1 Mar 2013

Elected Charter Changes Stand up in Court!

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From The Journal of San Juan FEBRUARY 28, 2013 By Steve Werhly

In a clean sweep for supporters of the voter-approved changes to the county charter, all three propositions presented to the people in the November election were upheld in a decision handed down Feb. 26 in San Juan County Superior Court.

The ruling means that the election of a new three-member County Council will proceed as scheduled on April 23, executive authority will be returned to the County Council, and all council meetings, including subcommittee meetings, will be open to the public.

In a four-page letter detailing his decision on each of the seven causes of action presented by the plaintiffs, Judge John M. Meyer, as Visiting Judge in San Juan County Superior Court, ruled that the charter amendments do not violate either the Washington or the U. S. Constitution, or state law. Continued

28 Feb 2013

WSRP Chairman Wilbur’s Statement on the Washington State Supreme Court’s Ruling to Overturn 2/3 Vote to Raise Taxes

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Bellevue, WA – WSRP Chairman Kirby Wilbur released the following statement this morning in response to the State Supreme Court’s decision on the 2/3s requirement to raise taxes:

“The State Supreme Court has exceeded its role today as interpreter of the state Constitution to engage in partisan politics and side with special interest groups and the State Democrat Party in this decision announced this morning.

“Article One, Section One of our State Constitution states that ‘All political power is inherent in the people.’ This is the very first sentence, the opening statement of principle in that document. The people of this state have approved the 2/3’s requirement five times at the polls, by overwhelming margins. This requirement violates no constitutional principle or right, as the people have approved it, and there is no right for anyone to have unrestricted access to the state’s power to tax.

“The idea of numerical requirements (60% for certain ballot issues, the filibuster, veto overrides, etc.) that act as restrictions on governmental power, as well as the power of the people, is a well-established principle in constitutional law. It is unfortunate that our Supreme Court assumed the role of legislators and supported a special-interest agenda, rather than exercising its proper role as interpreter.

“The Washington State Republican Party will do everything we can to support the State Constitution and the right of the people of our State to have their will enacted in state law.”

 

26 Feb 2013

Lincoln Day Dinner a Success!

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Thank you to all who made our Lincoln Day Dinner a success. We had good food and enjoyed our State Chair Kirby Wilbur’s speech on Lincoln’s principles. We were also entertained by having our history knowledge tested Minnie and Jim Knych’s History Trivia.We were also successful in raising money for our local party. Yea!
Special thanks to Charles Thomas owner of the Blue Water Bar and Grill. The Elephantinis were yummy.
Also thanks to Irene Herring owner of San Juan Coffee Roasters who provided our trivia prizes.
The hard work of Alex Gavora, Minnie and Jim Knych,Lori and Gordy Petersen and Levi Rawls is truly appreciated.

26 Feb 2013

This Week’s Call to our Representatives-It’s Easy

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Submitted by Minnie Knych-Thanks Minnie!
Senator Don Benton has been introducing bills that protect the rights of the citizens. You might want to alert people to these so that they can call their state representatives to encourage them to pass the bills.

Senate Bill 5819: Providing a moratorium on rule making

Introduced by Sen. Don Benton (Vancouver) (R) on February 19, 2013, suspends agency rule making until the latter of July 1, 2016, or when the revenue forecast for three consecutive quarters reflect an increase in state revenue above the official forecast. This act provides for specific exemptions from the moratorium. This act declares an emergency and takes effect immediately. (See also HB 1478).
http://www.washingtonvotes.org/Legislation.aspx?ID=154922 Continued