2021 CID Meetings and Camano News
Statement on Uvalde tragedy from Congressman Rick Larsen
Together, we must end these tragedies
We cannot look away at this moment of history or pretend that thoughts and prayers are the only things we can offer as gun violence ravages our country.
Because, as a nation, we see what happens when those who wish to hurt others have access to dangerous weapons. We see it again and again and again. read entire statement here
View Matthew McConaughey's impassioned speech paying tribute to Uvalde victims.
​
Lawmakers hear from families, student who survived Texas school shooting
​
​
Commissioner Janet St Clair was the guest speaker at our May meeting. She provided a detailed report on Island County Government and a lengthy Question and Answer period followed. We also heard from Clyde Shavers, Legislative Representative candidate, who had been doorbelling on Camano Island and also attended the meeting. https://clydeshavers.com/
Details will be in the May minutes.
The April general meeting of Camano Island Democrats guest speakers were Kirsti Daniels speaking on the Vote Yes for the School Levy campaign and Gay-Lynn Beighton, Public Policy Chair for the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Snohomish County Affiliate. Ms. Beighton discussed the proposed Mental Health Facility in Stanwood and it’s benefit to our community. This facility would be a Tulalip Tribe, WA State and Federal cooperative project.
​
Camano Island Democrats met April 15th, 7PM. Program included a presentation on the Healthy Environment for All (Heal) Act created by the Front and Centered Coalition. Other environmental legislation being considered in Olympia was also discussed. Kathryn Wells from Snohomish Conservation District informed us on the work they are doing and resources available to us on Camano. We also met with several people, who are working to make the Camano Fire Covid Vaccination Center such a success. Our Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair, provided updates from the County.
​
​
Camano Island Democrats Met March 18th, 7PM
Jeff Wheeler, Salish Foothills Area Manager for the State Parks met with Camano Island Democrats March 18th.
Jeff shared his knowledge of the Park system, new Parks to explore, Navy SEAL training and other areas of interest. We also heard from Not In Our Parks, the citizen group opposing the Navy’s use of our state parks for training purposes.
Good questions and discussion by members followed the presentations.
Camano Island Democrats met February 18th. The Zoom meeting was on the Rise of Hate Groups in our area and how our neighbors have organized to counteract them. Guest speakers were Charles Tanner research director, Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights. He is a longtime civil and human rights activist who has worked to counter the organized white supremacist and anti-Indian movements.
Craig Cyr, Council Member City of Langley spoke on the
3 percenters taking over the South Whidbey Grange and the organization that formed to counter them. https://www.reclaimthegrange.org
Brian Grad, Chair of Anti-Vigilantism Action, Training and Research (AVATAR) and Lowell Rathbun who will spoke on the psychology of QAnon and hate groups.
We were also updated on the Covid 19 vaccine by Island County Commissioner Janet St Clair.
View the 10th LD Virtual Town Hall on youtube–
On 11-2-2021, Rep Dave Paul, Sen. Ron Muzzall, and Rep. Greg Gilday discussed the state of our ferry system, the challenges our ferry system is currently facing, gave an update on the ferries and heard constituent concerns.
They discussed their work to address problems.
​
October 21 Camano Island Democrats Meeting:
Satin-Deseree Arnett, co founder of the Stanwood Camano citizens group, SAFE, Stanwood-Camano Alliance For Equity, is the guest speaker. Join us to learn of their work with the school district, local law enforcement, the city council and more.
See SAFE's FaceBook page for more information:
https://www.facebook.com/SAFE-Stanwood-Alliance-For-Equity-101225438359622​
We also welcomed Clyde M. Shavers, Whidbey Island resident exploring running for Washington House of Representatives, 10th district against Greg Gilday.
September 16th Camano Island Democrats Meeting:
The Camano Island Democrats welcomed Representative Rick Larsen, Island County Commissioner, Janet St Clair ancurrent School Board District 2 Director and re-election candidate, Charlotte Murry, September 16th.
​
Director Murry spoke on the challenges facing our schools, discussed quality of education, and responded to questions. Representative Larsen and Commissioner St Clair told us about benefits of the Infrastructure Bill, currently in Congress, to our region, including access to broadband in underserved parts of our community .