Get ready to dig for Democrats!

Our annual plant sale is coming up in early May. Any extra plants or seedlings that you can donate will help us reach our fundraising goal and help to get Democratic candidates elected. We'll even help you pot the plants, if you've got lots of plants for us. Peggy Borgens will be leading the digging and potting crew again this year, and Ronalee Kinkaid will be hosting the sale at her house on Eldridge Avenue.

by Gwen Groden

Do you know about DFA (Democracy for America)? DFA was founded by Governor Howard Dean and his followers, based on the idea that the grassroots are the key to the Democratic Party’s success. Dean’s presidential campaign reenergized the grassroots by tapping into the progressive values that they cared about: strong communities, security at home and abroad, and liberty for all people to live the way they choose.

If you live in precincts 250, 251, 252, 256, 257, 258, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, and 265, or the part of 259 west if I-5, you will have a chance to vote on the formation of of a Chuckanut Community Forest Park District. You can also vote for 5 commissioners. If you live in the Concrete School District, you can vote on a continuing levy to help finance the District’s operation over the next three years. Ballots are due by February 12. We urge all elegible voters to participate and make your voices heard.

Do you like to meet new people, have fun, and talk politics? The Whatcom Democrats Outreach Committee needs you. We plan activities to promote the Whatcom Democrats and Democratic candidates and we participate in local events, such as fairs, festivals and parades.

We work to build up membership, register voters, and get people involved. If you would like to get involved, call our office at 647- 7661 to be added to the Outreach Committee or email daydrep@gmail.com.

by Mike Estes, Chair

Welcome to 2013! The new year brings an chance to change our leadership posts for the next 2 years. The following officer positions are elected by PCOs every 2 years: Chair, 2 Vice-Chairs, Secretary, Treasurer, State Committeeman and State Committeewoman. Per Washington State law, only PCOs elected in the August 2012 Primary Election are eligible to vote for officer positions.

Our Whatcom County Young Democrats and Western Washington University Democrats are hosting a fundraising dinner on January 17th to begin at 6 PM prior to our re-organization meeting.

This fundraiser will help send young Democratic leaders to the state convention. The Young Democrats of Washington State will have their annual convention in February and our local chapters are hoping to send lots of folks to represent our corner of the state!

Tickets will be $10 and the dinner will feature pasta, Italian salad, and Rudy's pizza. There will be vegetarian/vegan options.

On January 12, PCO’s will be electing new officers for the 42nd Legislative District Democratic Committee. The meeting starts at 10 AM and will be held at the Machinists Hall, 2064 Vista Drive in Ferndale.

All offices are up for election this year: Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, State Committee Man and State Committee Woman. If you are interested email us at 42dems@gmail.com.

The 40 Legislative District has a reorganization meeting planned on Saturday January 19, 2013 at 1:00 PM, (with an alternative snow date for Saturday, January 26, 2013) at the Skagit Coun ty PUD, 1415 Freeway Drive, Mt. Vernon . You do not need to be a PCO to run for a position on the executive board, but only PCO’s can vote. If you would like to run for office on our Board, please send an email to Interim Chair Erna Dreyer at action@wa40dems.org

Monday, February 18, 2013

Olympia, WA

10:00 a.m.

Help ensure funding for basic reproductive health care! Help enact a law requiring health insurance companies to provide all reproductive options for Washingtonians!

Neighbors and citizen activists will gather from across Washington State to lobby for these issues. No experience necessary — we provide training, food, transportation, and hospitality.

by John Flancher