CERTIFIED Democrats are in Italics. I will update this as more candidates jump in.

Our endorsment meeting in June is fast approaching. With all the campaign excitement, we know you want to be there. In order to be eligible to vote in an endorsement decision, your membership must be current two weeks prior to the vote. This means you must have your dues paid by the end of the day on June 2nd. If you have any questions about your membership, you can call the office at 360-647-7661 or ask our check-in desk at the May meeting. You can also renew your membership online at www.whatcomdemocrats.com

The Whatcom Democrats congratulate Mark Lowry, Vice-Chair of the Whatcom Democrats, on his new position as president of the Northwest Central Labor Council. He was elected to replace long-time labor leader, Dave Warren. Lowry is the current president of Amalgamated Transit Union #843 and was elected in 2011 as our vice-chair.

Labor and local Dems will work together to fight for worker’s rights in Whatcom County.

Thanks to everyone who donated plants and came to buy at our Plant Sale over Earth Day weekend. And particularly thank you to Peggy Borgens and Ronalee Kincaid for doing such a great job organizing it.  

If Spring is just not arriving soon enough for you, and you still have work to do in your garden, and plants you need to divide and share, we will continue to take donations of plants and save them for next year’s sale. Please call Peggy at 384-0861 or email: jpeg47@comcast.net to arrange for pick or even some help digging.

The Whatcom Democrats are in the market for a new logo, so we are holding an open contest to help brand your party. So put on your thinking caps, grab your sketch books and see what you can come up with. Send all submissions as pdf’s or jpegs to riley.sweeney@gmail.com. The winning designer gets the pride of helping their local party and a fresh batch of cookies baked by the communications chair. All submissions due by May 31st. We hope to unveil the finalists at our June Endorsement meeting. 

by Natalie McClendon

There has been much talk and a number of forums recently on the proposed Gateway Pacific Terminal at Cherry Point. The Whatcom Democrats has not taken any position on this proposed project, and urges our members to learn about the benefits and challenges of this project for our county.

June 16: “Dine with Democrats” supper, 6 to 7 PM at Norway Hall in Bellingham. All Democrats welcome, however must RSVP at 647-7661 or at whatcomdemocrats.com.

Monthly Membership Meeting. This will be our endorsement meeting. You must have an active membership at least two-weeks before this meeting if you want to vote. 

NOTE: If your annual membership has expired, you will not be able to vote Membership applications at our office or at whatcomdemocrats.com. All Democrats welcome to attend.

The Whatcom Democrats will be hiring a half-time Program Coordinator to start about mid-June 2011. See the Job Description and Application Guidelines here. Application review will begin Monday, May 23, 2011.

Supporters of the de-criminalization of marijuana are trying again this year to get an initiative on the ballot. Last year their effort fell short, but they learned a lot and started earlier and stronger this year. The Whatcom Democrats Platform calls for the decriminalization and regulation of marijuana.

Whatcom Democrats are preparing for their annual September Yard Sale. If you have any items that you just don’t need around anymore, please contribute between 10:30 and 1:30, M-F at Whatcom Democrats on Bay Street, Bellingham, or call 647-7661 for pick-up.