26th LD Democrats participated recently in a roadside cleanup in Pierce County.  Thanks to everyone who participated in helping to beautify our community!

(L-R) Karen Urman, Treasurer Wes Morgan, Vice Chair Cecilia Hardy, State Committeewoman Joy Vartanian, and Secretary Dan Ransom, PE

During the Re-Organization Meeting for the Pierce County Democrats held on Saturday December 10, 2016, new officers were elected to the Executive Board. Congratulations to all!

Chair: Gina Bua

Vice Chair: Tim Farrell

State Committeewoman: Anita Latch

State Committeeman: Eric Herde

Treasurer: Yolanda Rucker

Secretary: Patti Dailey

Membership Chair: Jordan Waits

Sergeant At Arms: Julian Wheeler

Thanks for all who supported me in my bid to become Chair of the 26^th LD Democrats.  I look forward to working with you on the challenges ahead, specifically electing three Democrats to the State Legislature in 2018.  I will soon be announcing the time and place for the first meeting of the new executive board so that we can get down to work.

It is my goal to unify our members behind candidates recruited, vetted and endorsed by our Candidate Recruitment Committee.  The process will be fair, open, transparent and inclusive.  It is time, at last, to put to an end the bitterness of the primary election and work together to promote our progressive principles.

The 26^th LD Democrats will continue and expand fund-raising efforts to support our candidates.  With wider participation from membership, we can raise more money and help more deserving Democrats.  I look forward to hearing your ideas.

Traditionally, the Vice Chairs have been responsible for recruitment of new members.  I would like to create a Recruitment Committee, preferably chaired by a younger member, with a focus on recruiting more young people and young families.

For those of you in Gig Harbor and Key Peninsula, I encourage you to attend your local Democratic discussion group.  The groups are an excellent opportunity to meet and greet government officials, candidates and evaluate initiative and advisory votes.  A group is also being planned in the South Kitsap area.  So, watch for program announcements and bring a friend!

Before I finish, I want to once again thank outgoing Chair George Robison for his great contribution to the Democratic Party.  George was the top financial contributor to the 26^th LD, and volunteered countless hours working for our legislative candidates.  I trust that George will remain active in the District, and I intend to call on him as needed for help and advice.  Please let George know that you appreciated his efforts as well.

But, now, I would like to hear from you.  Please let me know what you think we could do better as an organization, or to improve meetings.  Tell me what issues are most important to you as a progressive.  Recommend a candidate for 2018.  Let me know if you are interested in joining or leading a committee.  As I have said before, I cannot be successful without more folks stepping up to help us achieve our goals.  So, let’s hear it!