The June 2019 General Business Meeting of the Washington State 21st Legislative District Democratic Party Organization took place on June 19, 2019, at Spiro’s Pizza in Mukilteo.
There were a few housekeeping announcements starting at 7:09 PM, and the meeting formally started at 7:29 PM.
State Representative Lillian Ortiz-Self was the featured guest for the evening. She spoke about successes from the recent state legislative term, but also about disappointments. She also answered member questions.
Adoption of the Agenda
The agenda for the meeting was amended following suggestions from the Chair, and the amended agenda was then adopted unanimously.
Acceptance of the Minutes from Last Meeting
Acceptance of the minutes from the last meeting was delayed, due to the venue not having a projector.
Officers’ Reports
Treasurer David Chan gave the Treasurer’s Report.
Brief Officers’ Reports were also given by Chair Sharon Holt, Vice Chair Al Apodaca, Secretary Neil Shafer-Ross, State Committeeperson Shaun Olsen, State Committeeperson Simone Gomes, and County Committeeperson Rose Andrews. Rose’s written report of the last Snohomish County Democrats meeting can be read here: https://21dems.org/county-committee-report-june-2019/
An important part of the Chair’s Report is that, starting in July, the 21st will be setting up a volunteer opportunity for a Voter Registration Drive, as part of our Get Out the Vote and membership building efforts.
Committee Reports
Brief reports were given by the following committees: Technology (Micah Rowland gave the report); Rules (Micah Rowland); Membership (Al Apodaca); Fundraising (Sue Nicholls)
New Business
There was an item on the agenda for the confirmation of the Chair’s pick for the position of Young Democrats Liaison. Denisa Ruxander was confirmed unanimously; Denisa is now our Young Democrats Liaison.
There was an item on the agenda for electing a new Second Vice Chair, the previous Second Vice Chair Nico Battle having been obliged to resign due to moving out of the 21st LD. There was a motion to postpone this vote indefinitely. The motion was seconded, and passed by the necessary majority.
The Endorsements Committee brought a short slate of new endorsement recommendations to the floor. No amendments to the slate were requested. There was a motion to adopt the slate, which was seconded. The motion was voted on and passed, with no objections. The slate of recommended candidates will be endorsed by the 21st LD.
There was a motion to endorse Brandy Donaghy for South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue Commissioner, District 5. The motion was not seconded, and was withdrawn. (Ms. Donaghy is expected to be interviewed by the Endorsements Committee before the next meeting.)
There was a motion to endorse Anna Alexander for Snohomish County Superior Court Judge, Position 7. This would be a dual endorsement. The motion was seconded. There was debate for and against.
There was a motion to allow the reading of a written statement provided by 21st LD member Adam Cornell, which was seconded and passed; Mr. Cornell’s written statement was read by the Secretary, with some paraphrasing because Mr. Cornell’s statement, as written, would not have been in order for debate.
There was a motion to allow Snohomish County Superior Court Presiding Judge Bruce Weiss, who is not a 21st LD member, to speak in debate as a guest. The motion was seconded. The motion passed 14 to 4, which is more than the required 2/3 supermajority required for such a motion. Judge Weiss was allowed to speak.
There was a motion to postpone the original motion indefinitely, which was seconded. The motion to postpone was debated against and for. The question was called; the call of the question passed by the necessary supermajority. The vote on the motion to postpone was in favor. The motion to endorse Anna Alexander will be postponed indefinitely.
There was a motion to endorse Jennifer Cail for Edmonds School District, Director District 3. This would be a dual endorsement. The motion was seconded. The motion was spoken for and against. The motion was voted on, and failed by a vote of 8 to 4.
End of New Business
Sue Nicholls read the results of this week’s fundraising silent auction.
There were a few Good of the Order announcements.
There was a motion to adjourn, which was seconded and passed. The meeting was adjourned at 9:08 PM.