Our County Auditor, Shirley Forslof retired after 24 years as Auditor -- Supervisor of Elections and Election/Licensing Worker before that -- over half a century of public service. Some 90 people from here and around the state came to a retirement dinner to thank her and wish her well.

On January 14 at 10 am, 42nd LD Democrats will present Darcy Burner who will give us a presentation on “Power”.  The Republicans have done a good job over the years at grasping power.  Darcy will show us how we can harness that power for the progressive side to move our agenda forward and have winning campaigns.  Darcy is running for congress in the newly redrawn 1st Congressional District which now includes the majority of Whatcom County outside of Bellingham.  We are excited to have such a great candidate running in our congressional district.  Please come to our meeting to meet Darcy and take home a positive message for winning in 2012. The meeting will take place at the Machinists Hall in Ferndale.

One of the most important roles of the local party organizations is to conduct the bi-annual precinct caucuses and Democratic Party conventions. This is a big under-taking that involves Democrats in every precinct in the county, and the quality of the experience for rank-and-file voters reflects on us as an organization. It’s important that voters feel welcome to participate, feel the process allows for their ideas and opinions to be heard and respected, and that it was a valuable use of their time. Our ultimate goal is to create momentum from the caucuses to move forward with effective grassroots organizing that helps win elections.  So here’s where you come in: we need volunteers!

By Riley Sweeney
Our bipartisan committee to redraw the political boundaries of Washington State has cranked out some draft maps in the last couple of weeks that have big changes in store for Whatcom County. Let’s take a look at what is probably in store. Look at the maps HERE.

Gov. Chris Gregoire has announced her support for legalizing same-sex marriage in Washington state, saying that she came to the decision after several years of battling her own uncertainty on the issue.

“I have been on my own journey, I’ll admit that,” Gregoire said at a news conference announcing her support of a legalization bill that will be introduced next week.

The YES! on I-502 campaign to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana filed signatures on December 29, 2011 to qualify I-502 to go before the legislature in 2012. The legislature will have the opportunity to adopt the initiative directly. If they do not, it will go to the November 2012 ballot for consideration by the voters. More information is available at their website.

Grassroots is a monthly publication of the Whatcom County Democrats.  We are pleased to accept articles and announcements of interest to Democrats in Whatcom County.  We will also be happy to include your event on our monthly calendar.   Send your items to newsletter editor John Flancher at john.flancher@gmail .com. Be sure to include the day, date, time and location of your event.  In order to ensure that we can include your announcement in the newsletter, please submit it by the 25th of the month before your event.

About a hundred Democrats gathered in December to celebrate another good year of campaigning at our Holiday Party. Thanks to the following people who helped make it a special evening: Catherine Chambers, Dale Whipple, Jean Brechan, Jeremy Mohn, Jo Pullen, Kent Heuer, Laurel Cook, Ronalee Kincaid, Laurie Heck, Mike Estes, Natalie McClendon, Peggy Borgens, Richard May, Riley Sweeney, Roni Lenore, Saliha Miller, Shane Roth, Sharon Alford, Stephanie Cash, Steve Schuck, Susan Moen, Suzanne Kite, Trudy Kelsoe, Vicky Hotson, Michele Kammerer, Bryna Hoffmeister.

As with all volunteer organizations, it’s the people that make the difference. Each year we are blessed with a great crew of volunteers. A few really stand out and we want to acknowledge them.

PCO of the year – Alyce Werkema – for providing Democratic leadership in Lynden.

Rising Star of 2011 – Jeremy Mohn – for not only not shrinking from a challenge but also doing such a great job at whatever he tackled, from the NW WA Fair to campaign management to Young Dems leadership, to representing LGBT issues.

Volunteer of the year – Artemis – for committing her considerable talent and experience to the behind-the-scenes campaign organizing work that must be done in order to win elections.

Office Volunteer of the year – Emma Conlee – for her steadfast volunteer support over the last five years, on occasion of her 90th birthday. Photo at right: Emma getting a good laugh about her award.

Leadership Award – Roni Lenore – for her tenacious commitment to the success of the Whatcom Democrats, as a Board member and Chair of the Finance Committee.