New Talent Joins Dems Board

With the new year comes some changes in the Whatcom Democrats leadership. We are pleased to have three new committee chairs fresh from the campaign of 2009.

Jason Heck has been appointed Campaign Committee chair. He replaces Adam Day, who graduated from WWU in December and has taken a job with a state legislator in Olympia. Jason has considerable campaign experience under his belt, having directed Kevin Ranker’s successful bid for State Senate in 2008, and Ken Mann’s 2009 campaign. He was also an integral part of the Democrats’ get-out-the-vote effort, so he has a solid understanding of the party’s operations.

Riley Sweeney has been appointed Communications Committee Chair. Riley arrived on the Bellingham political scene as Catherine Chambers’ campaign manager last year. He’s a recent graduate of WWU, with a degree in communications and loves marketing. We’re glad someone does! Riley will be helping us get our message out to the public more often and more effectively.

Shane Roth has been appointed Technology Committee Chair. Shane is a recent transplant (refugee?) from Las Vegas, and came to us through Laurie Caskey-Schreiber’s campaign. He was instrumental in producing our very first TV ad last fall. This position has been vacant for some time now, although we have a number of volunteers doing pieces of it. It will be good to finally have someone at the helm.

We win some and we lose some. Carole Jacobson has resigned from both the Corresponding Secretary position and as PCO Coordinator. She will continue to be involved by reporting the action at city and county council meetings.

Tim Douglas has also resigned, as Chair of the Issues and Resolutions Committee. He will remain an involved and valued advisor to the party on a less formal basis. We heartily thank Carole and Tim for their service over the years, with many years to come.

These open positions, plus the Affirmative Action Chair, can be filled at any time. The Secretary position must be elected by the membership. If you are interested in stepping up your involvement in the party, please contact Natalie McClendon, 671-6851, to discuss your interests.