Soundings (6/16/09)

Bucks in the Bay
Phil X for wedding anniversary last week, next week going to Disneyland with his 4-yo twin "grandkids"!
Bryant E's new dog (Lokey) recently broke his leg, he is a real chick magnet;
Steve Spitzer's son successfully summited Denali with his clients;
Aaron Lemperes 5th wedding anniversary!;
Tim Krell $100 to our Foundation, attended party in Seattle over weekend very fun, and related funny story about a land deal he worked on;
Jim Johnson bucks for end of ling cod season, upcoming trip to England/Ireland;
Art Runestrand finished his 19th year as a home school teacher!
Mike Kirkland excited about Hospice House;
Bill Boyd sad bucks for anniversary of pipeline explosion, 4+ hour HS graduation of son;
Donna Edquist promoting the "Tour of Whatcom" bike ride fundraiser for B&G Club;
Sue Sharp said St Luke's will give $1 for every $2 donated to the new Hospice house, and nice to have daughter back in town;
Harold Scott successful completion of our Student of the Month season;

Sergeant at Arms by Barry
Fines for Bill Boyd, John Templeton, Scot Swanson, Dannon Traxler, and others PLUS trivia for "this day in history".

Program
Orphalee introduced Rep. Doug Erickson:  Doug is serving his sixth term representing the 42nd Legislative District, which includes Birch Bay, Blaine, Deming, Everson, Ferndale, Lynden, Nooksack, Point Roberts, Sumas, and parts of Bellingham.His priorities for the 2009 legislative session include strengthening families, empowering citizens and ensuring responsible state spending and government.  He received a BA in government from Cornell University and a MA in political science and environmental policy from Western Washington University.  Doug and his wife, Tasha, are long-time residents of Whatcom County and raising their two daughters, Elsa and Addi, in Ferndale.

Doug talked about what happened during the last legislative session, and also looking forward.

1. Budget.  We really don't have a $9B deficit; that is just the difference between what money we expect to come is and what we currently want to spend.  Last year spent around $35B and took in about $30B.  Doug voted against this year's budget. 

2. Education:  Read Scott Oki's book "Outrageous Education" - change the structure of how it works.

3. Tribal issues:  Unlike other states, WA makes no money on the casinos.  They are tax-free, regulation-free, no control or oversight from the state.  The tribes have negotiated very favorable (to them) contracts that are eternal (no end dates).  Almost impossible to put the genie back in the bottle. 

4.  Doug's personal mission "Blueprint for a Better Washington" - this is elected officials providing leadership and change on the state level.  Providing better solutions and answers. For example: WA state should get out of "Worker's Comp" insurance.  Energy: privatized liquor sales which generate more money.  Example: WA State ferries should be privatized.  Energy:  Need more "base load" energy for the grid, better vision needed there.

Respectfully submitted,
Stowe Talbot