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.”

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNj0T4uK3lE <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNj0T4uK3lE>

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

02/19/2013: “Arbor Day Trees Find New Home”

IG Photo)

San Juan Island’s spirit of cooperation and support was on display once again at the Friday Harbor Community Athletic Fields. Even the weather pitched in with a sunny day on February 17th when 65 Sitka Spruce were planted by volunteers from Friday Harbor Grange 225, the San Juan Lions Club, and with help from local children.

The Sitka Spruce is a fast growing and large tree which should create a stately drive into the athletic field area and parking lot, as well as providing shade and beauty to the facility

Don Galt, the driving force behind the “Field of Dreams,” arranged to have the locations for the trees staked out.

The spruce trees were remnants from last year’s Arbor Day bare root tree give-away that had been potted and nurtured by Alex Gavora for the past 10 months for this use.

Alex’s sister Pauli Gavora began Arbor Day in San Juan county when she decide to organize an annual event for Lopez, Orcas and San Juan; and for the past 16 years she and John Evans organized and donated over 24,000 trees on the three major islands to the citizens of San Juan County.

The new tree-lined drive is a fitting memorial to Pauli, who lost her battle with cancer in 2012.