The Whatcom County Democrats is launching a coordinated campaign to elect leaders to the Whatcom County Council who will protect the county's drinking water, ensure the viability of our farm and fishing economy, and work for family-wage jobs for county citizens. The campaign will support incumbents
Carl Weimer (District 3) and
Ken Mann (District 2), and challengers
Barry Buchanan (District 1) and
Rud Browne (At-Large).
This election is a priority. The County Council has a responsibility to work with the City of Bellingham to protect the drinking water for half the people in the county. Despite this clear need and legal requirement, the majority on the County Council continues to drag their feet. Without leadership, Lake Whatcom will continue to degrade and water drinkers will pay substantially more in years to come.
Responsible planning makes good financial sense for families and for county government. That's why many are puzzled that incumbents Kathy Kershner and Bill Knutzen continue to fund out-of-town attorneys to prolong a minor planning issue. They've spent more than $140,000 fighting compliance with a law that's been on the books since 1990. It's time to sit down and talk with people, figure out how to follow the law, and move forward. In addition to paying the legal fees, the county is missing out on important state and federal grants because we're not following the law.
The Whatcom County Council holds one of the few votes or decisions on the proposed coal export terminal at Cherry Point. If built, this will be the largest coal export terminal in North America. While promising economic benefit to the county, it will also cause environmental and economic harm, including unmitigatable harm to cultural values and treaty rights of local tribes.
"We need critical thinkers on the County Council who will gather all the information they need and look at all the facts before voting. It's important that our decision-makers understand the scientific method and the real danger and costs of a degraded drinking water reservoir, the long-term costs of subdividing farmland and the impacts of climate change to all of us," said Mike Estes, Chair of the Whatcom Democrats.
A campaign office has been established on the main floor of the Herald Building in downtown Bellingham where the four candidates' campaigns will be based. A Campaign Director has been hired to coordinate voter contact efforts. The office can be reached at
360-220-7828, and online at
whatcomwins.com.
CAMPAIGN OFFICE OPEN HOUSE
Thursday, July 11th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm
Main floor of the Herald Building at 1155 North State Street, Bellingham
This is an opportunity to meet the four County Council candidates
endorsed by the Whatcom Democrats,
meet the campaign staff of the Whatcom Wins! 2013 Campaign and
learn more about how you can get involved.
Light refreshments will be provided.
Please join us as we kickoff this historic election for 2013!
Invite friends on Facebook
This local county election has already garnered national press, including MSNBC and the National Journal, and in the works is coverage by the Toronto Star and a Showtime documentary.
Because of the national and international impacts of a coal export terminal, there has been speculation and concern about the potential for a lot of outside money coming into Whatcom County to influence these races.
"Out-of-state corporations can buy a lot of annoying TV ads, as we've seen in past elections, but in a local election like this, it will be boots on the ground that will make the difference. Our money and time will go to organize local folks to get the message out, neighbor to neighbor," Estes said.
After months of planning by a great team of volunteers, I am really excited to see it all coming together. Now we need you to put the plans to action with doorbeling and phone calls to get the word out about the importance of this election. Feel free to call me if you have any questions.
360-319-8287.
--Natalie
