Newsletter: Freedom Foundation, local news digest

Washington is known as the Evergreen state, which for many elicits images of green farmlands and forests, and open spaces for hiking, hunting, and exploring. Originally settled by explorers, fur traders, miners and fishermen, Washington has been the home of free spirits and innovators from the time of its early settlement until the present time. But over time, expanded government, more invasive conservation and animal protection legislation, as well as organized unions, have robbed our state’s residents of their freedom and rights.

To combat this loss of freedom and rights, another local think tank was formed, The Freedom Foundation, with offices in Washington and Oregon. Founded in 1991 by Bob Williams and Lynn Harsh as the Evergreen Freedom Foundation, today they are a national leader in winning the fight for freedom at the state and local level. They’ve even received acclaim nationally for their work.

As The Freedom Foundation’s mission states, their goal is to “advance individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited, accountable government.” The organization has a vision of a day when opportunity, responsible self-governance, and free markets flourish in America because its citizens understand and defend the principles from which freedom is derived.

Currently, the primary focus of The Freedom Foundation is Labor Reform. They are working hard to educate the public, and more specifically union members, on the stronghold that public and private sector labor unions have on our citizens.

Most Americans don’t like being told what to do. Yet many government employees are forced, as a condition of working, to pay dues to private union organizations. These union monopolies overcharge workers and spend huge sums of money on political campaigns and lobbying. And, since union power comes from government, union lobbyists always push for bigger and more powerful government.

In fact, government unions are the biggest lobby in Washington State for bigger government. Their undue influence drowns out taxpayers, but taxpayers have had enough. Just like citizens in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Michigan, Washington is ripe for change, for reforms that protect workers and taxpayers alike. The Freedom Foundation is the leading advocate for that change.

The Freedom Foundation has also been successful in several other areas of public policy that impact Washingtonians: [continued on our website here]

Local News Digest

Two of our observers in Friday Harbor had their report published in the paper, “Wonderful watch of the vote count.” Next time considering pitching in! We had a robust group this year, and the elections office was very accommodating.

“San Juan County residents face property tax increase, mostly from state” (Journal), but not to worry, “Unlike the rest of the state, San Juan County residents voted to maintain almost all of Washington’s tax increases in November’s general election.” (also Journal) Not making this up.

• A part of me appreciates the honesty and consistency though — the rest of the state votes for Democrats, and then slaps taxing limitations on legislators to keep them from acting like Democrats.
• Also useful is the Guardian’s article “Assessed Value And Levy Rates Sent Out“

Katie Loring appointed judge for San Juan County Superior Court (Journal)

The shortage of leadership in our county continues, “San Juan County boards and commissions vacancies.” Every 6 months or so the Journal runs an article noting just how many positions in our community are left unfilled.

“Debates on lodging tax distributions at San Juan County Council” (Journal).

If you are on Lopez or Orcas, this article on the new UW owned rural clinics on Lopez and Orcas may be of interest: “What you need to know about UW Medicine in the islands” (Islands Weekly)

“Task force formed to look at elder care options,”

On Orcas Island there are a series of forums on the proposed Public Hospital District, the next one is this week, Nov.30, 2017, 5:30-7 p.m, at Eastsound Fire Station, with more in December, January, and March.

There are a lot of letters at the moment, I’ve given up running them all. You can look them up for the Journal, Sounder, or Islands Weekly. The paper that gets the least by far is the Islands Weekly.

Consider taking a poll regarding drug abuse in our community, sponsored by the Prevention Coalition. They always struggle to get enough responses in our county.

A friend requested I run this quote from the last newsletter’s article on the military, written by a veteran: “The more we normalize disrespect to the national anthem, applaud pledge of allegiance protests, and entertain discussions about how democratic ideals are somehow inherently flawed – the easier it will be to disrespect the people who are sworn to protect those ideals.”