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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
by Lauren Pixley
Homelessness is a complex, to wages, mental health
multifaceted issue that and addiction, cost of
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.
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
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
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
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
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
2 3
The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019 Leadership
Contents Contact Information Connecting with the Leadership
Connecting with the Leadership...................3 President: Alyssa Weed by Christy Wood, LWVSKC 1st Vice President/Development Chair
Calendar..............................................................4 The Voter Editor: Stephanie Cirkovich
Nearly five years ago I was on social media complaining about some political thing or two, as one
Forum Schedule.................................................5 League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County does. The actual complaint has long left my memory, but the impact has stayed with me because
Features 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 it led me to the League of Women Voters. As I was spewing my discontent, my friend (a League
Clean Campaigns in Seattle......................6 Seattle, WA 98101 member in Michigan) responded. “Stop complaining and start doing. Join the League of Women
Book Review...............................................8 Voters!”
Phone: 206-329-4848
2020 Census..............................................10 info@seattlelwv.org Her comment wasn’t that succinct, and I think she was a little harder on me when she commented,
Announcements/Committees......................12 www.lwvskc.org
but either way her comment led me to join and engage with this amazing organization. An
League in Action..............................................15 Office Hours: Weekdays, 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. organization that every month takes my breath away when I see all that we are doing.
Unit Meetings...................................................17
League of Women Voters of Washington For the League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County, October and November are always
Board and Committee Contacts.................19 some of our busiest months. This past October and November were no different: Not only
1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
December Forum.............................. back cover Seattle, WA 98101 did we aggressively register new voters so they can participate in the general election, but
206-622-8961 we organized several election-related events, such as Ballots & Baristas, candidate and issue forums,
lwvwa@lwvwa.org and GOTV activities.
www.lwvwa.org
THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 It’s a momentum that continues throughout the winter and spring with the new issue of They
SPONSORS! League of Women Voters of the United States Represent You (TRY) dropping in the winter, an Action Workshop happening in Seattle on
202-429-1965 December 7th, celebrating our 100th birthday; and so much more!
Central Puget Sound lwv@lwv.org
Carpenters Local 30 www.lwv.org Now more than ever, our members are taking the League’s transformation to heart, moving our
work forward in new and exciting ways. And in the background, like a squirrel gathering nuts to
Lenfestey Family Foundation Postal Regulations sustain itself through the winter, the Board is hard at work strengthening our financial footing.
Microsoft Corporation The Voter is published monthly As Development Chair, that means looking at our funding streams and finding ways to raise funds
except June and August by the League of that don’t rely solely on our members, but we do still need your help to close the year out strong. Any
Seattle-King County Area Women Voters of Seattle-King County, support is asked and appreciated. We have several options:
Agency on Aging 1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900
Seattle, WA 98101 Join the Leadership Circle donor program. This three-year pledge program provides important
Starbucks Coffee Company operational funding that helps us with the day-to-day expenses of running the League’s mission,
Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, WA.
Washington Education Association programs and services. Anyone can join, and three-year commitments start at $720, which is only
Postmaster: $240 a year or just $20 a month!
Send address changes to The Voter:
1511 3rd Avenue, Suite 900 Give a yearly gift of $5, $15 or even $150. Every donation helps us fund the important work we have
The League is Proud to Call KNKX 88.5 Seattle, WA 98101 ahead of us like advocating for campaign finance laws, supporting policies to help combat climate
our Exclusive Media Partner The Voter (ISSN 0888-8841) change, and achieving election reform and fair and equitable taxing structures.
MISSION STATEMENT Host a house party or buy a gift membership for a friend.
The League of Women Voters of Seattle- As we near our 100th birthday, your support can mean that one day in the future another person will
King County, a nonpartisan political be complaining about some political thing or another and the League will be there to inspire them to
organization, encourages informed and learn more and act on the issues they care about, just like it was for me those few years ago.
active participation in government, works
to increase understanding of major public I look forward to expanding the League’s development programs. Look for fundraising updates in
policy issues and influences public policy future issues of The Voter. If you have questions or would like more information on the Leadership
Circle donor program, please do not hesitate to contact me at development@seattlelwv.org.
through education and advocacy.
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Calendar The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019 Forums
December Forum Schedule
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 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.
Monthly Forum: Board Meeting Some past forums have been televised and can be accessed from the resources page of the website.
Homelessness 10 a.m.
7 p.m.
LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS DECEMBER FORUM
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 A number of complex and interrelated factors
underlie King County’s struggle to end homelessness,
including housing affordability, mental health and
addiction, the cost of healthcare, and our zoning and
tax laws.
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 At the League’s free December forum, hear from
expert panelists on King County’s challenges and
Homelessness
Study Committee successes in this arena.
4:30 p.m.
At publication, panelists include Jennifer Alderman of Snohomish County Human Services; Debbie
Carlsen of LGBTQ Allyship; Zachary DeWolf and Felicia Salcedo of All Home; and King County Council
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Member Jeanne Kohl-Welles.
Thursday, December 5, 2019
7 to 8:30 p.m.
1111 Harvard Avenue, Seattle
29 30 31 JANUARY 1 2 3 4 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL MAY
Board Meeting Program Open
10 a.m League Centennial 2020 Census Public Banking TBD
House
Units meet during shaded period — see pages 17-18 for details.
December January February
LWV Forum: Homelessness Homelessness Study LWVSKC Board Meeting League of Women Voters
Thursday, Dec. 5 Committee Saturday, Jan. 4 Centennial Birthday Party
7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 10 a.m. Monday, Feb. 10
Seattle First Baptist 4:30 p.m. LWVSKC office
LWVSKC office
LWVSKC Board Meeting LWV Forum: Program Open
Saturday, Dec. 7 House
10 a.m. Thursday, Jan.. 9
LWVSKC office 7:00 p.m.
Seattle First Baptist
6 7
The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019
A Path to Clean Campaigns in Seattle The following infographics courtesy of Seattle City Councilmember Lorena González
by Heather Kelly, LWVSKC 2nd Vice President/Action Chair
During the last several weeks of the
November election, you may have learned
that there was a last-minute injection of
cash into certain City Council races. Such
spending can have a disproportionate impact
on local elections, especially when polls
indicate it will be a close contest between
candidates.
The League has long favored election laws
that promote a government that is truly
representative and accountable to all of its
constituents. That vision is incompatible and other costs by independent
with the kind of undue influence that expenditures, candidates, and advertisers;
can arise from unchecked campaign and
contributions.
• Creating Limited Contributor
In 2017, St. Petersburg, Florida passed Committees to permit grassroots
a groundbreaking ordinance instituting fundraising above the $5,000 cap when
major campaign finance reforms at the certain criteria are met.
local level. The new law caught the eye of
The Clean Campaigns Act directly aligns
Seattle democracy advocate Cindy Black.
with local, state, and national League
She followed up with the proponents of
positions. Research has shown that when
that ordinance and with the support of her
candidates accept large donations, it creates
organization, Fix Democracy First, set to
an appearance of impropriety that reduces
work drafting a similar law for Seattle.
our faith in elections, suppresses voter
The product of that effort now has a name: turnout, and makes the public believe that
The Clean Campaigns Act. Sponsored by elected officials are beholden to special
City Councilmember Lorena González, the interests. Given widespread concerns about
ordinance is expected to come before the the integrity of our elections, this law is
City Council for a hearing before end of urgently needed.
the year. The ordinance would reduce the
The League is thrilled to be partnering with
influence of money in politics by:
Fix Democracy First and Councilmember
• Eliminating independent expenditures González to shepherd this ordinance
or contributions from corporations through the Council. Expect to see more
with significant foreign influence information about hearing dates and
as determined by its percentage of an upcoming Action Alert with specific
shareholders overseas; requests. In the meantime, gather your pens,
print your postcards, and buy your stamps!
• Capping independent expenditures from
any single person or organization at For more information or to get involved
directly with this effort, please contact
$5,000 per election cycle;
Heather Kelly, Action Chair, at action@
• Mandating disclosure of all advertising seattlelwv.org or 415-516-1201.8 9
Features The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019 Features
childcare for baby Jonathan.
BOOK REVIEW by Vicky Downs
CATCHING HOMELESSNESS: A NURSE’S STORY OF FALLING THROUGH THE SAFETY NET With no money for rent, she had to leave her apartment, but her father wouldn’t allow “a
By Josephine Ensignt divorced daughter” to return home. He eventually agreed she could live in an unheated
storage shed. She wasn’t out on the streets, but she was nonetheless homeless.
How could a woman become even though they had After picking up jobs where she could, Ensign yearned to get her life back together and
homeless after graduating trouble keeping track of their become a decent mother for Jonathan. But there were times when she felt that “everything
from Oberlin College and medications, had no way to in my life, including my sanity, felt tenuous.”
the Medical College of call a doctor and often no way
Virginia, and then working as to clean themselves, much Eventually, Ensign turned to what she called “Greyhound Therapy” and climbed onto a bus
a professional nurse for more less clean their clothes. She going north. It worked! A year later she graduated from a school teaching public health and
than thirty years? knew she could help them, and took a job in Seattle. In time she got her son back and met a wonderful man with a young
helping them made her feel daughter. She is now in Seattle with her family and teaches at the University of Washington.
Ensign tells us in this worthwhile. At first she was
autobiography. This book shows us that the homeless are real, complex human beings—not just “social
happy with her work.
problems.”
In 1989 it was legal for Ensign, Soon enough, problems
a Nurse Practitioner, to work appeared from several
alone in a clinic. “Nurse directions. She was surprised LWVS-KC Announces Book Club and Town Hall Collaboration
practitioners are an American when a man appeared saying,
invention,” starting in the West The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County is
“I’m doing an investigation
where there was a shortage of primary care pleased to announce its inaugural Book Club selection, with a
for a complaint made to the Virginia Health concurrent author talk at Town Hall.
physicians. Such nurses met resistance “in Regulatory Board about your practice.” She
states with higher physician-to-population knew she was an effective nurse, but her As a continuation of our December program on
ratios, and more powerful and politically husband and other southerners felt that she Homelessness, we will be reading Catching Homelessness:
conservative physician lobbying groups.” was helping the wrong people. While they A Nurse’s Story of Falling Through the Safety Net by local author and UW Professor, Josephine
In fact, “Virginia ranked at the bottom believed that poor workers should be helped, Ensign.
in terms of a favorable climate for nurse they also thought the homeless were loafers
practitioners.” Additionally, the “old south Then on Sunday, January 26, 2020 at 2 p.m., Professor Ensign will present an author talk at
and possibly addicts who had brought this Town Hall, followed by a private reception with the League.
states” have a powerful, deeply entrenched problem upon themselves.
network of traditional medical societies. This is a public event, but the League has a limited number of complimentary tickets
The Health Regulatory Board monitored her available. These are on a first-come, first-served basis. For tickets, please contact your unit
Ensign worked in her own office in practice and then closed it for several weeks. leader or email ticket requests to Roslyn@seattlelwv.org. Please be sure to specify how
Richmond, Virginia, at a clinic run by When it opened again, she was required many tickets are being requested.
southern, evangelical Christians, and she to phone in all medications to a specific
focused on caring for homeless people who This edition of The Voter includes questions for discussion at January unit meetings, based
pharmacy, at a great cost to the clinic. on Catching Homelessness. A special thanks to Vicky Downs for suggesting this title and for
lacked the money to go anywhere else. She
providing the discussion questions.
gave them care, advice and medications Problems multiplied when she decided to
while volunteer physicians came on leave her husband, and later when she felt 1. How does the Southern evangelical Christian value system affect Ensign’s way of
Saturdays to see patients with medically she had to help a young girl get an abortion. life?
complex issues. This led to her being fired for “no longer
being a Christian woman with a humble, 2. What seems to give Ensign a sense of self-worth? What seems to diminish it?
The clinic had little money, and her office teachable spirit.”
was so small that patients had to sit on a 3. What are some of the aspects of being homeless that were unknown to you before
reading this book?
padded chair next to the door. She had no Ensign felt she had lost her marriage, her
exam table at first, and only one locked faith and her job, “more or less in that 4. What did you find the most emotional aspect of this story? Why?
drawer to store antibiotics, fungal skin order.” If she lost her license, she would
creams, and cough medicines. She felt lose her salary, which paid alimony to her 5. How is Seattle different from the Richmond described in this book?
drawn to working with homeless patients, husband—who was still in seminary—and
continued on next page10 11
Features The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019 Features
Census 2020: Funding and Redistricting Redistricting
by Cathy O’Shea, LWVSKC Treasurer
Redistricting occurs after each Census at the federal level and with
There is lots of talk about why the Census is so important. the cooperation of several other government authorities. Spoiler
First, population counts are the basis for federal funding alert: Washington State is not expected to experience a change in
that goes to states and local governments and communities. the number of federal legislators representing our state.
Second, there is the issue of fair representation through However, there will likely be changes at the state, county and city
redistricting or apportionment—the process of dividing the levels. The State of Washington will undertake a redistricting
number of seats in the House of Representatives among the of all state districts. The City of Seattle will redistrict in 2022;
50 states based on their population. recently The Seattle Times reported on the changing demographic
While outside the scope of this article, there is also the huge impact to government, of Seattle’s City Council districts (link below). King County will
business, and individuals for the data about who we are and where we live. For example, realign district boundaries in 2021.
using the Census for marketing purposes or to discover something about our genealogy. This Final Thoughts
article will focus on government funding and redistricting.
People are energized about the Census—it’s about money and
Funding power. It’s also about human services and taking care of our
There is an abundance of sometimes conflicting information about how much funding King communities. Be a Census Ambassador!
County receives as a result of Census numbers; sources are cited at the end of this article Sources
for reference. The U.S. Census Bureau found that 132 federal programs used Census Bureau
data to distribute more than $675 billion in funds during fiscal year 2015. (This is for the Uses of Census Bureau Data in Federal Funds Distribution:
entire country, not just Washington.) Here are the top 10 programs cited: http://bit.ly/Censusfunding
Program Dept City of Bellevue 2020 Census: http://bit.ly/BV2020census
Medical Assistance Program HH Supplemental Nutrition Assistance USDA Gene Balk, Seattle’s Wildly Uneven Growth is Rewriting Seattle
Program City Council District Elections—and Shifting Political Clout.
Medicare Part B Physicians Fee Schedule Services HH Seattle Times, Nov. 8, 2019: http://bit.ly/STdistrictdemo
Highway Planning and Construction DOT
George Washington Institute of Public Policy, Counting for
Federal Pell Grant Program ED
Dollars 2020: The Role of the Decennial Census in the Geographic
National School Lunch Program USDA Distribution of Federal Funds: http://bit.ly/GWU2020
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families HH
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher HUD
Title 1 Grants to Local Educational Agencies ED
Special Education Grants to States ED
Head Start HH
Note: HH is Health and Human Services and ED is Dept. of Education.
These programs are primarily concerned with human services and education; they often
benefit the hard-to-count communities.
According to a George Washington University study, in 2016 Washington received more
than $16.6 billion in funding from 55 of the largest federal spending programs guided by
data derived from the 2010 Census. That figure averages out to $2,300 per person in 2016.
continued on next page12 13
Program & Board Briefs The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019 Committees
January Program Open House Preview
by Chelsea Jordan
Committees
lwvskc committees
Is there something happening in the Seattle-King County area that you think the League Homelessness Study Committee
hasn’t paid enough attention to or doesn’t have a position on? Do you have a passion for DATE: Tuesday, December 17
a particular area of public policy that you would like to look into? The January Program TIME: 4:30 p.m.
Open House will be your time to shine! League committees meet and talk to community PLACE: League Office
This year we’ve already had so many interesting and informative forums—we would love to
leaders, engage with subject matter experts, and Education Committee
continue the trend next year. So far King County Elections Chief of Staff, Kendall LeVan have direct input on local issues that affect you. DATE: Saturday, January 18 (no Dec. meeting)
Hodson, came to review recent changes to our voting and election laws, and then we heard TIME: 11:00 a.m.
Don’t see a committee that covers your issue? PLACE: League Office
from a panel of King County Juvenile Detention and community stakeholders about the
issues facing juvenile justice in our area. Most recently, we’ve learned about how climate Email info@seattlelwv.org or contact a committee
Economics and Taxation Committee
change will impact King County and what we can do about it. chair (contact info on inside back cover). DATE: Saturday, January 25 (no Dec. meeting)
Sometimes people are working more informally TIME: 9:30 a.m.
Committees and Units are encouraged to discuss and come up with plans for the League’s without regularly scheduled meetings. If so, we PLACE: 909 E. Newton #D-9, Seattle
2020-2021 programming schedule. We will be looking for a number of presenters to show
may be able to help connect you with them or
the rest of the League your ideas at the January Program Open House on Thursday, Jan. International Relations Committee
9th. You can review our current positions at seattlelwv.org/advocacy and our past studies at help you start your own. currently on hiatus; contact chair for more info
seattlelwv.org/league-studies.
Please contact Chelsea Jordan at chelsjor@outlook.com for more information or if you’d November Education Committee Minutes
like to submit a program idea/plan.
submitted by Meg Van Wyk
Those who atttended the League’s Education Committee in November discussed different
Board Briefs: November 2, 2019 models of delivering advance learning in King County school districts. The discussion was
Janice Camp, LWVSKC Secretary based on an article written by the Northwest Gifted Child Association called “Peeling the
Onion: Equity in HiCap” (Highly Capable Programs), which is available at http://bit.ly/
The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King • The next Action Workshop will be NWGCAdoc. The discussion centered on the meaning/definition of equity, a key question
County and Education Fund Boards met on December 7th. that many districts are grappling with.
November 2, 2019. What follows is a summary
• Cindy Black with Fix Democracy First The committee also discussed how districts redefine assignment areas, and observations
of the meetings.
gave a presentation to the Board about a
about school board candidates campaigns and elections. On November 21, several
• Cathy O’Shea presented the Treasurer’s proposed Seattle ordinance to limit financial
committee members went to Olympia for a study session on charter schools presented by
report; the annual financial review of the (c) contributions to political campaigns.
the House Education committee on November 21. The Education Committee will not meet
(4) has been completed and the review of the
• Fundraising efforts including membership in December and reconvene on January 18 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the League
(c)(3) will be completed within the month.
renewals and Year-end and Leadership office.
• With regard to Programs, the Board is Circle asks.
considering partnering with LWV Tacoma-
Pierce County on a redistricting Forum; the • The Communications Committee is looking
for more members to help produce The Voter
December forum will be on Homelessness; Join a League
the LWV 100th Birthday Party has been and update the LWVSKC website.
tentatively set for February 10 at Town Hall
committee or volunteer
• Board policies are receiving a biennial review for an event—many
(the Development committee is in need of
with suggestions for developing guidance
volunteers to help plan the Birthday party).
for meeting planning and diversity and hands make light (and
The Birthday Party will replace ‘Voices of lighthearted) work!
inclusion.
Democracy’ event this year.
• Roslyn continues to work with Units to If there’s anything you think the Board should
increase their participation and engagement. cover in their meetings, please let us know!14 15
Announcements The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019 Action
King County Connects — Announcements League in Action
Great Decisions Group to Convene on February 4, 2020 Seattle City Councilmember Lorena González Seaks at Seattle
Action Workshop
Great Decisions is Vicky Downs is hosting the local Great
a nationwide Decisions discussion group, which It’s time to gear up for Action! Councilmember González will talk about addressing the
discussion will have its first meeting on Tuesday, threat of corruption in our elections. González is the sponsor of Seattle’s Clean Campaigns
program February 4, 2020. Act, a proposal which would end huge contributions from super PACs, block campaign
on world donations from foreign-influenced corporations and provide greater transparency to Seattle
affairs that is The group will meet every other Tuesday elections. Other speakers include Mike Pellicciotti (LD 30) for the legislative perspective,
organized by the for a total of eight meetings; the final and Anne Levinson, former Chair and current Commissioner of the Public Disclosure
Foreign Policy meeting will take place on May 12, 2020. Commission.
Association. The group will meet at 909 E. Newton LWVWA’s local Action Workshop includes speaker and panel presentations, issue breakout
The Great Street in Seattle. Door opens at 7 p.m.; the sessions, and lunch. Lunch and all materials are included in the registration fee.
Discussions model meetings start at 7:30 p.m. and adjourn at
involves participants reading a briefing 9 p.m. Please RSVP to Vicky at 206-328- Saturday, December 7, 2019
book, watching a DVD, and meeting in local 3926 if you would like to attend. Registration and networking at 9 a.m.; workshop from 9:30 a.m. -- 3:00 p.m.
discussion groups to talk about a series of Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Avenue, Seattle
The Great
predetermined topics. Decisions To register online, visit: https://lwvwa.org/event-3555819. On-site/day-of registration fee
The topics for 2020 include: briefing book will increase to $40. Discounts are available for youth, and a limited number of scholarships
and other are available if the registration fee would be a barrier to your participation. Scholarship
• Climate Change and Global Order materials applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3rd; apply at the link above.
• India and Pakistan are available
• Red Sea Security through the
FPA’s website at
• Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking https://www.
Clean and Affordable Energy Conference on December 2
• U.S. Relations with the Northern Triangle by Raelene Gold, LWVWA Lobby Team Energy Issue Chair
fpa.org/great_
• China’s Road into Latin America decisions/ or by Energy from renewable sources is a priority for the League of Women Voters of
• The Philippines and the U.S. calling 800-628- Washington. In last year’s state legislative session, we supported a 100% clean energy bill
5754 (ext. 246). that passed; the bill mandated that all electricity sold in the state come from renewable
• Artificial Intelligence and Data
wind, solar, geothermal or hydropower by 2045.Currently there are many changes
happening in the Northwest’s electric grid and at the financially challenged Bonneville
Power Administration that will have a large impact on climate change, electric rates, the
League of Women Voters Diversity Policy environment and the economy.
The League of Women Voters of Seattle-King County (LWVS-KC), in both its values and practices, To help understand these changes and future innovations, the LWVWA is a member of
affirms its beliefs and commitment to diversity and pluralism, which means there shall be no barriers
to participation in any activity of the League on the basis of gender, gender identity and/or gender
the Northwest Energy Coalition and a Community Partner for the Coalition’s Clean and
expression, race, creed, age, sexual orientation, national origin or disability. Affordable Conference. The event takes place on Monday, December 2nd at the HUB
on the University of Washington campus in Seattle. Expert panelists will explore a new
LWVS-KC recognizes that diverse perspectives are important and necessary for responsible and vision for the Northwest electric system in which the integration of emerging customer-
representative decision-making. LWVS-KC subscribes to the belief that diversity and pluralism are
side resources will enable utilities to manage electricity supply and demand, and hopefully
fundamental to the values it upholds and that this inclusiveness enhances the organization’s ability to
respond more effectively to changing conditions and needs. achieve an efficient, affordable, low-carbon energy system.
LWVS-KC affirms its commitment to reflecting the diversity of Americans in its membership, board, For information about the conference and
staff and programs. to register, visit www.nwenergy.org. For
discounts and scholarships for the conference,
email Kat Plimpton at kat@nwenergy.org.16 17
Units The Voter October 2019 The Voter December 2019 Units
Units Unite Us: How Are We Doing, and What About Those Four F’s? Unit Meetings
by Roslyn Duffy
Everyone is invited to attend the League’s neighborhood discussion groups, called unit meetings, to meet
With all of the changes the League and our units have witnessed in the past few years, at people passionate about League and our community. Units meetings are a great way for new members to
times we might feel challenged to answer the question, “Why would someone want to come learn about League. Units typically discuss the monthly forum topic or other issues of local interest. Unit
to a unit meeting?” (This can be true of committee meetings, forums, and other events, too). times and locations subject to change; please verify with unit leader.
That answer is coming into focus in many ways.
Time Location Email contact Phone
In September, we introduced the 4 F’s of successful meetings: fun, friendly, focused, and
fired up. (*I’ve switched the order, because I realized that fun needs to get more respect!)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11
True, we work with serious and challenging issues, but there are ways to have fun, too. (Ask
a unit leader about that gerrymandered pie!) For many units, December meetings often Queen Anne/Magnolia/Ballard (Evening Unit) – Kathy Pugh and Marlis Worthington
include more social
Magnolia Church of Christ ckp1966@comcast.net 503-580-1240
time. Potlucks, 7:30 p.m.
3555 W. McGraw Street marliswrt@hotmail.com 206-283-7147
cookie exchanges,
and time to
simply enjoy THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12
one another’s
company. Our SE King County/Enumclaw – Cathy Dormaier
regular meetings
can include fun as Various restaurants; contact unit
12:00 p.m. clcathy@skynetbb.com 360-802-6799
leader for info.
well. It would be
great to hear how
each unit solves MONDAY, DECEMBER 16
this challenge.
First Hill/Horizon House – Adele Reynolds
Being friendly
means both being
welcoming and Horizon House
staying connected. Don’t leave those November visitors dangling in the wind. Please be sure 10:30 a.m. Forum & Social Room adelereynolds@netscape.net 206-621-4867
to contact them and invite them back. Include them in emails and tell them about The Voter 900 University Street (Seattle)
so that they can learn more about our League.
South Seattle – Kay Kite and Sarah Miller
The communication loop (see graphic above) we’re developing and a whole list of agenda
possibilities that are now available for the unit meetings offer giant steps in the direction of
getting focused as a unified League. Unit heads also regularly share their individual agendas Raconteur at Third Place Books mkk45@icloud.com 206-295-6104
5:00 p.m.
with one another, which is both encouraging and inspiring. 5041 Wilson Avenue S. sarabethmiller410@gmail.com 206-799-2061
Finally, the more we get these three F’s right, the fired up part naturally follows. We have so
much to do, and doing it together makes us stronger. After all, our passion is what brought TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
us together in the first place!
That fired up part is also the fuel needed for our Adopt-a-Voter efforts to light a fire of West Seattle – Ethel Williams and Pat Lane
enthusiasm for others. Wouldn’t 100% voter turnout be a wonderful way to celebrate the Daystar Retirement Village etheljw@comcast.net 206-932-7887
League’s 100th anniversary? 1:00 p.m.
2615 SW Barton Street pgblain11@gmail.com 206-932-1578
March On!
continued on next page18 19
Units The Voter December 2019 The Voter December 2019
Unit times and locations subject to change; please check with unit leader.
Board & Committee Contacts
Time Location Email contact Phone
Term Executive Committee
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18 2019-21 President Alyssa Weed 206-329-4848 president@seattlelwv.org
2018-20 1st VP - Development Christy Wood 206-707-3845 development@seattlelwv.org
NE Seattle – Jeanette Johnson 2019-21 2nd VP - Action Heather Kelly 206-329-4848 action@seattlelwv.org
Magnuson Park Brig Building 2017-19 Secretary Janice Camp 206-329-4848 janice@seattlelwv.org
12:45 p.m. Ravenna Room jeanettejohnson10@msn.com 206-724-3392 2018-20 Treasurer Cathy O’Shea 425-753-4182 treasurer@seattlelwv.org
7400 Sand Point Way NE
Directors
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.
2018-20 Development Kiku Hayashi 206-329-4848 kikuhayashi1@gmail.com
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21 2019-21 Communications Kristen Johnson 206-329-4848 communications@seattlelwv.org
2019-21 Voter Service Chelsea Jordan 206-329-4848 voterservice@seattlelwv.org
Queen Anne/Magnolia/Ballard (Day Unit) – Kerry Peterson 2019-21 Units Roslyn Duffy 206-329-4848 roslyn@seattlelwv.org
2019-21 Outreach & Events Melissa Taylor 206-329-4848 melissataylor.lwvskc@gmail.com
10:00 a.m. Contact unit leader for info bmqaday@seattlelwv.org 206-619-0867
Note: All board members listed above are also members of the Education Fund Board
NOT MEETING IN DECEMBER
Education Fund Officers — same as above except Treasurer
Bellevue/Kirkland/Redmond – Cathy O’Shea Treasurer Linda Snider 206-329-4848 eftreasurer@seattlelwv.org
Kirkland Library Nominating Committee
12:00 p.m. coshea120@gmail.com 425-753-4182
308 Kirkland Avenue
2019-20 Chair Stephanie Cirkovich 206-329-4848 info@seattlelwv.org
Issaquah – Judy Love 2019-20 Linnea Hirst 206-329-4848 lwvquilter@comcast.net
2019-20 Kathy Pugh 206-329-4848 ckp1966@comcast.net
Issaquah City Hall
10:00 a.m. Coho Room, 2nd Floor judysteveL@gmail.com 425-417-8600
130 E. Sunset Way
Off Board Positions
Mercer Island – Toni Okada and Julie Sarkissian Voter Editor open 206-329-4848 votereditor@seattlelwv.org
Emmanuel Episcopal Church td.okada@yahoo.com 206-232-1418 Committee Chairs
9:30 a.m.
4400 86th Avenue SE juliesarkissian@hotmail.com 206-236-2953
Communications Kristen Johnson communications@seattlelwv.org
Economics & Taxation Nora Leech nleech2002@yahoo.com
N. King County – Judy Deiro and Sally Corbett
Education Joanna Cullen 206-329-8514 jfoxcullen@gmail.com
Third Place Commons
judy.deiro@gmail.com 425-820-9096
Homelessness Study Lauren Pixley lpixley@uw.edu
7:00 p.m. 17171 Bothell Way NE International Relations Kim Peterson 206-789-7447
sallycorbett@comcast.net 206-356-3459
Lake Forest Park
Observer Corps Cathy O’Shea 425-753-4182 coshea120@gmail.com
University House/Wallingford – Janet Kime Waterfront Nancy & Charles 206-282-1578 candnbagley@comcast.net
University House Bagley
2:00 p.m. San Juan Room kraftyjanet@comcast.net 206-588-0988
4400 Stone Way N. (Seattle)League 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 DECEMBER FORUM:
Homelessness
A number of complex and interrelated factors
Thursday, December 5 underlie King County’s struggle to end. At the
7:00 p.m. League’s free December forum, hear from expert
panelists on King County’s challenges and successes
Seattle First Baptist Church
in this arena. Panelists include: Jennifer Alderman
1111 Harvard Ave (at Seneca)
of Snohomish County Human Services; Debbie
Seattle, WA 98122
Carlsen of LGBTQ Allyship; Zachary DeWolf and
Free and open to the public Felicia Salcedo of All Home; and King County
Council Member Jeanne Kohl-Welles.
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