House Bill 1071: Regarding state and private partnerships for managing salmon hatcheries
Introduced by Rep. Brian Blake (D) on January 15, 2013, removes from current law a requirement that the Department of Fish and Wildlife establish public-private partnership agreements to restore and operate salmon hatcheries already closed. This act also modifies business plan requirements to allow for the harvest of chum salmon in designated areas.
http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150642

House Bill 1072: Creating the agricultural labor skills and safety grant program
Introduced by Rep. Bruce Chandler (R) on January 15, 2013, authorizes the Department of Agriculture to create a grant program to provide training programs for agricultural workers, subject to dedicated funding. A grant recipient may receive up to $750,000 per year. This act expires on July 1, 2016.
http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=150643 Continued

WSRP Statement on Gun Appreciation Day, January 19, 2013

State Republican Chairman Kirby Wilbur issued the following statement regarding Gun Appreciation Day:

“ I want to encourage citizens of the State of Washington to participate in Gun Appreciation Day, this Saturday, January 19.

“ The right to keep and bear arms is a right protected by both our state and federal constitutions.

“It is currently under attack by a number of politicians seeking to do something in response to the horrible and evil acts in Aurora Colorado, Newtown Connecticut and others. Unfortunately, most of what is being recommended would do nothing to prevent such acts in the future, and do much to impair and infringe on the rights and activities of the millions of law-abiding and responsible gun owners in our state and nation. Continued

Tonight we heard from candidates for County Council District 1 and 2. It seems again the dems have declared endorsements for these non partisan races. One dem candidate criticized the SJCRP for not declaring endorsements. Since the San Juan County Charter specifically says that the council races are non partisan, this Republican Party Chair will respect the law of the charter. To have a political party endorse or to have a candidate accept a political party endorsement is in conflict with our County Charter. Will the dem candidates continue to pick and choose which parts of the charter to follow if elected? Such declarations and respect for the law should help us determine our vote.

None of the candidates stood up well to the questions about gun control. Scary to think that no one spoke against the question about the state allowing local authorities to enforce stricter gun control measures.Great, let’s just invite more drug dealers to the San Juans. Forlenza spoke for controlling gun magazine size. So just the bad guys will have them? Pratt admitted she didn’t know which guns were being considered in the recent gun law discussions but was glad we have a mental health tax. Jarman gave a soft non committal answer but admitted he is a gun owner.

It seems everyone wants a good economy, an improved permit process, more jobs, and some folks want bicycle paths. Really? In this economy and with all the issues before us someone took our time to discuss bicycle paths.No one wants to own the CAO but one democrat endorsed candidate spent seven years with it.

I hope everyone can attend the upcoming forums. Sponsor a coffee for a candidate or two. Get involved.

Future LWV Forums:

Wed Jan 16 Orcas Senior Center, 5 to 7 pm

Thu Jan 17 Lopez Grace Episcopal Church, 5 to 7 pm

Chair Loftus

Today we held our Central Committee Meeting to reorganize and elect new officers. We planned and strategized on how to help our community.We know times will be difficult in the next 4 years so we must be ready to help people navigate through tough waters.Our theme will be “How can Republicans help you?” We plan to shake the monikers pinned on us from the Dems. We will be there for our community to help, nurture and educate.

Election Results:

Chair- Michelle Loftus

Vice Chair- Dennis Hazelton

Secretary- April Duke

Treasurer-Alex Gavora

State Committee Woman-Sandra Frinell

State Committee Man-Levi Rawls

Congratulations to all!