Washblog

Vote-By-Mail almost here

The Snohomish County Council is expected to take up and pass legislation on moving toward all-mail elections today when they meet at 9am.

The decision was made possible after the council majority went to the Democrats in November, marking a shift in power over county policy and spending.

"It's going to be a good year," predicted Democrat Kirke Sievers, who was chosen as the new County Council chairman.

This legislation would never pass in a Republican controlled county council, but thanks to Dave Somers victory the council can now get back to doing the people's work, instead of big developers and their special interest groups.

Op-ed on Plan B

Check out this great op-ed on Plan B, by the sponsor himself, State Rep. Brian Sullivan.

Tonight, I was pleased to attend my first Council meeting, and cast my vote to support Resolution 2006-02 of the Mukilteo City Council, officially opposing commercial air service at Paine Field.

Greg Rodriguez set to endorse Mark Hintz?

The latest in the developing saga that is the race for state party chair - Greg Rodriguez will endorse Mark Hintz, current chair of the Snohomish County Dems. This is far from a done deal as some have thought, and should prove for an eventful day at the Unity Caucus forum on the 8th in Renton.

In getting to know Mark over the past year, I believe he is a great leader for the Snohomish County Dems, and would have no doubt he could lead the state party to further success, although I am going to guess that some of you may not be very familiar with him. This is not an endorsement of Mark, but just my personal observation of him. I'll throw my two cents in on who I think should be chair after the Unity Caucus forum (FYI, $1.50 and my endorsement will get you a hotdog at Costco).

Mark has raised thousands of dollars for the Snohomish County Democrats, including hosting a $100 per plate gala that grossed over $20,000. Attendees included Senator Cantwell, Governor Gregoire, Jay Inslee, and Rick Larsen, along with many local electeds. Not bad for a county organization that was throwing its first such high-end event.

Participation by electeds in Party affairs is rising in Snohomish County because Mark has made the Party more relevant, as shown during the recent nominating conventions. He's reached out to every faction and consults the E-Board and Central Committee prior to making major organizational decisions. Mark Hintz is from the grassroots - he's chaired at the district and county levels, recruited PCO's, raised money, recruited candidates, and he knows what it takes to win up here in Freedom/Deliverance County, where there is a large urban/rural divide.

Mark also graciously allowed me to come speak to the County E-Board about blogs in the fall prior to the elections, and embraces technology instead of being scared of it. This led to much more information sharing and collaboration for the final weeks leading to November, to which I believe was an impact in Dave Somers victory over the grotesquely well-financed Republican Jeff Sax.

More rumor and innuendo

Will Mark Hintz throw his hat in? Rumor abound that the current chair of the Snohomish County Dems may announce his candidacy soon. As the husband of Senator Cantwell's regional representative and as a current County Chair with a good reputation for fundraising, not to mention a good dose of popularity, Hintz is a viable candidate.

And what about Phil Talmadge? Word from one insider: "People are mad that he (Talmadge) hasn't sent out anything and I have it firsthand from him that he will not be making any phone calls or going anywhere."

Oh well. I wonder what that means for the 'draft Phil' campaign?

Seth will make a Fine judge

I will make one endorsement today - Seth Fine for Snohomish County Superior Court. Seth has served as a staff attorney with the Washington State Supreme Court and for the last 22 years has been in charge of criminal appeals for the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office. The Governor makes this appointment, so hope springs eternal.

Gregoire's office has not said when she will make an appointment. Her general counsel was in Everett last week speaking to judges about the applicants. Presiding Judge Thomas Wynne said he has told the governor's office he'd like to have an appointment before the end of January.

Seth is a very nice man whom I've have gotten to know as very thorough, detail oriented, but not 'lawyer like' in his demeanor, if you know what I mean. He reminds me of my other favorite lawyer, Paul Lehto, and comes highly recommended from folks in Snohomish County who have known him for a lot longer than I.

Futurewise needs help

Our friends at Futurewise are circulating a letter writing campaign to the Snohomish County Council - called stop the feeding frenzy - to remind them of their obligations to provide proper representation to all their constituents, not just the rich land developers.

It is a critical time for the future of Snohomish County. Unfortunately, the county council is pushing through bad decisions without public input just before the holiday season. Luckily, we can still make a difference by urging our council to vote against the expensive and irresponsible comprehensive plan that makes tax payers foot the bill for a developer feeding frenzy.

Click here to take action: http://actionstudio.org/?go=1921

I urge you to take a moment to e-mail your council. Click on the link to send your message to the council.  Please send this by Wednesday, December 21st to have you voice heard. http://actionstudio.org/?go=1921

For those who live in Snohomish County, please take a moment and fire off their letter to the Council. It is also posted in its entirety below:

Paine Field - jet wash, or jet work?

Recent articles in the news and in legislative updates from 21st LD Representative Brian Sullivan focused on the subject of Paine Field, its potential, and the quality of life enjoyed by residents surrounding it.

For those who don't know, Paine Field is currently used as a flight testing and training facility for Boeing and other manufacturers. Small aircraft also use the facility, but certain factions would like to expand the airfield to accommodate commercial and 24 hour cargo air traffic.

Such an expansion flies in the face of covenants signed in 1978 that outline the role Paine Field should have - general aviation. Over 100,000 people have populated the areas around Paine Field, people that have fought tooth and nail to protect their neighborhoods. As Representative Sullivan says, “Who in their right mind would rezone property and move in 100,000 opponents of Paine Field expansion? Let’s work on the things we do agree on.”

Sullivan's 'Plan B' legislation, which will also be introduced in the Senate by Senator Paul Shinn, addresses the need to properly develop Paine Field by encouraging research and development jobs versus low-paying commercial service jobs. Boeing's new 787 will be assembled in Everett, so enticing more production work and engineering will ensure Paine Field's viability as a regional aerospace technology center.

Sullivan suggested talks with Rolls Royce, the British company that makes jet engines for Boeing. It may need to build a new plant for the 787; why not in Washington?
Shin has already talked with representatives of Hyundai-Kia, the Korean company that makes landing gear for Boeing. It too may be interested in building a plant stateside.

Proper economic growth, a high paying workforce, reasoned with the preservation of communities and the quality of life they enjoy. Sounds like a great 'Plan B'.

Letter from local soldier killed in Iraq; Cpl Jeffrey Starr letter, Bush didn't tell all...

In his speech yesterday on Plan for Iraq, Bush discussed a letter found on the laptop of Corporal Jeffrey B. Starr (WA local soldier killed in Iraq):  see at link

Bush left out, as Paul Harvey says, the rest of the story at NY Times

   

Another member of the 1/5, Cpl. Jeffrey B. Starr, rejected a $24,000 bonus to re-enlist. Corporal Starr believed strongly in the war, his father said, but was tired of the harsh life and nearness of death in Iraq. So he enrolled at Everett Community College near his parents' home in Snohomish, Wash., planning to study psychology after his enlistment ended in August.

But he died in a firefight in Ramadi on April 30 during his third tour in Iraq. He was 22.

Sifting through Corporal Starr's laptop computer after his death, his father found a letter to be delivered to the marine's girlfriend. "I kind of predicted this," Corporal Starr wrote of his own death. "A third time just seemed like I'm pushing my chances."

The President of the United States should have respected his memory by being honest about Cpl. Starr's story. He was not.

Daily Kos: State of the Nation

Term Limited Terwilliger

With Election Day barely behind us, it is always a good time to start speculating about who is leaving, and who is getting ready to run.  There is no better place to start than with elections officials themselves.  It is no secret that Snohomish County Auditor (and personal hero of Brian) Bob Terwilliger will not be seeking reelection in 2007 due to term limits.

There are already names floating around for the position, including County Clerk Pam Daniels (also term limited), Edmonds Councilwoman Deanna Dawson, and State Representative Mark Ericks.  This is certainly a race to watch, as electronic voting vs. mail-in balloting continue to be an issue in this bellwhether county.

Let the speculating begin...

Councilmember Dave Somers!

10:48pm

Final unofficial total for Snohomish County:

General Election
8-Nov-05
Summary Report
Snohomish County
Final Unofficial Election Night Results
Registration & Turnout	354,116	Voters
ElectionDay Turnout	42,123	11.90%
Absentee Turnout	68,682	19.40%
ACW Turnout	0	0.00%
Total ...	110,805	31.29%
INITIATIVE 900	716/716	100.00%
YES	66,146	61.83%
NO	40,843	38.17%
Total ...	106,989	100.00%
INITIATIVE 901	716/716	100.00%
YES	66,072	60.27%
NO	43,552	39.73%
Total ...	109,624	100.00%
INITIATIVE 912	716/716	100.00%
YES	49,427	45.26%
NO	59,778	54.74%
Total ...	109,205	100.00%
INITIATIVE 330	716/716	100.00%
YES	45,430	41.59%
NO	63,808	58.41%
Total ...	109,238	100.00%
INITIATIVE 336	716/716	100.00%
YES	43,621	40.26%
NO	64,727	59.74%
Total ...	108,348	100.00%
SJR 8207	716/716	100.00%
APPROVED	64,593	64.80%
REJECTED	35,090	35.20%
Total ...	99,683	100.00%
COUNTY COUNCIL- DISTRICT 1		149/149
D - Suzanne Smith	10,650	45.82%
R - John Koster	12,501	53.79%
Write-In	90	0.39%
Total ...	23,241	100.00%
COUNTY COUNCIL- DISTRICT 4		151/151
D - Dave Gossett	11,636	58.17%
R - Eva Davies	8,302	41.51%
Write-In	64	0.32%
Total ...	20,002	100.00%
COUNTY COUNCIL- DISTRICT 5		155/155
D - Dave Somers	10,909	49.31%
R - Jeff Sax	9,448	42.70%
I - Greg Stephens	1,694	7.66%
Write-In	74	0.33%