3 Aug 2017

Primary Grows Up to Big Time, Herb Meyer Opines, Illegal Immigrant Rights Initiative, and more

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Greetings Conservatives!

 

If last week’s newsletter was short, this week is long. And every single thing is absolutely necessary. I thought for a long time about what I could cut and couldn’t think of anything more.
 

Primary Report

The primary has come and gone. If you have not yet heard the results, you can look them up for our county on the Elections Office website here.

For the state you can go to the Secretary of State’s website here.

Likely the most significant thing was that State Senate Candidate Englund did advance to the general election. Her opponent had an 8 point lead which is concerning, but it’s close enough for her to have a real shot. Her opponent’s quite likely disingenuous opposition to the state income tax probably is part of it (guess how long that opposition will last if she’s elected).

Seattle Times report on this: http://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/politics/washington-state-senate-race-results/

Englund’s press release: https://jinyoungenglund.com/press/2017/8/1/jinyoung-lee-englund-advances-to-november-general-election

On the subject of elections: if you were ever wondering why electronic voting is a terrible idea, consider this video entitled “Hackers Target 30 Voting Machines at Defcon.” A group of hackers show how electronic voting machines could be attacked, and how votes can be changed. Cnet Reports. The book “Future Crimes” by Marc Goodman also discusses the vulnerability of computer systems in general, and discusses electronic voting.

Herb Meyer: It’s Panic Time for Vladimir Putin

Many of you look forward to Herb Meyer’s publications. He was our Lincoln Day speaker for 2017, and I think about half the people there were attending specifically to hear him. Herb is making waves across the country right now with his article in The Federalist, “Why It’s Panic Time For Vladimir Putin: At precisely that moment when his country’s economic prospects are tanking, Vladimir Putin is hobbled with a spy service that’s more like Inspector Clouseau than the KGB.”

The American Thinker also notes that the “WSJ editorial board agrees with Herbert E. Meyer in AT on North Korea… All the available strategies for dealing with the North Korean nuclear threat seem flawed, save one that has been largely ignored: overthrow from within.”

This is very important in light of North Korea’s improving missile capability. It’s a rough time to be South Korean. Also, very rough for the people on the commercial airplane that flew over the spot where a North Korean intercontinental ballistic missile would strike 10 minutes later (USA Today).
 
In any case, we would like to congratulate Mr. Meyer for his most recent contribution to the national debate on security.
 

What the Dems call “Immigrant Rights Ordinance”

Over the last few weeks you may have heard a local “immigrants rights” talking about a great victory. I had a long thing written about how pernicious and offensive the use of “immigrant rights” to describe “illegal immigration rights,” but there really isn’t space. The bottom line is that they have indeed succeeded in getting an ordinance on the SJC ballot declaring our county a “sanctuary county” for November.

In addition to this, they are trying to get the county council to adopt this ordinance before the election in November. On Tuesday, August 15, at 9:15 am a San County Council public hearing will take place in the Council Chambers at 55 Second Street in Friday Harbor on the proposed initiative (details here, scroll to the bottom). They then have until the ballots are printed to decide whether to adopt the ordinance. If they do not, then it will be on the ballot. The Dems credit Rick Hughes with putting this on the agenda. 

The Island Guardian covered this in some detail here. See also Lopez Rocks here. There is also an article in Sound Publishing’s papers, as with the Sounder here.  Write emails to the county council. Contact the media. Show up on the 15th and speak up! Advocate! Many useful links with contact information are posted here.

Note that the deadline to be published for Wednesday’s edition is Friday at noon (Sound Publishing — Weekly, Journal, Sounder). To be read before the 15th, you will need to write by this Friday. 

 
“Con” Statements Needed
 
According to the Auditor, there are 4 statements that need “con” statements: (You can read the auditor’s statement here)

 

(1) and (2) The Orcas Island School District has placed two measures on the ballot. One is a proposition authorizing the district to issue bonds for a variety of facility improvements;  the second is a proposition for a six-year capital projects levy.
(3) The Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District is proposing a one-year levy for 2018 in the amount of $105,000.
(4) Finally, a citizens’ initiative concerning immigration will go to the voters in November unless adopted by the County Council before thenThese are due by the 18th. If you are interested, let me know, and I will help connect you with people who also interested. Don’t assume someone else will. Often we can’t find people to do this, and we can’t do all of it ourselves. 
 
It’s worth noting that the Republican Party’s main purpose is to coordinate efforts, share information, and provide support so that we can’t be picked off one by one. It isn’t to circumvent or obviate the obligation of citizens everywhere to stand up for what they believe. 
 
Local and State News
 
If you’re wondering why the haze over the last week, it’s because of fires in Canada — and no Pacific breeze. Seattle Times reports.
 
Werling-Sandwith and Bevens take lead in the SJI primary school board election. Journal Reports. Bevins unfortunately has a similar name as the woman charged this week for embezzlement, Mary Blevins, but they are definitely not the same person (Journal here)
 
Hayely Day noted the economic pain that the ferry failures cost in an article titled “A drop in ferries means a drop in island sales“
 
The Islands Weekly hasn’t posted a new letter in a month. The did, however, post my editorial this week here.
 
There was a guest column in the Islands Weekly titled “Emergency Medical Services and UW Medicine.” In it they note that emergency services were not a part of the new agreement with UW for the medical center on Lopez. Instead, all urgent care will be handled by EMS. If you live on Lopez, you need to know about this.
 
There was a letter to the editor criticizing the Planning council for having a lot of men. Letter here. In a rare moment of editorializing in the news section, may I mention the following: 
  • There are dozens of vacancies for various boards across the county.
  • We beg people to participate and do their duty to their community by giving back. They were the ones who showed up. They should be applauded for doing so. It would be great to have more women, but neither women nor the board should be criticized if there are not. 
  • There is a certain sense of entitlement in our country (and in democracies everywhere), a sense that we are owed good leadership. We are not. Rather, we each owe the duty to leadership, and to participate. If someone objects to who is on a certain council, show up and be a part of it.

National News

Yes, you read that right. I am, for once, posting some national news links, since so much of this episode deals with national news. Not that I don’t care about national news, but it’s usually covered really well elsewhere. 

“True Socialist: Apparently Bernie Sanders Is Stealing His Neighbor’s ‘Washington Post'”. I researched this some and couldn’t find any indication that it was anything other than true. Doesn’t mean it is. But it is very funny either way. Daily Wire reports.

“Study: 8,471 Cases of Double Voting Uncovered in 21 States.” Brietbart reports. This was actually a lot lower than I expected. There are 320 million people in the United States.

“Ending the Uniparty by Restoring Regular Order.” Rodmartin reports. This describes how the “regular order” whereby a law is reviewed in a committee then sent to the floor has been replaced by omnibus bills designed to force legislation through.

 County Calendar

 Eastsound Plan Review Committee Meeting
August 3, 2017, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM @ Eastsound Station 21SJC Council Meeting –

2018 Budget Retreat
August 7, 2017, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Parks and Fair Admin Office Meeting Room

SJC Council Tuesday Meeting
August 8, 2017, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Council Hearing Room

Ferry Advisory Committee
August 9, 2017, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM @ Orcas Ferry Landing Meeting Room

Citizens Stormwater Advisory Committee Meeting
August 9, 2017, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM @ Town of Friday Harbor Fire Hall Meeting Room

Human Services Advisory Board
August 14, 2017, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM @ Large Legislative Conference Room

SJC Council Tuesday Meeting
August 15, 2017, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Council Hearing Room

SJC Fair
August 16-19
 
 

—

Nathan Butler

Chair, San Juan County Republican Party
 
“No matter how conservative your views may be, unless you do something about it you really aren’t that conservative.”
29 Jul 2017

Remember to Vote! Ballots due Aug 1st.

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Remember to vote!

 

Ballots due Aug 1st for the SJI School Board election.

 

As noted last week, this is a nonpartisan election and the party is taking no position on this. If you want advice, I recommend checking with your PCO for unofficial guidance. The list of PCOs is here.

You can find the voter’s guide here.

Fair

The fair is coming, Aug 14-19th. We need help staffing the booth. This is usually quite a bit of fun. You can signup here or you can email Michelle Loftus meloftus@centurytel.net.

News

Our most popular feature, the news digest is very short on material. There was a great deal of national news this week, but on the island people are mostly absorbed with summer. So let’s keep this email short, and I will combine it with next week.

Note that the fire danger has been moved to “high.”

People are getting pulled over for distracted driving under the new law.  Seattle Times published a more thorough article titled “Washington distracted-driving law has drivers wondering if they can still drink coffee on the road”

Ferries return to full service on July 29th. Journal reports. Related to this, the Washington State Transportation Commission took final action today (Wednesday, July 26) on ferry fare increases that will be implemented over the next two years. Islands Weekly reports. The Journal’s editor wrote a blistering editorial about the ferry system this week, found here.

Sound publishing keeps passing around this article to its various newspapers: “Immigration group celebrates success”

“Health insurers seek double-digit rate increases in Washington state — despite billion-dollar reserves,” Seattle Times. Setting aside whether such hikes make sense or not, it’s worth knowing about if you buy insurance in Washington State (as opposed to Medicare).

Calender

SJC Council Monday Meeting
July 31, 2017, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Marine Resources Committee Meeting
August 2, 2017, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM @ Council Hearing Room

San Juan Action Agenda Oversight Group Implementation Committee Meeting
August 3, 2017, 11:00 AM - 1:30 PM @ Islanders Bank Administration Building

Eastsound Plan Review Committee Meeting
August 3, 2017, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM @ Eastsound Station 21

San Juan Island Library Board of Trustees Meeting
August 8, 2017, 3:00 PM @ San Juan Island Library

Ferry Advisory Committee
August 9, 2017, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM @ Orcas Ferry Landing Meeting Room

22 Jul 2017

State Budget Stumbles Sans Help for Hirst

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Greetings Conservatives!

 

Thank you Ed Kilduff 

and all those who showed up to hear him

 

A knowledge of Hirst and the water wars in this state is essential to understanding the political situation in our state (see below).

School Board

A number of people have asked about this. This is not a partisan election and the party is taking no position on this. If you want advice, I recommend checking with your PCO for unofficial guidance. The list of PCOs is here.

You can find the voter’s guide here.

Kim Wyman Cancer Update

I received a note from Susan Hutchison:

“Dear State Committee and E-Board,

Just heard from our Secretary of State that a medical exam and her surgeon have confirmed that her cancerous tumor is gone!  There will be more tests to be sure all cancerous cells have been eradicated, but this was the news they hoped for today.  The treatment Kim has endured for months has been grueling, and she and her family are so grateful for your prayers and support.  Please share this happy news!

–Susan Hutchison”

I couldn’t be happier about this.

State Budget Fiasco and the Hirst Decision

As you likely know, there has been a fierce fight in the state legislature over the budget over the last couple months (slash forever). The Special Session ended this week.

Predictably St. Sen Ranker attacked the Republicans this week here. He’s been in the paper a lot lately. I should note that if I could pick a legislator that is unliked by local Republicans he would be it.

The state legislature did fail to pass a budget, though it seems vanishingly unlikely that in this very democratic state that the blame belongs to Republicans. It appears to me that it was Democratic recalcitrance on fixing Hirst that sunk the deal.

For a more balanced take, the conservative Washington Policy Center has a conservative take on this with considerably more detail here. They also wrote about Hirst and the budget deal in some detail here. State Rep Vicki Kraft sent out an email update about the state legislature’s budget fight.

Speaking of the liberal Seattle Times, they noted that the state legislature needed to fix Hirst — which was the subject of our event on July 15th. I am skeptical (but hopeful) that they will fix it properly. If you missed our event you can read Ed Kilduff’s article here.

The Yakima Herald had an excellent article on Hirst as well, though not in reference to the budget deal: “Court water-well ruling imposes undue burden on rural families”

News Digest

A number of people sent me links related to Health care this week. Lynda Gerpheide, our Vice Chair, wrote a peice on Dr. Geyman’s presentation last week, enttitled “Dr. Geyman’s Lopez “Crisis in Healthcare” has a crisis in credibility.” Because of where I work I should state that this is her work alone. She also sent me Townhall’s article “The Nightmare of Single-Payer Healthcare” Many conservatives have expressed concern about these issues to me. Prager U has a video on this as well.

There’s a benefit for SJ Hospice today 5 pm, Island Guardian reports.

Emergency ferry schedule in effect through end of month (Sounder), which added information to San Juan ferries on the fritz. On that matter, note “WSTC discusses proposal to increase ferry rates” (Island’s Weekly)

OPAL Community Land Trust sponsored St. Sen Ranker and Lt. Gov. Cyrus Habib’s visit. They put a letter in the paper, “Thanks for supporting affordable housing rally.” You can read the Journal’s report on St Sen Ranker’s visit here.

There have been a wave of editorials and letters after the new state law against distracted driving went into effect. Colleen Armstrong’s editorial was especially poignant. It’s nice to have an editorial by her that I liked. If you want details about the law one could do worse than this (Seattle Times).

The Seattle Times published an article titled “Keep a close eye on new state agency for children, families.” If the liberal Times is skeptical, it just confirms that this is silly. It’s not clear to me how you improve the lives of children in a box like that, you have to improve the lives of families.

Calendar:

SJC Council Tuesday Meeting
July 25, 2017, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM @ Council Hearing Room

Board of Health Meeting
July 26, 2017, 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM @ Council Hearing Room

Marine Resources Executive Sub-Committee Meeting
July 27, 2017, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM @ Small Legislative Conference Room

Building Advisory Council Meeting
July 27, 2017, 11:45 AM - 1:00 PM @ Large Legislative Conference Room

SJC Public Hospital District #1
July 27, 2017, 5 pm @ 55 Second Street, Friday Harbor

Veterans Advisory Board Meeting
July 28, 2017, 11:45 AM - 1:45 PM @ Large Legislative Conference Room

SJC Council Monday Meeting
July 31, 2017, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

—

Nathan Butler

Chair, San Juan County Republican Party

Cell: (360) 298-4489

Email: sjcrpchair@gmail.com

“No matter how conservative your views may be, unless you do something about it you really aren’t that conservative.”

13 Jul 2017

Our quarterly ezine is live!! Washington Water Wars, the Affordable Housing debate, and more

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Greetings Conservatives

 

This Saturday 15th July

 

11:30 am 

Central Committee Meeting

 

2 pm

Water Wars Lecture

and Ice Cream Social

 

@ Earthbox

for details click here

 

  

July Ezine

Today I would like to announce our new ezine here (takes you to the table of contents on our webpage). Our cover article is Ed Kilduff, our speaker at this Saturday’s event. It is worth reading his article on Water Wars in Washington State before attending so that we can better take advantage of his expertise.

We also have an update on the situation with Community Treasures by Dwight Ware, an article on the affordable housing debate in SJC, a fun quiz on US history by Minnie Knych, and an article on the fight for the state Senate by Mike Gallagher. Each of these articles are written by people familiar with the issues involved, and we appreciate them taking the time to share that expertise with us.

Lastly, many lifetime Republicans complain that they don’t understand how the party structure works. We have been working to expand the array of articles on our website that explain it here, and our most recent article published in this ezine explains how the party works from the county to the national level. The only thing it doesn’t explain is our primary system, since that would take 4 or 5 articles. Not really, but perhaps in advance of the next presidential primary we will undertake that most intimidating of tasks.

Please keep in mind that I don’t really make editorial decisions based on content, except that the writers must be credentialed Republicans and the article must make a meaningful contribution to ideas in our county. The opinions are those of the authors.

If you don’t like something, or feel you can offer a fresh take on something, I would be happy to consider your article for our September ezine. I occassionaly post articles of interest in our weekly newsletter as well. Email me at sjcrpchair@gmail.com.

Remember: there isn’t some “meta-party” that determines what we stand for as Republicans. We each decide what this party means through our participation. There is nothing more pointless than a Republican who leaves the party over something or someone they don’t like. That all but ensures the party becomes exactly what they don’t like. Instead, speak up, and shape the party yourself.

Make of your party what you feel it should be, sway others to your point of view, stand up for what you believe. You’d be suprised how often there is a group of like minded people who just need someone to articulate the same things that matter to them. This ezine is a great way to do that.

 

Local and State News Digest

 

The law on distracted driving goes into effect at the end of the month. So no more cell phone arguments while driving. Island Guardian reports.

San Juan Island EMS (Emergency Medical Services) are making available 30” tall residential markers with easy-to-read address numbers to assist Emergency Responders in locating addresses. Island Guardian reports.

The Elections Office is opening a special three-day filing period for the Port of Orcas Port Commissioner #1 office. Island Guardian reports.

If you’re curious about the outages yesterday, Rockisland released a statement here.

Service officially began this jmonth with 30-minute sailings between downtown Seattle and Bremerton on a new passenger ferry, paid for by a 0.3% Kitsas county sales tax. Service between Seattle and Kingston and Southworth is expected to begin over the next three years. Seattle Times editorial here.

The city of Seattle, in it’s wisdom has decided to levy an income tax. Seattle Times reports: “The measure applies a 2.25 percent tax on total income above $250,000 for individuals and above $500,000 for married couples filing their taxes together. A legal challenge is expected.” Most memorable line: “‘I would love to be taxed,’ the 24-year-old from Ballard testified…” Just wait until you get married, have kids, or start a small business. *sigh*

Later this year Governor Inslee (D) will be put in chargeof the Democratic Governors Association. Seattle Times Reports.

Seattle Times reports: “…locally and nationally, the number of fatal officer-involved shootings has remained constant over time despite public perception.”

 

County Calendar 

School Board Special Meeting
July 14, 2017, 1 pm @ School District Office

Board of Equalization Hearing
July 17, 2017, 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM @ Council Hearing Room

Board of Health Meeting
July 19, 2017, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM @ Council Hearing Room

Lopez Solid Waste Disposal District Meeting
July 20, 2017, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM @ Lopez Island Fire District 4

 

 

Nathan Butler

Chair, San Juan County Republican Party

Email: sjcrpchair@gmail.com

 

“No matter how conservative your views may be, unless you do something about it you really aren’t that conservative.”

8 Jul 2017

Newsletter: Is having water in your house important to you?

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Greetings Conservatives!

 

 

Planning to buy a house in a rural area? 

Drill a well? Own property already?

You need to know what the Hirst decision is and what it means!

This WA State court decision impacts every rural resident in Washington State

It is nothing less than an attack on rural life

This decision, shortly summarized:
The drilling of ANY WELL that can has an impact a nearby river or stream can be blocked —
simply reducing the amount of water that reaches a stream can count

 

Come learn more —
Speaker Ed Kilduff 
Hydrologist and Water Issues Expert

 

Saturday, July 15th
 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Earthbox Inn and Spa

No Charge!
Bring your family!

We will be providing Ice Cream and beverages
Please bring cookies or brownies to share

Central Committee Mtg that same day:
11:30 am – 1 pm
Earthbox Inn and Spa

 full details here

 Next week we will be publishing our quarterly ezine, to coincide with the July 15th event.

 

Local and State News Digest

Many conservatives were disappointed when I-1552 failed to make the ballot due to insufficient numbers. Email posted on the website here.

Skagit Republicans are having a picnic with Glen Morgan on July 22nd. Glen was the Director of the Property Rights Division of the Freedom Foundation from 2011 to 2015 and now is the Washington State Executive Director of CAPR (Citizens Alliance for Property Rights).

There are a couple new candidates applying to replace Judge Eaton. This is an appointed position. Katie Loring and Jon Cain. We would like more info on both these candidates, if you have insight please let me know at sjcrpchair@gmail.com

Doris Schaller is retiring from the elections office. Despite almost certainly being democrats, her office has (nearly as I can tell) been generally well run, so this change is not without anxiety for us. 

WSF is holding a series of meetings about fare increases. Journal reports. 

“EMS, prevention coalition to receive remaining public hospital district funds” (Journal)

There were a couple letters on the affordable housing debate here and here. The Lopez Islands Weekly published a guest editorial criticizing the high volume of tourism and the number of vacation rentals.

Democrats “Lt. Governor Habib, Sen. Ranker, to host community forum” (Sounder reports)

Washington Policy Center had a full length article on the new paid family and medical leave law in WA State. 

“DOJ asks Washington state elections boss how she keeps ineligible voters off rolls” (Seattle Times). 

  • Washington Wire was (I believe) the first to report on this, and some conservatives are angry with Kim Wyman (R) for not complying with the broader parts of the request.
  • Others are happy not to have extended private information including Social Security numbers shared with the president’s election commission.
  • It should be noted that Secretary Wyman did comply with parts of the request, which under state law she was required to disclose. Whatever your own opinion,
  • We can all agree that we wish her all the best during her cancer treatments (although we will not show her the disrespect of treating her with kid gloves as a result of it)

 

County Calendar

Human Services Advisory Board
July 10, 2017, 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM @ Large Legislative Conference Room

San Juan Island Library Board of Trustees Meeting
July 11, 2017, 3:00 PM @ San Juan Island Library

Citizens Stormwater Advisory Committee Meeting
July 12, 2017, 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM @ Town of Friday Harbor Fire Hall Meeting Room

Housing Bank Commission Meeting
July 12, 2017, 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM @ Health and Community Services

Democrats Lt. Governor Habib, Sen. Ranker — community forum
Wednesday, July 12, from 3 – 4:30 p.m. @ Orcas Senior Center

Fair Board Meeting
July 13, 2017, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM @ Parks and Fair Admin Office Meeting Room

SJC Republican Party Central Committee Meeting 
July 15, 2017, 11:30 am – 1 pm @ Earthbox in F.H.

 SJC Republican Party Ice Cream Social
July 15, 2017, 2 pm – 4 pm @ Earthbox in F.H.

 

 

Nathan Butler

Chair, San Juan County Republican Party

Email: sjcrpchair@gmail.com

 

“No matter how conservative your views may be, unless you do something about it you really aren’t that conservative.”