Update: The Whatcom County Council, at its meeting Tuesday Dec. 4 voted to support Councilwoman Barbara Brenner's resolution to put the issue on next year's ballot. A 2005 Charter Amendment changed the election of County Council members from county-wide to district-only. Many voters didn't understand what the amendment would do.

Help the Whatcom Democrats celebrate a year of grassroots success and anticipation for a 2008 sweep! Sunday, December 9 5 -- 8 p.m. Elks Lodge, 710 Samish Way, Bellingham Attire: As you wish Hearty appetizers and cash bar, music, and politics Regular tickets are $15 Sponsor tickets are $50 (Good for two admissions) To Reserve Tickets, call Lynn at 650-1453 To Volunteer to help, call Roni at 756-1405

EHJR 4202, Simple Majority for School Levies: YES R-67, Insurance Fair Conduct Act: YES I-960 Tim Eyman's 2/3 Majority for Tax Increases: NO SJR 8206, State Rainy Day Fund: YES SJR 8212, Prison inmate labor contracting: NO HJR 4215, Higher Education Fund investment: YES

Bellingham Mayor: either Dan McShane or Dan Pike Bellingham City Council Ward 1 : Jack Weiss Bellingham City Council Ward 3: Barry Buchanan Bellingham City Council Ward 4: Stan Snapp Bellingham City Council Ward 5: Terry Bornemann Bellingham City Council (at large): Louise Bjornson Whatcom County Council District 1: Bob Kelly Whatcom County Council District 2: Ken Mann Whatcom County Executive: Pete Kremen Whatcom County Auditor: Shirley Forslof Whatcom County Treasurer: Steve Oliver Whatcom County Sheriff : Bill Elfo

Stan Snapp has been endorsed by the Whatcom Democrats for Bellingham City Council. Here is Stan's own statement: ************************ I decided to run for election to protect what is best in Bellingham. My volunteer efforts forwarding the goals and values of our community, as well as my professional dedication as a firefighter allowed me to stand out in the primary as the best candidate for this job. I have the energy and motivation to ensure that the things we all cherish about Bellingham will be maintained and the issues we face will get the attention needed to be resolved.

Whatcom Democrats' membership will consider their position on two ballot measures, at the Central Committee meeting September 12th, 7 pm, Garden Street Family Center, Holly & Garden, Bellingham. EHJR 4204, AKA "Simply Majority" Quote from our Whatcom Democrats' Platform: "Public schools are the foundation and first lesson of democracy... It is the duty of the state to provide first-class education for all. We support renovation and replacement of ...

Democratic Party endorsed candidates topped their races in Whatcom County's first summertime primary August 21st. Although vote totals are not final, and many ballots are still in the mail, some races are not in question. The top two Primary vote-getters will face each other on the General Election ballot. Vote totals will be posted on the Whatcom County Auditor's website daily, as each day's returns are tallied.

The Party will be at the Northwest Washington fair again this year. Look for our booth near the NE entrance off Front Street. Besides the usual buttons and literature on candidates (this year's and next), we will be featuring a number of issue petitions for visitors to consider and sign, including:

• Universal Single-Payer National Health Insurance (H.R.

By Michele Kammerer According to the Servicemembers’ Legal Defense Network two queers are fired from the military everyday, "Since its implementation in 1993, 'Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" has resulted in the dismissal of more than 11,000 men and women from the armed forces." Recently a small group of Washington lesbian and gay veterans met with Congressmember Rick Larsen, DCD2, to discuss the repeal of the onerous "Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell" federal law that makes life miserable for thousands and thousands of queer servicemembers serving our country.

The membership of the Whatcom Democrats met with candidates seeking the endorsement of the party at our regular monthly membership meeting, Wednesday, June 13th, 2007. Candidates were considered individually, rather than against any opponents they may have, which resulted in more than one candidate endorsed in some races. A majority of the members present and voting deemed the candidates listed below to support Democratic principles, ideals, and the platform, and received our party's endorsement. All positions up for election in 2007 are local and non-partisan.