On Monday 10/12/09, The Clark County Democrats met at the ILWU Union Hall.
It was a lively meeting. Former State Representative (49th LD) Bill Fromhold attended the meeting. Bill is the Co-Director of the Columbia River Crossing Coalition which is the promotion team to bring understanding and clarity to the I-5 Bridge project. Bill pointed out that his reason for speaking was to support Royce Pollard for re-election as Mayor of Vancouver. Representative Jim Moeller (49th LD) and Congressman Brian Baird echoed Bill's sentiments supporting Royce later in the meeting.
Speaking of Congressman Baird, he was able to attend as a special guest speaker. He talked about the problems and failings of the health care reform bills as they exist and labeled himself a proponent of the public option. He also discussed his continuing battle to secure a 72-hour review period for legislation.
He also gave us a sneak peek at his version of an ideal health care reform plan which he subsequently announced on October 20 in the Seattle Times newspaper. It is a plan that precludes the need for all existing plans and is based on need and ability to pay. Since health care reform is an iterative process, we could some day consider a thorough reform. www.columbian.com/article/20091021/NEWS02/710219919
In other business at the meeting, County Commissioner Steve Stuart stood in for his wife, Heather Melton-Stuart, to urge everyone to vote 'NO' on I-1033.
State Senator Craig Pridemore (49th LD) talked about 2010 Washington State Democratic convention and how significant it will be to have a solid, nationally known speaker representing the Democrats at the convention in Vancouver. There is much to be excited about in having the state convention right here in Vancouver and many volunteers will be needed to assist with check-in, coordination of welcome events and the hospitality suite, and fundraisers!
Norm Banks, Jane Buchanan-Banks, and Gary Akizuki recapped the Washington State Democrats quarterly meeting held in Walla Walla on September 24th. They announced that precinct caucuses will not held in 2010, but the Legislative Districts (LD), County, and Congressional District (CD) conventions are planned - we will update the calendar soon.
Meeting adjourned.
Next meeting 11/09/09 at 7:00pm at the ILWU Longshore Hall.