Meeting Minutes

`President John Brewer called the meeting to order at 7:35am.  Deborah Martin led the flag salute.  Guests were Deborah, Donnie Hall, Gabe Rygaard, Judith Morris, Debbie Spinks, Bill Grimes, Tom Hubert and Christina Hurst.  Sam P. moved and Maggie R. seconded approval of minutes. Motion carried.

Announcements:

Ted Simpson reported that PUD commissioners have opposed Initiative 737 on a Carbon Tax on Fossil Fuel sources.

Edna said PADA Board was concerned about the cleanliness of the public bathroom near public parking lot between Front and First, and about the rundown building on First near Mathew’s Glass.  She encouraged members to write to the City Council about conditions.  She mentioned that Friday would be “Girls Night Out” in conjunction with the Esprit Convention.

Bill Grimes stressed importance of everyone’s input on the 20-year Comprehensive Plan.

Program

League of Women Voters President, Deborah Martin, gave a brief history of the League’s 96 years starting from the Suffragette Movement to the admission of men in 1974 to now.

She said the Washington State Presidential Primary is an outcome of a 1989 citizen’s initiative.  The Republican Party is the only one to accept the outcome and that is to help allocate some of its delegates.  At $11.5 million the primary is quite expensive, but could be cancelled if the public contacted their legislators to complain about it. Some concern has been voiced because of having to designate a party on the outside of the ballot.  The actual ballot cannot be seen from the outside.  Deborah quoted several RCW Sections that instead of clarifying the issue might confuse it for some.

George B moved and Jack G seconded to extend the meeting 15 minutes. Motion carried.

Q & A Period

Secretary of State role in the primary, future elections, party leaders and 2016 candidate forums.

Speaker – May 17:  Retiring State Senator Jim Hargrove.

Meeting adjourned at 8:39am.