Message from the Chair

2026 is really here and off to fast start. Our state legislative session started this past Monday and is scheduled to end on March 12. It will be a challenging session as the funds available for what we want/need our government to do falls short compared to the amount that is available the state coffers.

I admit that I really don’t understand why the people in this state are so vehemently opposed to any type of tax that will raise funds for operating our state. I grew up in New York state where there is an income tax. In fact, the city of New York has its own tax in addition to the state. And the state is far more equitable with its tax collections. Also, there is no mass exodus of people leaving the state due to the tax structure. That is another one of those falsehood perpetrated by folks who don’t want to pay taxes, period.

While no one is enamored of paying taxes, it is a necessary evil, if you will. It is also disheartening to know that people in this state with low incomes pay proportionally more of their monies to the state than those who are wealthy. That is an area that needs work to make that more equitable.  If you have thoughts on how to do this and/or help balance the state budget, don’t be shy, share that with our legislators.

Thanks to all who came out to Poulsbo on January 4 in support of the Paperclip movement created by Janice and Ollie Pederson from Bainbridge Island. Here is the link of the gathering if you didn’t get a chance to be there: https://youtu.be/v5jTgyu3T-0?si=XURuhBUUvElX9Ezz.

 

I find watching it gives me hope for our country. It is a great antidote to the continual horror that comes out of Washington, D.C. Especially since what shows up is another outrageous action taken by the orange cretin.

 

On another note, as a reminder, our LD meets on the fourth Thursday of the month so that will be January 22. We meet at the Poulsbo Library in the downstairs meeting room. Doors open at 6:30 pm for schmoozing and pizza with the business portion starting at 7 pm. Specifics about the agenda will be in a future email blurb. I hope to see you there!

Val

Chair, 23^rd LD Democrats

https://www.kitsap.gov/auditor/Pages/elections.aspx

SJR 8201 – approved
City of Poulsbo, Prop 1 - approved

Office                     Elected
State Sen., Dist 26   Deb Krishnadasan

Bainbridge Island City Council
District 3 (South)     Mike Nelson                                

District 5 (Central)   Clarence Moriwaki

District 7 (North)      Lara Lant

 

Bremerton Mayor   Greg Wheeler

 

Bremerton City Council

District 3                  Christy Cammarata                               

 

Bremerton Mun. Court Judge    Tom Weaver

 

Poulsbo Mayor      Ed Stern                                               

 

Poulsbo City Council     

Position 5                Michael Fitzpatrick  

Position 6                Doug Taber (unopposed)

Position 7                Gary McVey (unopposed)

 

Bremerton SD

District 4                  Shannon Turner                                    

District 5                  Ben Anderson

 

North Kitsap SD

District 1                 Debra Strawhun

District 3                 Miranda Smallwood                     

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