23rd Legislative District Democrats

Bainbridge Island Kick-off for Josh Brown Campaign

2010-03-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

You are cordially invited

To join

Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown

For a Bainbridge Island Re-Election Campaign Kickoff

On Thursday, March 18, 2010,

From 6:00 - 8:30 PM

At the Filipino American Community Hall

7566 High School Road NE, Bainbridge Island, Washington

Refreshments will be served.

• Please visit Josh’s website at http://www.electjoshbrown.com/ for more information or to make a contribution.
Please RSVP via email to josh@electjoshbrown.com or phone 360-692-2298.

An early response would be appreciated for planning purposes.

Legislative District Caucus

2010-03-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

In preparation for the Washington State Democratic Convention in Vancouver, WA to be held June 25/26, the 23rd LD Democrats will host their Legislative District Caucus in conjunction with the Kitsap County Democratic Convention on Saturday, April 10, 2010 in the gymnasium at Olympic High School in Bremerton (next to the county fairgrounds) beginning at 9 a.m.

As part of the delegate selection and nomination process, there will not be separate Precinct Caucuses this year. If individuals are interested in serving as a delegate to the State Convention from the 23rd LD you will need to be at the meeting, or provide the chair with a letter of interest to be read at the Caucus. Those attending the caucus will vote and complete the slate of delegates and alternates for the Convention. At the same time, we will handle the nominations process for our State Representatives.

If you have questions, please contact chair@kitsap23rd.com

Town Hall with 23rd LD Representatives

2010-02-17T09:04:00.000-08:00

State Reps. Sherry Appleton (D-Poulsbo) and Christine Rolfes (D-Bainbridge Island) will host two local town hall meetings on this Sat., Feb. 20 for constituents of the 23rd Legislative District. The meetings offer an opportunity to learn about the issues facing the 2010 Legislature — now in session through mid-March — and to share ideas for balancing the state budget and promoting economic recovery. The events are free and open to the general public.

Bainbridge Island High School Commons, 9:30 to 11 a.m.
Eagles Nest at the Fair Grounds, 1 to 2:30 p.m.

New Endorsement/Approval Process and Application

2010-01-31T11:54:00.000-08:00

The executive board of the 23rd LD Democrats has finalized a new process and application for individuals seeking endorsement or approval. To request an application or for questions, please email the 23rd LD Chair at chair@kitsap23rd.com

23rd Legislative District Democrats Candidate Endorsement or Approval Packet

If you are interested in obtaining an endorsement or approval from the 23rd Legislative District (LD) Democrats, here is the general process. Please email the Chair for a complete packet.

You might find our endorsement/approval process more rigorous than some others. This is because the public looks upon an endorsement by the 23rd LD Democrats as a seal of approval for the candidate. People assume that before endorsing a candidate, the 23rd LD Democrats have looked carefully at the candidate and found the candidate’s personal background to be exemplary and record to be solidly Democratic. Consequently, the 23rd LD Democrats feel a responsibility to make an informed endorsement.

We also take seriously the potential damage to the reputation of the 23rd LD Democrats should someone we endorsed fail in his or her ethical duty to the public. We acknowledge and understand that there will be instances where a candidate and the 23rd LD Democrats will have differing opinions on an issue. The 23rd LD Democrats do not require candidates to march in lockstep with it on every issue, only that they conduct their affairs in an honorable fashion and be with us on the issues that are truly vital to a well-run society and the Democratic Party.

Candidates We Have Not Previously Endorsed

If you are a first time candidate or have not previously received our endorsement for the office you are seeking, you will need to complete a new Candidate Questionnaire and go through the interview process with our Executive Board. Again, contact the Chair for the questionnaire.

After completing the questionnaire, please email it to the Executive Board Chairperson at chair@kitsap23rd.com (if you’d prefer to deliver the completed questionnaire in a format other than email, contact the Chairperson and inquire with him or her about other options). Your completed questionnaire is confidential and under normal circumstances will not be viewed by anyone outside of the Executive Board.

You will also need to schedule an appointment with the Executive board for an interview. Typically the Executive Board meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. We need to receive the questionnaire at least two weeks prior to the interview in order to give us time to distribute copies of it to the Executive Committee members and to give them time to review it.

Once the interview is completed, the Executive Board will make a recommendation to the members of the 23rd LD Democrats at a regularly-scheduled 23rd LD Democrats general membership meeting. The Executive Board will recommend that the members either (a) endorse the candidate, (b) approve the candidate, or (c) take no action. A vote of the members in attendance at that general membership meeting will determine if an endorsement or approval for an office will be made and, if so, who will receive it. We will then notify all of the candidates of the membership's decision. An official endorsement (or approval) letter will then be mailed to the successful candidate allowing them to announce our endorsement (or approval) and use it in their campaign literature.

All candidates are welcome to attend the general membership meetings. Depending on time constraints and other factors, the candidate or their representative may be invited to speak at the general membership meeting at which their endorsement/approval is being considered.

Previously-Endorsed Candidates

If a candidate has been endorsed by the 23rd LD Democrats previously, the candidate does not need to complete the questionnaire or be interviewed by the Executive Board. Instead, the candidate simply needs to notify the 23rd LD Democrats Chairperson that the candidate is seeking the 23rd LD Democrats’ endorsement/approval. The Executive Board’s decision on whether to recommend endorsement/approval will be based on the Board’s previous interactions with the candidate and/or the candidate’s record while in office. The Executive Board may request more information from the candidate. Any candidate is welcome to write a letter to the chair outlining their accomplishments or giving more information.
Thank you again for your interest in our endorsement. If you have any questions, please e-mail the Chairperson at chair@kitsap23rd.com

23rd LD Dems make early endorsements

2010-01-31T11:24:00.001-08:00

At their general membership meeting on January 17, 2010, the 23rd LD Democrats unanimously approved endorsements for:

Sherry Appleton for State Representative, 23rd LD, Position 1
Josh Brown for Kitsap County Commissioner, District 3
Christine Rolfes for State Representative, 23rd LD, Position 2
Levy Renewal Campaigns for North Kitsap, Central Kitsap, Bainbridge Island, and Bremerton School Districts

Happy and Healthy Holidays

2009-12-09T15:11:00.000-08:00

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy holiday season.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR: Our next general membership meeting for the 23rd LD Democrats will occur on Sunday, January 17, 2010 at the Poulsbo Fire Hall located at the corner of HWY 305 and Liberty Road. Our speaker that day will be Karen Timken, executive director for North Kitsap Fishline.

2009-10-29T15:27:00.000-07:00

It's that time again... our 23 LD Reps will be on the ballot again next year. Please support them all you can. To that end, the first re-election fundraiser for Rep. Rolfes is happening on Sunday, November 8th from 4 to 6 p.m. Please see details below and RSVP by going to http://www.electchristine.com/

Phone Bank Volunteers Needed

2009-10-15T19:43:00.000-07:00

HELP Get OUT the VOTE

NO on I-1033 and YES on R-71

Volunteers needed for phone banks now until the General Election. Opportunities are available Monday through Thursday between 6 and 8 p.m. and/or Saturday and Sunday between 1 and 3 p.m. in Silverdale. To volunteer, please contact Linda Gabriel at (360) 697-2378 or Sharon Brown at (360) 692-2298.

I-1033 if passed will cripple government and the services upon which we rely. R-71 confirms the rights and responsibilities of Domestic Partnership that the Legislature passed during the last Session.

Thanks for your efforts to make good things happen for our State, our neighbors, our friends and our families.

For more information:
No on 1033
Approve Referendum 71

Rob Gelder, chair
23rd LD Democrats

2009 Endorsements

2009-09-30T15:44:00.000-07:00

With the general election quickly approaching - all the more so with all mail ballots - it's important to let the 23rd LD Democrats know how the membership has supported various candidates and issues.

NO vote on I-1033
YES vote on R-71

Endorsements:

James Docter for Bremerton Municipal Court Judge
Gillian Gregory for North Kitsap Fire and Rescue Commissioner
Kirsten Hytopoulos for Bainbridge Island City Council
Debbie Lester for Bainbridge Island City Council
Kathryn Quade for Poulsbo Mayor
Bruce Richards for CK School District
Ed Stern for Poulsbo City Council
Debbie Vancil for Bainbridge Island City Council

If you have questions or see omissions, please contact Rob Gelder, chair of the 23rd LD Democrats at chair@kitsap23rd.com

New Vice-Chair Elected

2009-09-30T15:42:00.000-07:00

With the departure of Kathy Brown, the 23rd LD Democratic PCOs elected Linda Gabriel to fill the position of Vice-Chair until the next reorganization meeting. Linda brings with her a wealth of experience and drive that will continue to make our organization strong. Please thank Linda for stepping up to fill this vital role!

New Executive Board Member Needed

2009-09-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

With the departure of Jim Sharpe as our CKSD representative, the 23rd LD Democrats Executive Board is recruiting a replacement of either gender. The only requirement is that the person resides in the Central Kitsap School District and that they are will to become an active part of the Eboard. Any interested candidates should contact Rob Gelder at chair@kitsap23rd.com

Annual Fundraiser Renamed in Honor of Long Time Democrat

2009-09-11T16:17:00.000-07:00

The 23rd LD Democrats lost a great leader and driving force in local politics when Jim Sharpe moved back to Tennessee.

The Executive Board of the 23rd LD Democrats will miss Jim greatly as he begins this new chapter of his life’s journey in Tennessee. We know we’ll be in touch, and we know he's left an indelible mark upon our legislative district, our party and our lives.

Jim was presented with a plaque that stated:

In recognition of unwavering service to the 23rd Legislative District Democrats, as well as Democrats across Kitsap County and Washington State, we hereby name the annual fundraising dinner

The Jim Sharpe Salmon Dinner

in order to acknowledge and remember the invaluable efforts made by
Jim Sharpe to help strengthen the Democratic Party
and to elect Democrats to office.

Presented this day

September 10, 2009
Kiana Lodge
Poulsbo, Washington

Annual Salmon Dinner on September 10th

2009-08-30T16:14:00.000-07:00

23rd LD Meeting, March 15

2009-03-03T22:57:00.000-08:00

The next meeting of the 23rd LD Democrats will be March 15th, from 4-6pm at the Poulsbo Firehall. Please come join us, and thank you for your support!

Kitsap 23rd LD Democrats Officers

2009-01-16T15:27:00.000-08:00

The 23rd LD recently elected the following new officers for the 2009-2010 term:

Chair: Rob Gelder
Vice Chair: Linda Gabriel
Treasurer: Al Andrus
Secretary: Tom Loushe
State Committeeman: Jim Sommerhauser
State Committeewoman: Remo Barr
Newsletter Editor: Gene Bullock
North Kitsap: Sandy Bullock
Bainbridge Island: Kol Medina
Central Kitsap: vacant
Bremerton: Bob Vermeers
North Kitsap At-Large: Kathy CANderle
Bainbridge At-Large: Drew Hansen
Central Kitsap At-Large: Lillian Crawford
At Large: Martha Lynn-Johnson

23rd LD Bylaws are Online

2008-11-16T22:22:00.000-08:00

Per the "Call to Reorganize" for the 23rd LD Democrats, which PCOs should receive shortly, here are links to the 23rd Legislative District Democrats Bylaws:

PDF format

Microsoft Word format

The 23rd LD Reorganization meeting will take place on Sunday, December 14th, 2008 from 4-6pm at the Poulsbo Library, at 700 NE Lincoln, in Poulsbo.

Fall 2008 Newsletter online

2008-11-03T21:22:00.000-08:00

The Fall 2008 23rd LD newsletter is online. Click here to download the file in PDF format.

23rd LD Endorsements, General Election, 2008

2008-10-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

General election ballots will be mailed the end of this week and then the get out the vote (GOTV) telephoning begins. If you would like to help in that process, please contact our 23rd LD Bainbridge office at (206) 842-1872 or the Kitsap County Democratic office in Silverdale at (360) 698-6833.

Remember, you may avoid receiving GOTV calls by voting early. The 23rd LD final endorsement/approval list is included below to assist you. Note: The Obama-Biden endorsement took place at the Democratic State Convention.

Thank you,
Remo Barr
23rd LD Chair

23rd LD ENDORSEMENTS OR APPROVALS
* indicates endorsement – others are approvals

Congressional

*U.S. Representative CD 1 Jay Inslee
*U.S. Representative CD 6 Norm Dicks

State

*Governor Chris Gregoire
*State Treasurer Jim McIntire
*State Auditor Brian Sonntag
*Attorney General John Ladenburg
*Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark
*Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler
Lieutenant Governor Brad Owen
Superintendent of Public Instruction Randy Dorn
Superintendent of Public Instruction Terry Bergeson

23rd District

*State Senator Phil Rockefeller
*Representative Position1 Sherry Appleton
*Representative Position2 Christine Rolfes

Kitsap

*County Commissioner District 1 Steve Bauer
*County Commissioner District 3 Charlotte Garrido
*County Auditor Walt Washington

Judicial

*Supreme Court Justice Position 3 Mary Fairhurst
*Supreme Court Justice Position 4 Charles W. Johnson
*Supreme Court Justice Position 7 Debra L Stephens
*Court of Appeals Div 2 Dist 2 Pos 1 Robin Hunt
*Superior Court Judge, Court 1 Jeanette Dalton

Initiatives

*No on Initiative 985
*Yes on Initiative 1000
(the 23rd LD took no action on Initiative 1029 )

Plant Sale to Benefit Democratic Candidates

2008-09-11T15:01:00.000-07:00

Attention Democratic Gardeners:

Bainbridge Islander Irmgard Grabo once again is having a plant sale. Since she is planning to send a portion of the proceeds to our 23rd LD, this is your chance to purchase some great plants to enjoy sunshine in your garden, and also add a little sunshine to our 23rd coffers.

The sale will be this Saturday, September 13 (9 AM-2 PM) and Sunday, September 14 (10AM-2PM)

Irmgard will have a sign on New Brooklyn Road directing you to her property at 9180 Holly Farm Lane. Her phone number is (206) 842-6724.

I encourage you to plan a visit to view Irmgard's collection of trees, shrubs, vines and perenials and to enjoy conversation with a unique lady.

Remo Barr

23rd LD Chair

23rd LD Democrats Annual Salmon Dinner - RSVP now!

2008-09-10T15:23:00.000-07:00

Peter Goldmark, candidate for Commissioner of Public Lands, will be the keynote speaker at the annual Salmon Dinner of the 23rd Legislative District Democrats. The dinner will be held at the elegant Kiana Lodge on Thursday, September 25.

A reception, with no host bar, will begin at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:45 p.m. The cost of the dinner is $50 per person. Seating is limited, so reservations are needed by September 18. Dinner will be followed by a dessert auction.

Goldmark has been endorsed by Washington Conservation Voters, the Washington Education Association and a broad coalition of labor, agricultural and community leaders, educators and environmental organizations.

“The Commissioner of Public Lands has oversight of millions of acres of public forest, rangeland, shorelines and aquatic resources, said Kurt Fritts, Executive Director of Washington Conservation Voters. “It is important to elect a candidate who has a strong commitment to the environment and a vision for how this post can best sustain our natural resources for future generations. Facing monumental issues such as global warming, Puget Sound clean-up, and forest management, Peter Goldmark stood out as the leader we need in this critical time.”

To reserve a seat at the dinner, send a check payable to the 23rd LD Democrats ($50 per person) to PO Box 368, Poulsbo WA 98370. The deadline for reservations is Thursday, September 18.

For information about the 23rd LD Democrats, contact Remo Barr, Chair, at 360-779-4393 (email: remok@comcast.net).

Local democrats need YOUR help!

2008-08-04T09:31:00.000-07:00

Dear 23rd LD voter:

The next two weeks may be the most important days of this election year! Some races will be determined on August 19. For candidates that will advance to the general ballot, a strong showing dries up money for the opponent and gains more support for the winner. In either case, generating a large turn out for the primary is vital.

There are indications that the turnout will be lower than usual. The August date is new to voters and seems to be lacking in excitement. Looking at the ballot, the voter may not find the “hot race” that motivates them to send in their ballots.

No matter which Democratic candidate you’re most interested in supporting, the best way to help is to increase the participation of Democratic voters. And, increasing participation can be as simple as a reminder phone call from a volunteer.

Over the next two weeks, we need to make 20,000 calls to remind local Democrats to send in their ballots.

We have two offices available to call; we’re asking folks to fill a two hour slot between now and Aug 19th and make sixty calls – all to Democrats and all just reminding them to please send in their ballots.

We hope you will choose the office most convenient and make a call. You can choose whatever day and time is best for you:

The 23rd LD Bainbridge Office (937 Hildebrand Lane NE Suite 102) for folks on Bainbridge or in North Kitsap. Phone: (206) 842-1872.

The Kitsap County Office (3100 Bucklin Hill Road, 2nd Floor, Suite 223 (NE corner) for those in Poulsbo, Silverdale, or Bremerton. Phone: 360-698-6833.

If you will call in to one of those offices and volunteer for a two hour slot, you will contribute to boosting Democratic turnout in this primary. And, if we boost turnout in the primary, we will be much closer to winning in the fall.

Bottom line, the time to help us is now. Please step forward.

Remo Barr
23rd LD chair

PS - If you leave a message at the office, be sure to include your name, number, best day and best time to call.

23rd LD Democrats 2008 Primary Endorsements and Approvals

2008-08-01T01:12:00.000-07:00

Dear 23rd LD voter:

Your primary ballot should have arrived or be in the mail soon. Some races will be decided in the primary on August 19 so your vote is especially important.

Since this is Washington State's first election using the top two vote getters advancing to the general election, and candidates self-identify their party leanings, we hope the 23rd Legislative District Democrat endorsements and approvals below will assist you in your decision making.

And a hint: The sooner you vote, the fewer reminder phone calls you will receive.

Remo Barr
23rd LD chair

23rd Legislative District Democrats
Endorsements and Approvals, 2008 Primary

The following candidates have been endorsed for Federal Office:
U.S. Representative CD 1 Jay Inslee
U.S. Representative CD 6 Norm Dicks

The following candidates have been endorsed for State Offices:
Governor: Chris Gregoire
State Treasurer: Jim McIntire
State Auditor: Brian Sonntag
Attorney General: John Ladenburg
Commissioner of Public Lands: Peter Goldmark
Insurance Commissioner: Mike Kreidler

The following candidate has been approved for the office of Lieutenant Governor:
Brad Owen

These two candidates were approved for Superintendent of Public Education: Teresa (Terry) Bergeson and Randy Dorn

These candidates are endorsed In the 23rd Legislative District:
State Senator: Phil Rockefeller
Representative Position 1: Sherry Appleton
Representative Position 2: Christine Rolfes

The following candidate was endorsed for Kitsap County Commissioner District 1:
Steve Bauer

The following candidate was endorsed for County Auditor:
Walt Washington

The following candidates have been endorsed for Judicial Offices:
Supreme Court Justice Position 3 Mary Fairhurst
Supreme Court Justice Position 4 Charles W. Johnson
Supreme Court Justice Position 7 Debra L. Stephens
Court of Appeals Div 2 Dist 2 Pos 1 Robin Hunt

The following candidates have been approved Superior Court Judge, Court 1:
Jeanette Dalton and Greg Wall

(The 23rd LD made no recommendation for Secretary of State)

Summer 2008 23rd LD Newsletter Online

2008-06-30T14:09:00.001-07:00

The Summer issue is now online. Click here to download the Newsletter in PDF format.

Reception and Fundraiser for the 2008 Democratic Candidates

2008-06-30T13:59:00.000-07:00

You are cordially invited to a reception and fundraiser for our 2008 Democratic Candidates.

Join candidates Sherry Appleton, Christine Rolfes, Steve Bauer, Walt Washington and others

Sunday, August 10th from 2 – 5 pm

At the home and garden of Lou Richard and Sally Adams

10250 NE Darden Lane, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and beverage (wine, beer, coffee, etc.) will be served.

Live music.

Please RSVP to Lou Richard or Sally Adams at (206) 780-7888

lourichard@att.net or sally.adams@att.net

to confirm your interest in attending and in making a contribution of $50 or more per attendee.

(NOTE: Number of attendees limited to first 100 to respond)

Please make checks payable to the 23rd Legislative District Democrats

Mail checks to: 23rd Legislative District Democrats, c/o Lou Richard, 10250 NE Darden Lane, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
We look forward to welcoming you, along with our Democratic candidates, to our home and garden.

Phil Rockefeller's Campaign Kickoff

2008-06-02T10:19:00.001-07:00

Dear 23rd Legislative District Democrat,

Below you will find an link to an invitation from our endorsed candidate for re-election to the State Senate, Phil Rockefeller. While Phil shares some of his accomplishments in the letter, two that he doesn't mention have made me especially proud: This year, the Children's Alliance, Washington's advocacy group for children's issues, gave our Senator a 100% rating. Last year, the Washington Conservation Voters named Phil Rockefeller "Legislator of the Year" for his work on environmental issues.

I hope you will attend the event on June 9th at the Bainbridge Island Filipino American Community Hall (7566 NE High School Road, Bainbridge, starts at 5:30 pm).

Please do remember to RSVP no later than June 5th by email to info@philrockefeller.com. The campaign has arranged with the owner of Sawatdy Thai for food, and a head count is required.

If you can't attend, please send help us retain a great legislator by sending a contribution to: Committee to Re-Elect Phil Rockefeller P.O. Box 2140 Poulsbo, Wa 98370.

Hoping to see you next Monday,

Remo Barr,
Chair 23rd Legislative District Democrats

Note: This link below will open a separate web browser window. When the window opens, click on the link that says "Click here to download your attachment":

Invitation (in PDF format) to Phil Rockefeller's Campaign Kickoff Event!