with the companion bill to SB-5510. HB-1360 – Regarding the Public Financing of Campaigns.

HB-1360 contains almost identical language to SB-5510. The Prime sponsor for this bill is Mark Miloscia (30th LD), a member of the State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee where this bill will be referred in the House. Co-sponsors include: Maralyn Chase (32nd LD), Ruth Kagi (32nd LD), Joe McDermott (34th LD), Bob Hasegawa (11th LD), Eric Pettigrew (37th LD), Tim Ormsby (3rd LD), Sherry Appleton (23rd LD), Jim McIntire (46th LD), and Roger Goodman (45th LD).

HB-1186 – Modifying Provisions on Judicial Campaigns

Shay Schual-Berke (33rd LD) is the Prime Sponsor of this bill that, in my opinion, gets us closer to the spirit of Clean Elections for the State Court of Appeals and the State Supreme Court races. The co-sponsors for this bill include: Sam Hunt (22nd LD), Chair of the State Government and Tribal Affairs Committee, Hans Dunshee (44th LD), Helen Sommers (36th LD), Jeannie Darneille (27th LD), Eileen Cody (34th LD), Mary Lou Dickerson (36th LD), Tami Green (28th LD), Sharon Tomiko Santos (37th LD), Patricia Lantz (26th LD), Phyllis Kenney (46th LD), Mary Helen Roberts (21st LD), Joe McDermott (34th LD), Maralyn Chase (32nd LD), Ruth Kagi (32nd LD), Eric Pettigrew (37th LD), Mark Miloscia (30th LD), Sherry Appleton (23rd LD), and Tim Ormsby (3rd LD). In addition, I have been told by Mike Sells (38th LD) that he is in support of this bill.

As of this writing there is no House companion bill to SB-5278 for local elections. However, Joe McDermott (34th LD) has indicated that he will have that bill introduced shortly and Mike Sells (38th LD) has informed me that he will be signing on as a co-sponsor.
[UPDATE] HB-1551 - Allowing Public Funding of Local Office Campaigns was just filed today by Joe McDermott.Co-sponsors are: Miloscia, Dunshee, Sells, Cody, Green, Ormsby, Appleton, Hunt, Chase, Schual-Berke, Roberts, Hasegawa, Kagi, McIntire, Bill Fromhold (49th LD), Jim Moeller (49th LD), Jamie Pedersen (43rd LD), and Christine Rolfes (23rd LD).

Again, if you see your representative mentioned above please thank them. If your representative is not mentioned, please contact them and ask for their support. On Thursday, January 25th, the Senate Government Operations and Elections Committee will be holding their first public hearing on SB-5226 (you obviously get quick action when you’re the governor). From the email notification sent out by WPC:

First Clean Elections Bill Hearing in Olympia:
Thursday, January 25 3:30 p.m.

Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee
Senate Hearing Room 2
J.A. Cherberg Building
Olympia, WA

Public Hearing:
1. SB 5226, Providing for public funding of judicial campaigns

===================================
IMPORTANT: If you can attend, RSVP to:
Sarajane Siegfriedt (WPC Lobbyist)
sarajane3h@comcast.net

Arrive at the Hearing by 3 p.m. to sign in as PRO and get a seat.

All Clean Elections supporters who can come early:
Rendezvous (optional) from 1:00 p.m. on, in the Cherberg Building or a nearby church, location to be posted soon on our website
(www.washclean.org).This will be a pre-hearing briefing, with information packets for everyone.

EVERYONE: Prior to Thursday, please email each of the legislators on the committee with a few sentences saying why you support this bill.
Use the bill number in the subject line and give your legislative district with your signature.

========================================
Members, Senate Government Operations & Elections Committee:

Darlene Fairley, Chair (D) - 32nd LD fairley.darlene@leg.wa.gov
Eric Oemig, Vice Chair (D) - 45th LD oemig.eric@leg.wa.gov
Pam Roach, Ranking Minority Mbr (R) 31st LD roach.pam@leg.wa.gov
Don Benton (R) 17th LD benton.don@leg.wa.gov
Adam Kline (D) 37th LD kline.adam@leg.wa.gov
Craig Pridemore (D) 49th LD pridemore.craig@leg.wa.gov
Dan Swecker (R) 20th LD swecker.dan@leg.wa.gov

4 Democrats and 3 Republicans

Please copy Sarajane Siegfriedt bcc on your emails.
Sarajane3h@comcast.net

=================
Craig Salins
WPC Executive Coordinator
206-784-9695
craig@washclean.org

Peace,
Chad Shue
Vice-chair, Democracy for Snohomish County

Community Movie Night

Democracy for Snohomish County is pleased to host our first monthly Community Movie Night on Sunday, January 21st from 4 to 6 PM at Zippy’s Java Lounge at 1804 Hewitt Ave. in Everett. Join us as we watch the award winning documentary film “Why We Fight” about the growing Military Industrial Complex in the United States. Enjoy the fare of soups and sandwiches along with a wide variety of beverages offered at Zippy’s before, during or immediately after the movie. The event is free (although donations are gladly accepted) and open to the public. For more information, contact Democracy for Snohomish County at:dfsc@comcast.net

Peace,
Chad Shue
Vice-chair, Director of Communications
Democracy for Snohomish County

David Sirota Prefers our Washington

Seattle Town Hall Panel: From left: John King, WPC Policy Committee Chair; WA Rep. Mark Miloscia; AZ Sen. Ed Ableser, WA Sen.-elect Eric Oemig; WA Rep. Shay Schual-Berke; Keynote Speaker David Sirota; Emcee Ken Alhadeff; WA Sen. Jim Kastama; ME Rep. Linda Valentino. (Photo courtesy of Dina Lydia)

In my previous post I wrote about the Clean Elections Forum in Everett on January 4th. What I did not mention was the fact that our forum was the first of four that would be held between Thursday and Saturday and would follow I-5 from Everett to Olympia. On Friday night, I was pleased to attend the 2nd forum. Held at Seattle’s Town Hall, this event featured the panel from Everett (Minus Rep. McDermott) and added the three Washington State legislators I mentioned as prime sponsors of Clean Elections legislation this year. State Senator-elect Eric Oemig (D- WA 45) was also on hand to proclaim his support for Clean Elections as incoming Vice-chair of the Government Operations and Elections Committee in Olympia this session. Highlighting the Town Hall event was best-selling author and political consultant, David Sirota.

I am a big fan of Sirota’s so I was especially pleased to see the following on Saturday morning from Sirota's Blog:

Democrats, Corruption & the Difference Between Two Washingtons

”The difference between what happened late this week in Washington, D.C. and what happened at the very same time in Washington State is a good example of how people in our nation’s capital are still very much oblivious to what the rest of society thinks is acceptable behavior.”

In his post, Sirota writes about an article from MSNBC about a Democratic fundraiser in Washington DC held only hours after they had passed so-called “Lobby Reform” measures in the newly Democratic controlled congress and compares that to the event he had just headlined in Seattle, Washington.

”As I sit here in a hotel room reading the MSNBC report after being at this terrific event here in Seattle, I am simultaneously embarrassed and proud to have worked in Democratic politics. I am embarrassed that, at a time state legislators are putting their political capital on the line to truly clean up politics, many (though not all) of their counterparts in Congress clearly think “reform” is the punchline of a joke. Public Campaign’s David Donnelly says, “It sends a very mixed message to be on one hand saying that they’re clamping down on lobbyists, but then raising money from those very same lobbyists that they say are part of the problem.” I’d say that’s putting it mildly - it’s really making a mockery out of our party’s name by insulting the public’s intelligence and so openly trying to pull a fast one on the American people.

But I am also proud. I met legislators tonight who have guts - real guts - to indict a system they themselves have come up through, and that they are now willing to admit is inherently corrupt. Make no mistake - these are not big-time congresspeople with the huge staffs of yes people and K Street entourages that now insulate our federal representatives from their own constituents, and make sure there is a reelection support system no matter how often they sell out. No, these are actual citizen legislators - people who live out here in the Real World, who can’t bring themselves to lie with a smile about reform like so many folks in D.C. It will be up to the people of Washington State to help these legislators push public financing of elections by creating the grassroots political energy necessary to enact such power-challenging reforms - but after such an energetic showing tonight (and subsequent forums in cities across the state), I’m hopeful public financing is going to happen here, if not this year, then soon in the future.”

Knowing that folks like the panels in Everett and Seattle (especially our own state legislators) are willing to put themselves on the line for something as important as ensuring the ownership of our democracy and electoral system remains in the hands of the citizens, I am more inspired than ever that we can make this happen. I hope you will join the movement to “Take our Country Back!”

Peace,
Chad Shue
Vice-Chair - Director of Communications
Democracy for Snohomish County

Clean Elections in Washington State

(Photo and Button courtesy of Dina Lydia Johnson)

On Thursday night (January 4th) Democracy for Snohomish County (DFSC)was a co-sponsor of a Town Hall Forum on Clean Elections held in the PUD Auditorium in Everett. The forum featured speakers from Washington Public Campaigns (WPC) as well as elected representatives from Maine, Arizona, and Washington. Clean Elections (public financing of political campaigns) has already been in place in Arizona and Maine for the last six years and the speakers from those states – State Representative Linda Valentino (D-ME 134) and State Senator Ed Ableser (D-AZ 17) - were both elected under those laws. State Representative Joe McDermott (D-WA 34) was the prime sponsor last year of a bill that would have reversed the current ban on publicly financing local/regional campaigns in Washington State. The bill fell short of passage primarily due to time limitations of the “short session.” He is re-introducing that legislation again this session.

The evening began with a presentation by John King from WPC. King is the Chair of the Policy Committee for WPC and, as such, is responsible for helping to develop legislation and find legislators who will be willing to sponsor that legislation (with or without some modification) through the legislative session. This year WPC is proposing three pieces of legislation. The first will be, as mentioned, a repeat of the effort to repeal the current ban on local financing. This bill would only allow for cities and counties, as well as various regional elective boards (schools and fire districts for example) to voluntarily establish public financing plans for those elections. The hopes for passage are high based upon the voluntary nature and the fact that the details would be left to the local and regional authorities. The second piece of legislation is a plan to publicly finance judicial campaigns at the State level - Court of Appeals and Supreme Court. The proposed legislation is based on the successful model set in North Carolina where such a policy has been in place for the past couple of election cycles. The hopes for passage here are also high based on a request from Governor Gregoire that some form of this legislation be passed this year and the public outcry over the overt efforts of some to influence the outcome of certain Supreme Court races by pouring extreme amounts of money into the process. State Representative Shay Schual-Berke (D-WA 33) will be the prime sponsor for this legislation in the Washington House.

The third proposal is for a comprehensive bill that would allow for public financing of all statewide races from Governor to Secretary of State to the same judicial races noted above as well as all legislative races. The effect of this legislation would be to make Washington the 4th state in the country (after Arizona, Maine, and Connecticut) to have full public financing of political campaigns. It should be noted that in all of these cases, the access to such public funds would be completely voluntary and that there are no provisions to curtail the ability of any individual or group to spend any funds except as currently exist under state law. In other words, the only people who are subject to any limitations are the candidates themselves. But then, after all, aren’t those the folks we should be most concerned about? The hopes for passage of this legislation, at least in this session, are not very high even though there are already prime sponsors lined up in both the Washington House - Rep. Mark Miloscia (D- WA 30) and Senate – Sen. Jim Kastama (D WA 25).

Representative Valentino and Senator Ableser spoke quite eloquently about the impact of Clean Elections on them personally as well as on their respective states. One of the most encouraging themes was the fact that participation in the system has been growing each year and is embraced by the major political parties in both states. Valentino spoke with great pride in the fact that, of the 151 seats in the Maine House of Representatives, 149 were contested in the last election and Ableser was quick to point out how the make-up of the candidates in Arizona has shifted from the independently wealthy to citizens from every stripe; true testimonials to the intent of Clean Elections in returning the democratic process back to the people. A surprising (at least to me) fact to come from both of their presentations was the financial impact on the voters of their states with regard to publicly financing political campaigns. In each case the cost per voter was determined to be less than $3.50 per year**. Reassuringly, this is approximately the same estimate on the part of John King and WPC for their comprehensive proposal.

**CORRECTION**

The cost should be stated as "PER CITIZEN" and not "PER VOTER". Thanks to "The Seagull" for pointing this out in the comments.

Imagine that, for less than one grande mocha per year, the citizens of Washington State could ensure that their elected representatives could stop having to listen to lobbyists on either side of the political spectrum, could stop spending their campaign time seeking out large dollar contributors, and start spending the their valuable time speaking directly to their constituents and voting on legislation simply because it is the right thing to do and not worry that it could have a negative effect on the funding for their next campaign.

What can you do to make this happen? For starters you can and should phone, email, and snail mail your legislators in Olympia and let them know that you are concerned about the negative impact of money on our political process. As early as next week, you should let them know that you are hoping that they will vote for any Clean Elections legislation that comes before them. Then, as soon as we have the actual bill numbers, contact them again with the specific bill number and ask them to sign on as a co-sponsor to ensure that leadership will bring these proposed bills to the floor of each body for a vote. To be informed of any action that is taking place on this legislation, you should be signed up to receive email alerts from WPC by going to their website at http://www.washclean.org/. In addition to reaching out to your specific legislator, if you have the time, you should consider traveling to Olympia to attend the public meetings of the various committees where these bills will be debated. The dates and times for these meeting will be announced by the WPC as soon as they have the information. Where possible, “legislative day caravans” will be organized to allow for the largest turnouts possible.

Finally, and probably most importantly, talk to your neighbors or, if you do not feel comfortable doing this on your own, contact groups such as WPC or Democracy for Snohomish County to find out when and where there will be other public forums on this issue and encourage your friends and neighbors to attend. We Washingtonians pride ourselves on our “populist bent” yet our most precious right – the right to determine our system of governance - is being allowed to drift into the wallets of those who are willing to pay to achieve their specific goals. It is time to step up and sacrifice that yearly latte to ensure that we, the people, own our government and our democracy.

Peace,
Chad Shue,
Vice-Chair – Director of Communications
Democracy for Snohomish County

Welcome From the Chair

CHAIR’S REPORT

DEMOCRACY FOR SNOHOMISH COUNTY

January 2007


Happy New Year! Welcome to the January 2007 edition of Democracy for Snohomish County’s rather unimaginatively titled newsletter (if someone has an idea for a catchier name, let me know). This informal report to the membership comes out on an irregular schedule, depending on how often I can shake myself loose from my usual state of disorganized lethargy and get something written. I hope to help keep you informed about what takes place at the meetings, and about opportunities to get involved. If you know other people who might be interested please let me know and we will get them on the e-mail list.

Clean Elections Forum

One of the most corrupting factors in politics today is the ability of special interest groups to influence elections and public policy by enormous campaign expenditures. It’s pervasive in all levels of politics, even “non-partisan” races such as those for judge. A solution that has worked well in several states, places as diverse as Connecticut, North Carolina, Arizona and Maine, is to go to publicly funded Clean Elections. To help people learn more about how to solve this problem Democracy for Snohomish County (DFSC) has joined with the 38th and 44th District Democrats, and Washington Public Campaigns to sponsor a Town Hall Forum on Clean Elections. It will take place on Thursday, January 4th from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Snohomish County PUD Auditorium, 2320 California St. in Everett.

Featured will be speakers from Arizona and Maine, two of the states that have successfully implemented Clean Elections, as well as Washington State legislators. Discussion and questions from the audience will follow. For Further information contact Chad Shue at chadshue@hotmail.com, 425-341-1061, Harry Abbott at harry.abbott22@verizon.net, 425-784-0270, or go to the Washington Public Campaigns website at http://www.washclean.org/.


Dinner and a Movie

The first monthly DFSC movie night will be on Sunday January 21st at Zippy's Java Lounge (1804 Hewitt Ave. in Everett) from 4:00 to 6:00 P.M. The movie will be “Why We Fight”, a powerful, well made, documentary that explores the links between industry, government and the military, and how they influence both foreign and domestic policy. A moderated discussion will follow. Zippy’s offers a variety of delicious soups, sandwiches and beverages which will be available for sale, so it can be a feast for both your mind and your body. There is no admission charge, though donations will be gladly accepted. Bring someone you love (or at least like reasonably well), and make it a date!

Sunday February 18th will be the date of the second DFSC Movie Night. We have not yet decided on a movie, and are looking for everyone’s input. The movies can be documentaries, dramas, comedies, or any other form (soap operas?), but should relate to a topic of current interest and should be able to serve as a springboard for fruitful discussion and action. Tell us what you want, and we’ll give it to you!


Renewable Energy Symposium

We’re back and doing it again in 2007, because it was so good the first time! I’m talking about the second annual Renewable Energy Symposium and Expo (what did you think I meant?) which will take place in August 2007 in Everett. We hope to have Richard Heinberg, author of Power Down and The Party’s Over as the lead speaker. Richard has been a strong voice alerting us to the problems stemming from imminent arrival of peak oil, and educating us on the actions we can and must take to build a future based on renewable energy.

It was good last year and this year will be even better, but it will take a lot of volunteers to make it happen. A planning committee has been formed chaired by Jackie Minchew. To become involved, contact him at info@sustainableeverett.com, or visit the Renewable Energy Symposium website at http://www.sustainableeverett.com/


2007 Officers Elected

At our December meeting we elected officers for 2007. They are Jeffrey Sutro (Executive Chair), Nancy Sosnove (Vice Chair), Chad Shue (Vice Chair & Communications Director), Debbie Shue (Secretary), Cliff Wells (Treasurer), Harry Abbott (At Large Board Member), Eric Teegarden (At Large Board Member) and Jackie Minchew (At large Board Member). Remember though that DFSC is a grassroots organization where the decision-making authority rests with the voting membership. The drive, energy and enthusiasm to make this organization work come from the membership, and it will be your efforts that shape DFSC's future.


Due(s) Due for 2007

Everyone is welcome to attend any of our meetings, and participate in all activities and discussions, but if you wish to vote you at our meetings you need to become a “voting member” by paying the annual $10 dues. These dues can be waived upon request. The membership then becomes effective in 30 days. Membership forms can be found on our web site at http://dfsc.home.comcast.net/ or you can sign up at a meeting.

We have kept our dues low in order to allow anyone who is interested to become a member. Consequently, dues income alone is not enough to fund all of our activities. Please consider making a generous financial contribution to DFSC by contacting our Treasurer Cliff Wells at cliff@vfp92.org or me at jefffrey.sutro@verizon.net.




Who We Are

Democracy for Snohomish County is a progressive, non-affiliated, non-partisan, political action committee. Our purpose is to support and develop progressive candidates for office and to influence public policy issues affecting Snohomish County or the State of Washington. All are welcome to join in. We invite you to contribute your energy and enthusiasm to this purpose.


Meetings

Our next meeting will be Tuesday January 9 from 7:00 to 9:00 P.M. at the Lynnwood / Edmonds PUD at 21018 Highway 99. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Our February meeting will be at the Everett PUD, and will we continue to rotate our meetings between those two locations in hopes of making it convenient for everyone to attend at least some of the meetings.


Website

I encourage you to visit our web site at http://dfsc.home.comcast.net/, where you can find many interesting articles, numerous useful links, a calendar of events, and other worthwhile features. The site is updated regularly, so be sure to check it frequently. If you have an upcoming event that you would like listed on our calendar, contact me and I will get it posted.

DFSC is a collaborative undertaking and look I forward to working together with all of you. If you have any comments, suggestions or criticisms please contact me.


All My Best,

Jeff Sutro

jeffrey.sutro@verizon.net
425-745-1724 (H)
425-778-1588 (W)
425-478-3326 (cell)