From the Desk of Larry Seaquist
This Sunday is September 11th, the fifteenth anniversary of that terrible day. 9/11 is now a national day of reflection, a day for our nation to pause to celebrate the heroism of our First Responders. Every one of our own firefighters, EMTs, police officers and sheriff’s deputies go to work every day ready to act just as selflessly as those remarkable firefighters did when they rushed into the collapsing buildings at the World Trade Center fifteen years ago. My own memorial on 9/11 also includes the many First Friends we all have — the friends and neighbors who immediately jump into action when someone, anyone in our community is in need.
We’re blessed in America with a spirit of taking care of each other, of respecting each other. “We’re all in this together” is still the instant American reaction to crisis.
“Never again,” is another American touchstone. To honor those lost in a tragedy, we Americans learn the lesson, plan the prevention, and act.
In the fifteen years since the World Trade Center attacks, we’ve seen too many more acts of homicide/suicide violence, most of them entirely homegrown. With school just restarted this is a good time to ask ourselves if we’re doing everything we can. I believe our efforts at prevention should center on reducing the risks to our children and our schools. Out doorbelling yesterday, I talked with one of our local school counselors. Already in the first week of school it was clear, she said, that many of our high school students are stressed out. Some are homeless. Many are stuffed into overcrowded classrooms. We need to do better.
So in addition to remembering the First Responders and the victims of the World Trade Center fifteen years ago, part of my personal 9/11 Memorial tomorrow will be to redouble my insistence that we honor our commitment to Never Again by ensuring that our kids are in physically safe, emotionally healthy, fully funded schools embedded in a fully supportive community.
Your thoughts? We all remember where we were when we heard the awful news about the planes flying into the World Trade Center. What are your thoughts fifteen years on?
Larry Seaquist
A Letter From George Robison, Chair of the 26th LD Democrats
Dear Fellow Democrat:
“Build and maintain an effective local Democratic organization to: 1. Recruit, support, and elect candidates who share our principles.” “Perform the functions assigned to Elected and Appointed PCOs as set forth in the Charter and Bylaws of the WSDCC and State law.” These are excerpts from the Bylaws of the 26th LD Dems, Article Two.
“Nominate and assist in the election of Democratic candidates at all levels who support the goals of the Party.” “Work with the elected Democratic public officials at all levels to achieve the goals of the Democratic Party.” These are excerpts from Article 1 of the Charter of the Democratic Party of the State of Washington.
It seems that some members of the 26th Legislative District Democrats have either forgotten or have chosen to ignore the purpose for the existence of a political party. The purpose ultimately is to elect Democratic candidates chosen by the method prescribed by law and rules for selecting candidates. In our case, as to the state legislature, through individuals voluntarily stepping forward and then achieving a position in the top two following a primary election or federal office candidates selected in a primary or national convention.
We have our candidates and it is time for all Democrats to pull together to achieve the goal of electing each of them. We currently have an excellent opportunity to elect Democrats up and down the ballot and that opportunity is lost when there are members urging voters not to vote for our Democratic candidates. Republicans have a presidential candidate who is not popular and not supported by many prominent Republicans, including their own candidate for Governor and some members of Congress. We need to build on the opportunity and not throw it away.
Join the Democratic Party by supporting Democratic candidates up and down the ballot. Help doorbell, phone bank, provide financial support and in any other way available to you. Urge Democrats to vote and vote for Democrats. Remember, the first rule of governing is to win elections because to lose means that you sit on the sidelines urging others to take action. We know that the other party will not act to support the Democratic values that we cherish.
Sincerely,
George Robison
26th LD Democrats Endorsements/Approvals
The 26th LD Democrats voted on endorsements and approvals of candidates for the 2016 election season during our July membership meeting held on Thursday, July 7th, 2016. Below is the list of endorsements and approvals voted during that meeting.
Lieutenant Governor–Karen Fraser & Cyrus Habib (dual approval)
Treasurer–John Paul Comerford
Auditor–Pat McCarthy
Superintendent of Public Instruction–Erin Jones & Chris Reykdal (dual approval)
Commissioner of Public Lands–Mary Vernor & Hilary Franz (dual approval)
LD 26 Representative Position 1–Larry Seaquist & Alec Matias (dual approval)
Kitsap County Commissioner District 2–Dino Davis & Charlotte Garrido (dual approval)
Washington State Supreme Court Justice–Mary Yu & Barbara Madsen
Pierce County Superior Court
Position 2–Katherine M Stolz
Position 5–Dominique Jinhong
Position 8–Grant Blinn
Congratulations to all the candidates! For our full endorsement list, please visit our endorsements page. Ballots will be arriving soon in the mail for the Primary Election, please vote and get your ballot in on or before Tuesday, August 2, 2016.
June Gig Harbor Democrats Meeting
The Gig Harbor Democrats will be holding a Democratic Lieutenant Governor forum during their June meeting on Thursday June 16th, 2016. Confirmed to attend are candidates Karen Fraser, Cyrus Habib, and Steve Hobbs (may be able to attend pending release from National Guard duty). Prior to the forum, Payton Swinford of the Kitsap County Young Democrats will be making a presentation. The Gig Harbor Democrats meet at Lele’s Restaurant located at 4747 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Gig Harbor, 98335. Their meeting starts at 7 PM.