The Voter - League of Women Voters
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
The Voter
A Publication of the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County
January 2020 Vol. 61, No. 6
Annual Program Planning Forum Key to League’s Success
by Chelsea Jordan, Board of Directors/Voter Services Chair
This January’s forum will be our annual discussion
about which issues we will study and programs
we’re interested in for the next year. We rely on the
input of our membership to help light the way!
Criteria for Selection of New League Programs
• The issue must be one for which government
action is needed.
• The issue must fall within the principles of
the League of Women Voters.
• League members must be willing to spend
time and effort on the issue.
• League involvement must be expected to
make a difference.
• It should be a crucial time for the issue.
• The issue should be a current topic of
discussion in the community or able to
generate interest from the community.
Types of Programs
STUDIES: A study is just what it sounds like—a
careful investigation of a subject. League members
propose new studies when they believe existing
positions do not support action in an area that falls within the Criteria for Selection of New League
Programs. In addition to meeting those criteria, successful proposals will have a core study group in
place, with a designated chair to establish the study committee and get the study going.
The proposals will set out the scope of work to be undertaken, as well as the study’s focus. Studies
generally take one or two years from plan to production. The study committee will read available
materials, interview experts, determine what the key questions are and figure out where to find
answers. Committee members take on the project because they are interested and consider it
necessary, but they approach it with an open mind, not a predetermined outcome.
“Program” continued on p. 6
League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County ▪ 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 ▪ Seattle, WA 98101 ▪ 206-329-4848
2 The Voter January 2020
Contents Contact Information
Connecting with the Leadership...................3 President: Alyssa Weed
Calendar..............................................................4 The Voter Editor: Stephanie Cirkovich
Forum Schedule.................................................5 League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County
League in Action................................................8 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
Features Seattle, WA 98101
KC Strategic Climate Action Plan.........10 Phone: 206-329-4848
Book Review.............................................14 info@seattlelwv.org
Announcements..............................................12 www.lwvskc.org
Committees......................................................15 Office Hours: Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Unit Meetings...................................................17
League of Women Voters of Washington
Board and Committee Contacts.................19 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
January Forum..................................... back cover Seattle, WA 98101
206-622-8961
lwvwa@lwvwa.org
www.lwvwa.org
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019
SPONSORS! League of Women Voters of the United States
202-429-1965
Central Puget Sound lwv@lwv.org
Carpenters Local 30 www.lwv.org
Lenfestey Family Foundation Postal Regulations
Microsoft Corporation The Voter is published monthly
except June and August by the League of
Seattle-King County Area Women Voters of Seattle-King County,
Agency on Aging 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101
Starbucks Coffee Company
Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, WA.
Washington Education Association
Postmaster:
Send address changes to The Voter:
1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
The League is Proud to Call KNKX 88.5 Seattle, WA 98101
our Exclusive Media Partner The Voter (ISSN 0888-8841)
MISSION STATEMENT
The League of Women Voters of Seattle-
King County, a nonpartisan political
organization, encourages informed and
active participation in government, works
to increase understanding of major public
policy issues and influences public policy
through education and advocacy.The Voter January 2020 3
Connecting with the Leadership
by Kristen Johnson, Board of Directors/Communications Chair
Wow, what an exciting year we had last year! We had so
many successes to celebrate, and looking ahead to 2020, we
have yet another exciting year ahead of us! We have a major
The Voter
A Publication of the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County
OctOber 2019 VOl. 61, NO. 3
election this year with all the congressional seats open and Units Unite Us, Part 2: A Call to Arms
by Roslyn Duffy, Unit Liaison
We have a lot of work to do! Election time is starting new Units in the coming months.)
a presidential election. We also have the Census in April, an
always busy, and then there is the Centennial
By the numbers: Keep count. Let’s celebrate all
Celebration ahead! With the adage “many
those visitors. We will tally how many visitors
hands make light work” in mind, it is time to
attended each Unit meeting in November
grow our membership.
important and crucial tool to ensure everyone is represented
and congratulate ourselves on bringing so
many new hands to the work of defending
democracy.
We need to keep marching—linking arms with
fairly—and we have an opportunity to get out and educate The League of
Women Voters
many more.
LWV ELEVATOR SPEECH
voters and spread our values of fair democracy for all! Last but
When you hear:
I’ve heard of the League. What exactly do they do?
How to do this?
-or-
First, we need to know what to say. Why My grandmother used to be a member.
not least, it is the 100th anniversary of the League of Women should someone become a League member?
After asking this question to many current
members, I have developed an “elevator
speech” (see box at right)—something to get
It seems like it’s kind of outdated.
-or-
I am already involved in lots of other groups.
Voters!
Here is a short response:
us started on how to answer that question.
The League turns 100 in 2020, representing
Second: New Member November! This is
decades of nonpartisan advocates in defense of
a challenge to every Unit member to invite America’s democracy. Safeguarding voting is the
at least one person to your November Unit bedrock for any other work that needs doing, and
meetings. Whether that person is interested that is the work of the League. Without free and
in joining your Unit or working to start a new fair elections or protection for all voters’ rights,
One of the needs that has increased dramatically over the last Unit, this will give them a chance to begin
the process. (There will be more details about
there will not be a democracy to defend.
“Units” continued on page 12
several years is communications. When I was tapped to lead League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County ▪ 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 ▪ Seattle, WA 98101 ▪ 206-329-4848
the communications committee a couple years ago, I knew
a lot of work needed to be done. Building a new system for
something so important from the ground up isn’t easy, but
The Voter
A Publication of the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County
November 2019 vol. 61, No. 4
Climate Change in King County
what has inspired me, and continues to inspire me, is all of by Janice Camp and Cathy O’Shea
The biggest challenge to climate change is making it real and
you who are so active and passionate about the League and
actionable. To that end, November’s forum is focused
on specifically what is happening in King County.
Environmentalism has always been strong in the
beautiful Northwest, and King County has been making
plans for climate change since 2012. This puts us in the
who are making our community a better place. I am excited advantageous position of seeing results, what worked
and what didn’t, as well as identifying where some of
the biggest obstacles are to combating climate change.
to continue taking my work forward and making larger strides
King County first developed the Strategic Climate
Action Plan (SCAP) in 2012; it was updated in 2015
and is now under review for a 2020 update. SCAP
establishes targets, outlines 70 specific actions to reach
these targets, and lists performance measures to track
in 2020 for all of the important changes and opportunities progress. The 2020 update will take into consideration
biennial reports that track the results of these measures in
King County.
coming up!
The League has a rich tradition of looking at issues from all sides. With respect to climate change,
the opposing views are typically that climate change isn’t real or that it’s not caused by human
activity. However, these views have largely been proven incorrect. Another opposing “view” is more
of a question of whether we should do anything about it, and what that might be. That is what we
want to explore in the forum.
The view to not do anything is a silent one. While authors of this article didn’t find anyone
advocating not to do anything, it is reflected in our everyday (in)actions, as many people choose not
The Voter is an integral part of what we do here for Seattle to change their behaviors. The discussion questions will allow you to discuss this silent perspective.
Responses to the November forum discussion questions will help shape the League’s public
comment to King County.
King County League, and it has been my goal over the
As context for those questions and the forum, included below is a summary of the 2015 SCAP
and the 2017 biennial report. If you have time, it might be helpful to read the 18 pages of the 2017
Biennial Report, which details how well King County is meeting its targets; there is a link to the
report at the end of this article.
“KC Climate” continued on page 8
past year to start to shift to a newsletter that reflects our League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County ▪ 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 ▪ Seattle, WA 98101 ▪ 206-329-4848
members more accurately and prioritizes involvement of
our membership through interactive content and action. As
our communications needs have expanded, we are looking
The Voter
A Publication of the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County
December 2019 Vol. 61, No. 5
December Forum Addresses King County Homeless Crisis
for volunteer help within the Communications Committee, Homelessness is a complex,
multifaceted issue that
by Lauren Pixley
to wages, mental health
and addiction, cost of
specifically on various aspects of The Voter.
impacts an indeterminate healthcare, zoning laws,
number of people. Most tax structure, to name a
estimates come from few. Because of the wide
point-in-time counts, range of risk factors,
which take place annually the response has been
on a single night. These highly specific to different
counts are thought to be needs, which has led to a
underestimates, with the splintering of funding to
true number of individuals many different recipients.
We are looking for the following:
experiencing homelessness King County and the City
every calendar year up to of Seattle have recognized
two or three times higher this issue and have
than what is reported due to the discrete nature recently taken steps to unify the response effort by
of the data. This complicates the study of and merging city and county resources and strategies.
response to homelessness, but general trends are
still clear. December’s Forum includes panelists who can
speak to these upcoming structural changes and
• Voter Editor
For example, people of color are several of the factors mentioned above. We hope
disproportionately represented among the you will join us for a meaningful discussion about
population of individuals experiencing the ways in which we can move forward together.
homelessness, compared to the general King
County population, and may experience longer Resources
• Voter Coordinator
wait times for housing placement. LGBTQ+ All Home, Seattle/King County Point-In-Time Count of
folks (especially youth) and victims of domestic Persons Experiencing Homelessness (2019): http://bit.ly/
violence are also at an increased risk of AllHome2019
experiencing homelessness. Seattle is estimated League of Women Voters of Seattle, Ending
to have the third largest population of individuals Homelessness in King County (2007): http://bit.
experiencing homelessness in the United States, ly/2QOgVrx
despite initiatives such as the Ten-Year Plan to King County Auditor’s Office, Homeless Crisis Demands
Contact the voter editor email at votereditor@seattlelwv.org
End Homelessness in King County, which was set Unified, Accountable, Dynamic Regional Response (2018):
into motion in 2005. http://bit.ly/KCaudit
King County Executive’s Office, Bringing the
There are several factors that are thought to Region Together to Fight Homelessness: Seattle and
be associated with homelessness in Seattle King County Unveil New Authority to Unify Reponse
for more information and to apply! Stay tuned for other new
and King County, including lack of affordable Systems and Services (Sep. 4, 2019): http://bit.ly/
housing, increasing rent prices in comparison KChomelessrelease
League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County ▪ 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 ▪ Seattle, WA 98101 ▪ 206-329-4848
positions throughout the year!4 The Voter January 2020
January Calendar
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
Board Meeting
10 a.m.
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Voter Reg. Voter Reg. at LWV Forum
Training Shoreline CC 2020-21 Program
7 p.m. 11 a.m. 7 p.m.
(Jan. 8 and 9)
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
Save
Democracy Day
9 a.m.
26 27 28 29 30 31 FEBRUARY 1
Catching Board Meeting
Homelessness 10 a.m
Author Talk
2 p.m.
Units meet during shaded period — see pages 17-18 for details.
January February
LWVSKC Board Meeting LWVSKC Forum: LWVSKC Board Meeting
Saturday, Jan. 4 Program Open House Saturday, Feb. 1
10 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 9 10 a.m.
LWVSKC office 7:00 p.m. LWVSKC office
Seattle First Baptist
Voter Registration Training League of Women Voters
Tuesday, Jan. 7 Author Talk: Catching Centennial Birthday Party
7 to 9 p.m. Homelessness Monday, Feb. 10
See p. 16 for info Sunday, Jan. 26 Town Hall Seattle
2:00 p.m.
Voter Registration Town Hall Seattle
Wed. and Thurs, Jan. 8 and 9 See p. 9 for info
Shoreline Comm. College
11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
See p. 16 for infoThe Voter January 2020 5
Forum Schedule
The League of Women Voters frequently presents public forums on issues of public interest. Visit the
LWVSKC website, seattlelwv.org, for the most up-to-date information about forum times and locations.
Some past forums have been televised and can be accessed from the resources page of the website.
JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
Program Open
League Centennial 2020 Census Public Banking TBD
House
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS JANUARY FORUM
Is there something happening in the Seattle-King County area that you think the League hasn’t paid
enough attention to or doesn’t have a position on? Do you have a passion for a particular area of
public policy that you would like to look into? The January Program Open House will be your time
to shine!
Committees and Units are encouraged to discuss and come up with plans for the League’s 2020-2021
programming schedule. We will be looking for a number of presenters to show the rest of the League
your ideas at the January Program Open House. You can review our current positions at seattlelwv.
org/advocacy and our past studies at seattlelwv.org/league-studies.
Thursday, January 9, 2020
7 to 8:30 p.m.
1111 Harvard Avenue, Seattle
You Are Cordially Invited...
Join us for the League’s Centennial
Speakeasy Birthday Celebration and
Fundraiser. We’ll honor and reflect on 100
years of women’s suffrage and celebrate
the League’s 100th birthday with great
food, entertainment, and the company of
some of the region’s most civic-minded
people. This fundraiser will help ensure
the League is able to continue our mission
of defending democracy and empowering
voters for the next 100 years and beyond.
Tickets can be purchased at seattlelwv.org.
February 10, 2020 l 7 – 9 pm l Town Hall Seattle6 The Voter January 2020
“Program” cont’d from p. 1
UPDATES: An update is a “mini-study” or report that provides new or additional
information of current interest to League members on an issue or topic that has been
previously studied. Like studies, updates need to fall within the criteria for the selection of
local programs previously cited. In contrast to full studies, updates are meant to be brief
and concise reports targeted at bringing new or additional information to light regarding a
previously studied topic. They typically take about four to nine months to complete from the
initial planning stage to final production.
HOT TOPICS: Hot topics are designed to be a more flexible, streamlined, and sustainable
model for producing League programs. They are hot-button issues that everyone in the civic
community is talking about. In contrast to studies or updates, these are not limited to local
issues. They may be issues on which the League positions are adequate, but on which action
is needed. Or they may be national or even international issues which are of interest to
League members. Hot topic programs do not have the stringent requirements of studies and
updates. Study materials may consist of existing resources. If the League has positions on
the issue, forums do not have to represent both sides.
Current Positions
The League takes positions on a number of local issues, from elections and governance to
land use and education. Please see the next page for a list of topics the League has taken
positions on. Does anything stick out to you as something you’re interested in?
We encourage you to take some time to review our positions on our website at http://
bit.ly/LWVSKCpositions and familiarize yourself with them. Do you think something
is glaringly missing or do you feel that a particular position may be outdated? This is your
time to bring this to our attention and propose a study or program to understand more about
the issue. Please email Chelsea Jordan at voterservice@seattlelwv.org if you have an item
you’d like to suggest or present on at the forum.
Discussion Questions for Unit Meetings
1. Have you been involved in program planning or position development before? Please
share your experience and what you learned from it.
2. Are there any important topics missing from the list at right?
3. After reading the explanation of “Hot Topics,” are there any that you feel the League
should explore?
4. Which forum programs from this past year do you feel were the most successful (e.g.,
voting law update from King County Elections, climate change, etc.)? What does a
successful program mean to you?
We encourage you to send any thoughts, insight, or topic ideas that came up during your
discussions to voterservice@seattlelwv.org. Your feedback will help us plan for next year!The Voter January 2020 7
Full Public Policy Positions
GOVERNANCE EDUCATION
Ethics in Government Financing
Government coordination Policy-Making
Elections Governance
Privatization Educational Reform
Public-Private Partnerships Administration
Teacher Compensation
GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE Teachers
County Governments Citizen Participation in Budget Process
City Governments Children at Risk
Public Development Authorities Early Childhood Programs
Special Districts
Port Districts LAND USE
Comprehensive Planning
ECONOMY Urban Areas
Economic Development Neighborhoods
Trade Support
Budget and Finance TRANSPORTATION AND GROWTH
Capital Improvement Projects MANAGEMENT
SeaTac Airport
LAW ENFORCEMENT AND JUSTICE Publicly Owned Property
Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention & Historic Preservation
Rehabilitation
Courts NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
HUMAN RESOURCES AND SOCIAL Farmland
POLICY Park, Recreation, Open Space and Greenbelts
Human Services Energy
Housing Solid Waste Management
Health and Safety Air Quality
Human Rights Litter
Microlending Drainage and Wastewater Management
Women Regional Water Supply
Teens Washington State Water Rights and
Children Groundwater Protection
Drug Abuse and the Community
Juvenile Justice
Cultural Activities
Public Library8 The Voter January 2020 League in Action Huge Turnout for Hearing on Clean Campaigns Act by Heather Kelly, 2nd Vice President/Action Chair On a drizzly December morning, League members came out en masse to support the Clean Campaigns Act. Every time I thought I’d greeted the last League member, someone else would show up! We had at least 15 members present and five who provided informed and compelling remarks. I was so proud and heartened that we were able to show Councilmember González and the rest of the city that we truly support this important bill. I want to give a heartfelt thanks to those who turned out during this busy holiday season. Every time you answer a call to action, you reinforce the reputation of the League as an organization deeply rooted in advocacy. Showing up at City Hall, or wherever else we are needed, serves as a visual reminder that we are here ready to serve our community. On a personal note, the experience of gathering together for a common purpose, stepping outside our comfort zones, and making our voices heard reminded me of why I joined the League—to act for change. I cannot wait to see what podiums, marches, and posters await us in 2020! Stay tuned to The Voter and your email for further action alerts! League members visit Seattle City Council to advocate for the Clean Campaigns Act, legislation drafted by Councilmember M. Lorena González to reform campaign finance laws in Seattle.The act would ban foreign-influenced corporations from making any contribution to independent expenditure committees; place a cap on all political contributions to independent expenditures of $5,000 (with the exception of limited contributor committees); and establish new reporting requirements to increase transparency.
The Voter January 2020 9 Clean Campaigns Act Discussion Questions by Heather Kelly and Roslyn Duffy 1. The Clean Campaigns Act limits campaign contributions from independent expenditures to $5,000 but grants an exception to contributions from limited contributor committees, like unions. Do you feel this exception is consistent with the goals of the ordinance to promote integrity and greater participation in elections? 2. What specific action steps would you like to see the League take in supporting the Clean Campaigns Act? How do you fit into that vision as a League member? 3. How do you think the Clean Campaigns Act aligns with the League’s mission of empowering voters and defending democracy? 4. Under the Clean Campaigns Act, a foreign-influenced corporation is one in which a single foreign owner holds, owns, or controls at least 1% of total shares, or if two or more foreign owners control 5% of total shares in aggregate. Do you agree with a premise of the Clean Campaigns Act that foreign influence in our elections creates the potential for conflict? If so, what kinds of conflicts do you think might arise from that? 5. In your opinion, is there a meaningful difference in the risk to elections posed by foreign- influenced corporations as opposed to those that are not foreign-influenced? If so, why? 6. Imagine similar laws were passed at the state and national levels. Do you think it would change how candidates approach their campaigns? How so? 7. If the Clean Campaigns Act passes, Councilmember González asked for ongoing support in the event the law will need to be defended in court. As an organization that endorsed the law, how involved would you like the League to be in those legal proceedings? Do you think the support of the League has the same value in that context as it does in getting the law passed? League Book Club Event on January 26 In the December issue of The Voter, the League announced its inaugural Book Club selection: Catching Homelessness: A Nurse’s Story of Falling Through the Safety Net by local author and UW Professor, Josephine Ensign. On Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 2 p.m., Professor Ensign will present an author talk at Town Hall, followed by a private reception. This is a public event, but the League has a limited number of complimentary tickets available. These are on a first-come, first-served basis. For tickets, please contact your unit leader or email ticket requests to Roslyn@seattlelwv.org. Please be sure to specify how many tickets are being requested.
10
Features The Voter January 2020
Feedback to King County on its Strategic Climate Action Plan
The League’s November forum was on the topic of climate change; several guest speakers discussed
actions their respective agencies were taking and what we need to do as a county to combat climate
change. League units discussed a series of questions related to the forum, and their input was gathered
to provide feedback to King County on the Strategic Climate Action Plan update. A letter to King County
with the questions and input is reprinted below—thank you for speaking up about this important issue!
December 11, 2019
Megan Smith
King County Energy and Climate Policy Director
Dear Megan,
Thank you for speaking at our Climate Change forum in November. We have received many
compliments for the exciting programs presented. Our members spent the month of November
strategizing about how King County could update their Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP). We’d
like to share with you a summary of that feedback for input into the SCAP update. Below are the
discussion questions we provided to our members about their own perceptions of climate change
and the input they provided in response.
We acknowledge that much of this input addresses issues that may not fall within the realm of
King County’s control, but we were impressed by the county’s influence on other public entities and
believe that our County’s efforts to lead in this area will set an example for other communities.
What changes are you personally willing to make to address climate change?
Take public transportation to work or work remotely when possible. During retirement, drive
less.
Switch to a more efficient vehicle as well as fuel-efficient appliances and a furnace that are
electric, fuel-efficient natural gas or solar, hopefully using tax credits and low-interest loans.
Some turn down the thermostat. Change all lighting to LED.
Eat less meat.
Live in a dense neighborhood (growing denser by the day).
Plant trees.
As with many retirees, we do travel more by air and are concerned about the increased C02
emissions.
Other than convenience, what keeps you from making changes to save the planet?
We make changes easily if they’re mandated.
Changes to the transportation system must be made to make it seamless (for example, to take
light rail). First and last mile need to be addressed.
Some perceived sacrifices are the benefits of a gas stove, a gas fireplace, flying to see family and
travel.
There are some cost barriers to making changes, such as buying an electric car or more energy-
efficient appliances, or converting your home heating to green energy. Money is a concern
especially for a person who has an oil furnace. The financial return is not always there for these
upfront cash layouts.
continued on next page11
The Voter January 2020 Features
Where should County policies, resources and efforts be focused for mitigation and adaptation to
climate change?
County’s policies, resources, and efforts should focus on educating both government partners
and the public on what is currently being done in transit and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Bus lanes are good for more rapid transit encouraging people to ride. Progress needs to continue
on upgrading to electric buses and other county vehicles.
New County buildings are held to a high environmental standard as are the affordable housing
buildings (funded and developed by nonprofit partners). Older buildings (both County-and non-
profit owned) need to be rehabilitated to be more energy efficient and that is expensive (think of
the old Courthouse as versus Seattle’s City Hall (which is very green)).
Permeable paving may help divert chemicals from lawns away from water systems.
Recycling is too confusing, causing a disincentive to those who do recycle particularly in a public
place. All recycling across all recyclers, or at least the most used items, in King County should
follow the same rules, allowing people to learn what goes where. A Starbucks cup should always
go in the same bin, which is it?
Seattle does an excellent job helping homeowners plant trees and create rainwater gardens. King
County should do similar efforts countywide and have the respective cities support these efforts.
We should advocate for carbon neutral airplane fuel. We don’t see how we can stop flying. There
are commercial and personal reasons for flying (to see family).
Fight I-976.
Continue to plant trees.
What financial incentives should King County use to get property owners to upgrade the energy
efficiency of personal and commercial buildings?
Mitigation efforts seem to be in the early stages in the King County plan and to ensure that the
building efforts continue to be successful, building owners may need operating subsidies until the
inefficient systems can be replaced. These mitigation efforts should extend to public and private
building owners and transportation operators.
Revise building codes to require building to a greener standard. (Car chargers, solar panels, green
building materials.)
Assess builders a tax and use the money to help lower-income people convert their homes to
green energy.
Keep rebate programs for converting homes to green energy or changing out old appliances for
energy efficient ones.
More discussion is necessary on low-interest loans, tax rebates or offering subsidies to helping
property owners to update the energy efficiency of commercial and privately-owned buildings
especially in vulnerable communities and in buildings that house low-income individuals and
families. When one member bought a tankless water heater, the city offered a rebate on that
purchase. Strategies that are well-advertised and that make it easy for the owner to implement
are likely to be more successful.
“SCAP” continued on page 1312 The Voter January 2020
King County Connects — Announcements
The 2020 edition of TRY is in the works!
The newly elected have been added and edits to data are
underway. We’re just waiting to get final items that aren’t
decided until early January, such as room assignments for
legislators and mayoral appointment in city councils. The online
edition will be published on January 15, and the print edition
should be available to mail at the end of January.
Members will automatically be mailed a copy. If you’re not a
member and want a printed copy, just let us know and we’ll
add you to the bulk mailing at the end of January. Want more
than one copy? Just let us know and we can work out the
best way to get them to you. Just call or email us at info@
seattlelwv.org.
The TRY is one of our biggest, most popular products—and
a high cost. If you can, please consider a donation to the
LWVSKC Education Fund to help support its production
and distribution.
League of Women Voters
Diversity Policy
The League of Women Voters of Seattle-
Join the League of Women Voters King County (LWVS-KC), in both its
values and practices, affirms its beliefs and
of Washington for Democracy Day in commitment to diversity and pluralism,
Olympia on January 21, 2020. Activities start which means there shall be no barriers to
at 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m. participation in any activity of the League
on the basis of gender, gender identity
and/or gender expression, race, creed,
Meet with legislators to advocate for bills that
age, sexual orientation, national origin or
will protect our democracy. You will also: disability.
• Hear from legislators and guest speakers LWVS-KC recognizes that diverse
perspectives are important and necessary
• Learn about critical democracy issues
for responsible and representative
and bills decision-making. LWVS-KC subscribes
• Be trained by professional lobbyists to the belief that diversity and pluralism
are fundamental to the values it upholds
• Meet with your state legislators
and that this inclusiveness enhances the
• Network with others from your area organization’s ability to respond more
effectively to changing conditions and
For more information and to register, visit needs.
https://lwvwa.org/event-3584776
LWVS-KC affirms its commitment to
reflecting the diversity of Americans in its
membership, board, staff and programs.The Voter January 2020 13
“SCAP” cont’d from page 11
Require PSE to complete a certain number of energy audits annually to educate the public on
more energy efficient and potentially lower monthly charges for upgrading heating appliances.
How should local policies address social equity in the vulnerable groups of people who will be
more impacted by climate change?
Evaluate programs in terms of equity across the population. Too often, projects are funded based
on an area’s political influence. Flooding mitigation projects, trees, cooling centers should be
evaluated for equity across all areas of King County.
Health care support for climate change health impacts, such as asthma, should be provided.
What King County policy changes could help to get people out of their cars?
Although the bus system has become more electric and recent levies have expanded the coverage
of buses, more dedicated bus lanes are needed. As frequent bus riders, we know buses travel the
same roads as cars and until there are more dedicated lanes and enforcement of those lanes,
buses will continue to sit in traffic. One (of several examples) given is that it used to be an
efficient trip from Ballard to the University District (less than 45 minutes including a transfer
from the D line to the 44. Now it can and often does take an hour or more. If you need to get
across town, or across Lake Washington to the Eastside, the bus option may NOT always be
more efficient and thus it creates a “disincentive” to take public transit. Bus shelters with seats
and shuttles to buses add incentive.
Make the transportation system seamless. People in residential neighborhoods need parking at
transit centers to be able to take transit (if there isn’t shuttle service to get to the transit center).
Or more frequent shuttles with smaller vehicles/electric vehicles.
Do retailers like Amazon and Target use electric vehicles to make deliveries? If we order online
and have the item delivered, is that better than driving to a store and picking it up?
Evaluate large events and ask the organizers to help the county fund bus transportation, such as
concerts, sports events, fairs, etc.
Reconsider school policies regarding driving students to school or allowing high school students
to drive to school. As schools are in our neighborhoods, these extra trips not only add to
emissions, but take up road costs, add to congestion and impact other decisions to support dense
neighborhoods.
Make it easier for people using non-gas means of transportation, including electric scooters, to
use these other means in a safe way.
The League is committed to raising awareness about climate change among our members and in the
broader community, and to mobilizing to save our planet. Please let us know how we can further
support your work.
Best wishes,
Heather Kelly
Action Chair and 2nd Vice President,
League of Women Voters, Seattle-King County14 The Voter January 2020
BOOK REVIEW by Vicky Downs
AMITY AND PROSPERITY: ONE FAMILY AND THE FRACTURING OF AMERICA
By Eliza Griswold
Griswold won the Pulitzer Prize threw up dust, burning her eyes
for general non-fiction with this and catching her throat. Her son
book about the impact of the Harley developed stomach aches
natural gas boom on two small and canker sores and became
towns at the edge of Appalachia. frighteningly thin. Black sludge
Amity and Prosperity lie in came out of the taps: Range
a resource-rich area where Resources told her she just
industries extracted coal, iron needed to boil the water.
and oil, providing work for some,
but also leaving pollution and Before long, a neighbor’s horse
economic devastation behind. died from what seemed like
arsenic poisoning, and later other
More recently, Range Resources animals died as well. When tests
brought in hydraulic fracturing, showed that Harley had arsenic
known as “fracking.” It forced in his system, Stacey did her own
pressurized chemicals into the ground to air and water tests, and found carcinogens and
release natural gas embedded in shale deep in antifreeze, which she knew included ethylene
the earth. Natural gas, though hardly “clean glycol. Range Resources said such carcinogens
energy,” is significantly cleaner than either did not appear in their tests, so clearly, they
coal or gas. were not responsible.
Stacey Haney, a local nurse and single mother, Griswold writes, “Exploiting energy often
worked hard to raise two children and keep involves exploiting people.” She describes
up her small farm in Amity, Pennsylvania. growing exploitation, but also the pro bono
Reports of lucrative deals for farmers who help Stacey received from her neighbors and
signed natural gas leases intrigued her. These from lawyers John and Kendra Smith, who
new leases seemed a rare win in a place energetically took up her case. They were
where so many felt they had been losing for downright heroic as they buried themselves
generations. She signed a lease with Range in data and searched for legal arguments to
Resources, but it didn’t work out as she had make against the people responsible for the
planned. destruction of water quality and indeed of life
itself.
She hoped to use money from the lease
to replace the lean-to that housed her Remarkably, Pennsylvania seemed to be more
animals, exposing them to rain and snow. interested in making money from fracking
Unfortunately, the fully executed leases than helping their beleaguered citizens. The
showed royalty rates lower than she expected, state Department of Environmental Protection
and they arrived in small installments. After actually withheld data about contaminated
taxes, each installment was so small she used water. The Federal EPA also did not seem
it for more immediate needs, and the lean-to to help. When drilling started on Ray Day’s
stayed. land, the dust from the access road was so bad
his neighbor complained constantly. It would
The lease money did seem like something of have been easy to pave the dirt road, but the
a win at first, but quickly turned bad as heavy “EPA wouldn’t let Range [Resources] do it.”
trucks on newly created dirt access roads
“Book Review” continued on next pageThe Voter January 2020 15
Committees
lwskc committees
Education Committee
DATE: Saturday, January 18
TIME: 11:00 a.m.
League committees meet and talk to community PLACE: League Office
leaders, engage with subject matter experts, and
Homelessness Study Committee
have direct input on local issues that affect you. DATE: Tuesday, January 21
TIME: 4:30 p.m.
Don’t see a committee that covers your issue?
PLACE: League Office
Email info@seattlelwv.org or contact a committee
chair (contact info on inside back cover). Economics and Taxation Committee
Sometimes people are working more informally DATE: Saturday, January 25
TIME: 9:30 a.m.
without regularly scheduled meetings. If so, we PLACE: 909 E. Newton #D-9, Seattle
may be able to help connect you with them or
help you start your own. International Relations Committee
currently on hiatus; contact chair for more info
Board Briefs: December 3, 2019
Janice Camp, LWVSKC Secretary “Book Review” cont’d
The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King Ultimately the neighbor had to move.
County and Education Fund Boards met via
conference call on December 3, 2019; the The names of the two towns seem both
meeting date was rescheduled due to a conflict ironic and cruel, for the people in these
with a December 7th Action Workshop. This is a towns have lived through coal, iron and
summary of the meetings.
now natural gas extraction. Though
Cathy O’Shea presented the Treasurer’s report pleased to receive money from the
and noted that income is slightly down due to leases, many have suffered and wonder
lower than expected membership renewals. With if the deals were worth it.
regard to Programs, the December forum will
be on Homelessness; the January forum will be Eventually the fracking stopped and
program planning; and the LWV 100th Birthday Harley began to heal. On a trip to
Party has been set for February 10 at Town Hall. Maryland, Stacey learned that articles
(The Development Committee is still in need of she had written about dust and tainted
volunteers to help plan the birthday party). water had alerted people she’d never
met. Her efforts to explain what was
Roslyn continues to work with Units to increase
going on in southwestern Pennsylvania
their participation and engagement. LWVSKC
helped ensure that others would be
Book Club and author event will be held
Sunday, January 26 at 2:00 at Town Hall. The better prepared to keep fracking away
Communications Committee is looking for from other towns.
more members to help produce The Voter and
Griswold shows us how whole
update the LWVSKC website. Board policies
are receiving a biennial review with suggestions communities as well as the shale
for developing guidance for meeting planning underneath them have been fracked
and diversity and inclusion. If there’s anything wide open, and the communities are left
you think we should be addressing at our Board to heal as best they can.
meetings, let us know!16
Units The Voter October 2019
Units Unite Us: Thank You!
by Roslyn Duffy, Board of Directors/Unit Liaison
At the end of the summer our Units began a And more is ahead, including the Adopt-a-
process of determined re-imagining. As we enter Voter initiative, which launches in 2020—plans
into our second century, we join Leagues across are underway to work with a variety of voting
our nation in a new age of activism fulfilling our populations in a grass-roots effort to empower
mission of Defending Democracy. all voters. In addition, mark your calendars for
these exciting events:
Let’s raise our glasses to our successes over the
• Sunday, January 26 at 2 p.m. Meet
last year:
Catching Homelessness author Josephine
• Unit Leaders have formed an interactive Ensign. Town Hall Seattle. Reserve your
network of sharing. tickets: email Roslyn@seattlelwv.org with
requests.
• We invited new members into our groups.
• Monday, February 10 at 7 p.m. The
• We’ve spoken up when questions arise—
League’s Centennial Party! At Town Hall
and have been heard.
Seattle.
• We’ve opened the doors of communication
• Saturday, February 22, 2020. Unit
throughout all League membership.
Leaders meeting (details TBA).
• And, we’ve shown up! On December 11th,
Bravo, us! March on!
with only a few days’ notice, more than
a dozen League members filed into City *Advocacy Tip 101: When you testify and committee
Hall to testify* on behalf of the Clean members are not in attendance, be sure to contact your
Campaigns Act. representative to say that you were there but they were not!
UNITS North King County Unit:
Voter Registration Activities
AROUND On January 7 from 7 to 9 p.m., the North
King County Unit will be hosting a voter
THE SOUND
registration training at the home of Sarah
Phillips. If you are interested or even have
been trained and would like to share your
experiences, please email judy.deiro@gmail.
First Hill/Horizon House:
com.
Meet LWV-WA President Lunell Haught
You are invited to join First Hill Unit’s On January 8 and 9 between 11:30 a.m.– 1
meeting Monday, January 20, at 10:30 p.m. we are registering students to vote at
a.m. when Lunell will be sharing her vision Shoreline Community College. Contact
for our state League. Lunell is stopping in Niki for when and where you will gather for
Seattle en route to Democracy Lobby Day in carpooling, etc. nikimeier@msn.com, 206-
Olympia on January 21. 491-8128.
We’ll ask her about what has surprised her January 21 is Save Democracy Lobby
most about this “new-to-her” high League Day in Olympia. Gather some friends and
position, her challenges, and her successes. carpool to Olympia to have your voices
Our 900 University Street address is an easy heard about how much our democracy
one block walk from the Metro #2 bus stop means to us. For more information go to
by Town Hall. We’re honored by her visit & https://apps.des.wa.gov/CampusEvents/
want to share the experience with you! default.aspx.The Voter January 2020 17
Unit Meetings
Everyone is invited to attend the League’s neighborhood discussion groups, called unit meetings, to meet
people passionate about League and our community. Units meetings are a great way for new members to
learn about League. Units typically discuss the monthly forum topic or other issues of local interest. Unit
times and locations subject to change; please verify with unit leader.
Time Location Email contact Phone
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8
Queen Anne/Magnolia/Ballard (Evening Unit) – Kathy Pugh and Marlis Worthington
Magnolia Church of Christ ckp1966@comcast.net 503-580-1240
7:30 p.m.
3555 W. McGraw Street marliswrt@hotmail.com 206-283-7147
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9
SE King County/Enumclaw – Cathy Dormaier
Various restaurants; contact unit
12:00 p.m. clcathy@skynetbb.com 360-802-6799
leader for info.
Issaquah – Judy Love
Issaquah City Hall
10:00 a.m. Coho Room, 2nd Floor judysteveL@gmail.com 425-417-8600
130 E. Sunset Way
Mercer Island – Toni Okada and Julie Sarkissian
Emmanuel Episcopal Church td.okada@yahoo.com 206-232-1418
9:30 a.m.
4400 86th Avenue SE juliesarkissian@hotmail.com 206-236-2953
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15
NE Seattle – Jeanette Johnson
Magnuson Park Brig Building
12:45 p.m. Ravenna Room jeanettejohnson10@msn.com 206-724-3392
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Directions: Go into the Park through the North entrance at 74th and drive EAST toward water. At the STOP sign, turn
LEFT to park in front of the Brig, or RIGHT, for more parking.
continued on next page18 The Voter January 2020
Unit times and locations subject to change; please check with unit leader.
Time Location Email contact Phone
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17
University House/Wallingford – Janet Kime
University House
2:00 p.m. San Juan Room kraftyjanet@comcast.net 206-588-0988
4400 Stone Way N. (Seattle)
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18
Queen Anne/Magnolia/Ballard (Day Unit) – Kerry Peterson
10:00 a.m. Contact unit leader for info bmqaday@seattlelwv.org 206-619-0867
MONDAY, JANUARY 20
First Hill/Horizon House – Adele Reynolds
Horizon House
10:30 a.m. Forum & Social Room adelereynolds@netscape.net 206-621-4867
900 University Street (Seattle)
South Seattle – Kay Kite and Sarah Miller
Raconteur at Third Place Books mkk45@icloud.com 206-295-6104
5:00 p.m.
5041 Wilson Avenue S. sarabethmiller410@gmail.com 206-799-2061
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21
Bellevue/Kirkland/Redmond – Cathy O’Shea
Kirkland Library
12:00 p.m. coshea120@gmail.com 425-753-4182
308 Kirkland Avenue
West Seattle – Ethel Williams and Pat Lane
Daystar Retirement Village etheljw@comcast.net 206-932-7887
1:00 p.m.
2615 SW Barton Street pgblain11@gmail.com 206-932-1578
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28
N. King County – Judy Deiro and Sally Corbett
Third Place Commons
judy.deiro@gmail.com 425-774-1492
7:00 p.m. 17171 Bothell Way NE
sallycorbett@comcast.net 206-356-3459
Lake Forest ParkThe Voter January 2020 19
Board & Committee Contacts
Term Executive Committee
2019-21 President Alyssa Weed 206-329-4848 president@seattlelwv.org
2018-20 1st VP - Development Christy Wood 206-707-3845 development@seattlelwv.org
2019-21 2nd VP - Action Heather Kelly 206-329-4848 action@seattlelwv.org
2017-19 Secretary Janice Camp 206-329-4848 janice@seattlelwv.org
2018-20 Treasurer Cathy O’Shea 425-753-4182 treasurer@seattlelwv.org
Directors
2018-20 Development Kiku Hayashi 206-329-4848 kikuhayashi1@gmail.com
2019-21 Communications Kristen Johnson 206-329-4848 communications@seattlelwv.org
2019-21 Voter Service Chelsea Jordan 206-329-4848 voterservice@seattlelwv.org
2019-21 Units Roslyn Duffy 206-329-4848 roslyn@seattlelwv.org
2019-21 Outreach & Events Melissa Taylor 206-329-4848 melissataylor.lwvskc@gmail.com
Note: All board members listed above are also members of the Education Fund Board
Education Fund Officers — same as above except Treasurer
Treasurer Linda Snider 206-329-4848 eftreasurer@seattlelwv.org
Nominating Committee
2019-20 Chair Stephanie Cirkovich 206-329-4848 info@seattlelwv.org
2019-20 Linnea Hirst 206-329-4848 lwvquilter@comcast.net
2019-20 Kathy Pugh 206-329-4848 ckp1966@comcast.net
Off Board Positions
Voter Editor open 206-329-4848 votereditor@seattlelwv.org
Committee Chairs
Communications Kristen Johnson communications@seattlelwv.org
Economics & Taxation Nora Leech nleech2002@yahoo.com
Education Joanna Cullen 206-329-8514 jfoxcullen@gmail.com
Homelessness Study Lauren Pixley lpixley@uw.edu
International Relations Kim Peterson 206-789-7447
Observer Corps Cathy O’Shea 425-753-4182 coshea120@gmail.com
Waterfront Nancy & Charles 206-282-1578 candnbagley@comcast.net
BagleyLeague of Women Voters of Seattle-King County Periodicals Postage
1511 3rd Ave, Suite 900 Paid at Seattle, WA
Seattle WA 98101
Moving? Prefer the online edition? Let us know!
Call the League office at (206) 329-4848 or
email info@seattlelwv.org
LWVSKC JANUARY FORUM:
Program Open House
What are the most pressing issues facing
Thursday, January 9 King County, and which of those issues
7:00 p.m. should the League of Women Voters be
Seattle First Baptist Church
addressing in 2020 and beyond? What
1111 Harvard Ave (at Seneca) programs and people would you like to
Seattle, WA 98122 see take center stage at a League event?
Free and open to the public Let your voice be heard at this annual
program planning forum/open house.
Contents printed on recycled and/or sustainably harvested paper.You can also read
