August KCDCC Executive Board Meeting

Carpenters’ Hall, Renton, August 25, 2009

The meeting opened with an announcement by our own Steve Zemke (on behalf of LAC): 80 organizations have now lined up (with KCDCC) in opposition to Tim Eyman’s Initiative 1033, which would adversely affect our state by limiting growth of the state budget to the rate of inflation and increases in population – effectively curtailing potential economic growth. Four Democratic candidates for King County Assessor were invited to give 3-minute introductory speeches. One, Bob Blanchard, did not appear. As for the other three:

Lloyd Hara, retiring as a Port Commissioner, promised a transparent, ethical administration of the Assessor’s office, and to assure that appraisals are realistic in view of current economic conditions. Too many recent appraisals have not reflected that reality and thus been subjected to appeals. Lloyd has won awards in prior public offices: Seattle City Treasurer and county auditor.

Gene Lux is a Group Health board member and former state legislator. The Assessor’s job is a complicated one, and he promised transparency therein if elected.

Robert Rosenberger, of the 37th LD, made clear that their chief opponent, former WaMu chief appraiser Graham Albertini, is definitely a Republican. The KC Assessor’s present appeal rate, 2%, though higher than its usual 1% rate, is still way better than some others; e.g., Phoenix’s 20%.

(Note: The voting on this race will be conducted as part of the general election, with only a plurality required for election as KC assessor.)

MSC (24-10) to endorse Lloyd Hara.

MSC (29-8) to endorse Robert Rosenberger.

M&S to endorse Gene Lux: failed (9-19).

KCDCC’s September meeting will consider whether what endorsements (if any) to make in the Seattle mayoral race, Seattle City Council Position 8, and Seattle School Board District 7. As in the 46th, a 2/3 vote is required.

Rob Holland, who won a remarkable 55% of the primary vote in a 3-way race for Port Commission Position 3, spoke briefly, thanking KCDCC for its helpful endorsement.

KCDCC Treasure Andrew Peabody provided a written report reflecting, among other data, $1795 cash on hand as of July 31. The subsequent KCDCC Aug 22 picnic in the Carpenters’ Hall parking lot was a big success, generating $4372 in income – vs. about $400 in expenses.

Sharon Mast announced that Howard Dean, who’d been the guest speaker at the Clark County Dems Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, may come to King County later in the year.

Chad (KCDCC 1st Vice-chair and technology guru) reported that his recent "Maps and History" project had attracted favorable attention and interest from Dem organizations in other states.

Platform/Resolutions Chair Joel Ware presented two resolutions cleared by his committee with an affirmative recommendation. One, urging prompt enactment of health care reform including a strong public insurance option, was presented on an emergency basis and adopted forthwith. The other, a 36th LD resolution urging the State Dems to retain, improve and strengthen Washington’s caucus system, proved more controversial and, with a tired Dow Constantine having just arrived from a campaign fundraiser, was tabled.

Dow received congratulations on his primary win over three other fine Democratic candidates, whereupon he gave a brief rousing speech. Among other things, he noted that after all the primary votes were counted his total had risen from the initially reported 24% to 27%, and Susan Hutchison’s had dropped from 37% to just under 33% (vs. 62% for the four Democrats combined). So his (our) prospects for the Nov. general election look quite good. The meeting then devolved into a cake-laden “celebration” of Dow’s victory.

The meeting resumed with a successful motion to take the 36th‘s caucus resolution off the table, whereupon it passed 26-11.

Noteworthy among reports from the various LDs in King County was that from the 41st, citing the need for support of Max Vekich for Port Commission Position 4. Disgraced outgoing Commissioner Pat Davis has been working to help Max’s opponent in that race.

Chad reported on SustainableWorks, a nonprofit community organizing group that has obtained $14.5M in stimulus funds to provide green jobs and weatherization for up to 200 homes in part of the 46th LD: the area between 20th Ave. NE and 35th Ave. NE, from NE 65th St. to 80th St. (Anyone living in or near that area who is interested in having an energy assessment done should contact that organization: Also, PCOs in or near that area are needed to leaflet a block or more on October 17th.)

Another attendee urged everyone to call Senator Cantwell promptly with a simple, straightforward urgent message: "We want a public option!"

The meeting adjourned at 8:56 pm.

Dean Fournier, your male rep to the KCDCC Exec. Board
(with an assist from Sarajane Siegfriedt & Erica Minshull)