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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPacket Special Council Jan 4 2022Whatcom County Council (Special) COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360) 778-5010 Meeting Agenda Tuesday, January 4, 2022 l PM Virtual Meeting VIRTUAL MEETING (TO PARTICIPATE, SEE INSTRUCTIONS AT www.whatcomcounty.us/joinvirtualcouncil OR CALL 360.778.5010) COUNCILMEMBERS Rud Browne Barry Buchanan Tyler Byrd Todd Donovan Ben Elenbaas Carol Frazey Kathy Kershner CLERK OF THE COUNCIL Dana Brown -Davis, C.M.C. Council (Special) Meeting Agenda January 4, 2022 Call To Order Roll Call Announcements Individuals who require special assistance to participate in the Council's meetings are asked to contact the Council Office at 360.778.5010 at least 96 hours in advance. Special Order of Business 1. AB2022-010 Appointment to vacant 42nd Legislative District Senate position Items Added by Revision Other Business Adiournment Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 21912024 File ID: AB2022-010 File Created: 12/27/2021 Department: Assigned to: Council (Special) Agenda Date: 01/04/2022 Whatcom County Agenda Bill Report File Number: AB2022-010 Version Entered by: File Type: Special Order of Business Primary Contact Email: DBrown@co.whatcom.wa.us TITLE FOR AGENDA ITEM: Appointment to vacant 42nd Legislative District Senate position SUMMARY STATEMENT OR LEGAL NOTICE LANGUAGE: COUNTY COURTHOUSE 311 Grand Avenue, Ste #105 Bellingham, WA 98225-4038 (360)778-5010 Status: Agenda Ready Final Action: 01/04/2022 Enactment M SECTION 15 VACANCIES IN LEGISLATURE AND IN PARTISAN COUNTY ELECTIVE OFFICE. Such vacancies as may occur in either house of the legislature or in any partisan county elective office shall be filled by appointment by the county legislative authority of the county in which the vacancy occurs: Provided, That the person appointed to fill the vacancy must be from the same legislative district, county, or county commissioner or council district and the same political party as the legislator or partisan county elective officer whose office has been vacated, and shall be one of three persons who shall be nominated by the county central committee of that party, and in case a majority of the members of the county legislative authority do not agree upon the appointment within sixty days after the vacancy occurs, the governor shall within thirty days thereafter, and from the list of nominees provided for herein, appoint a person who shall be from the same legislative district, county, or county commissioner or council district and of the same political party as the legislator or partisan county elective officer whose office has been vacated, and the person so appointed shall hold office until his or her successor is elected at the next general election, and has qualified: Provided, That in case of a vacancy occurring after the general election in a year that the office appears on the ballot and before the start of the next term, the term of the successor who is of the same party as the incumbent may commence once he or she has qualified and shall continue through the term for which he or she was elected: Provided, That in case of a vacancy occurring in the office of joint senator, or joint representative, the vacancy shall be filled from a list of three nominees selected by the state central Whatcom County Page 1 Printed on 2/9/2024 Agenda Bill Report Continued (AB2022-010) committee, by appointment by the joint action of the boards of county legislative authorities of the counties composing the joint senatorial or joint representative district, the person appointed to fill the vacancy must be from the same legislative district and of the same political party as the legislator whose office has been vacated, and in case a majority of the members of the county legislative authority do not agree upon the appointment within sixty days after the vacancy occurs, the governor shall within thirty days thereafter, and from the list of nominees provided for herein, appoint a person who shall be from the same legislative district and of the same political party as the legislator whose office has been vacated. [AMENDMENT 96, 2003 House Joint Resolution No. 4206, p 2819. Approved November 4, 2003.] HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE FILE Date: Acting Body: Action: Sent To: 01/04/2022 Council (Special) DISCUSSED AND MOTION(S) APPROVED Attachments: Nomination Email from WC Republican Party, Ben Elenbaas Letter to Council, Simon Sefzik Letter to Council, Sefzik, Simon Resume, Tawsha Dykstra Thompson Letter to Council and Resume, Questions - 42nd District State Senate Candidates Whatcom County Page 2 Printed on 2/9/2024 From: WCRP Chair To: Barry Buchanan Cc: Dana Brown -Davis; infoCnbwhatcomaoD.com Subject: Nominations from the Whatcom County Republican Party to Fill the LD42 Senate Seat Date: Friday, December 31, 2021 12:22:03 PM Attachments: Elenbaas letter to council.docx Tawsha Dykstra Thompson - Letter and Resume CC.pdf Simon Sefzik County Council Letter.Ddf Sefzik. Simon - Resume Countv Council.Ddf Hello Barry, The three individuals the Whatcom County Republican Party has chosen to nominate are the following: • Ben Elenbaas • Tawsha Dykstra Thompson • Simon Sefzik Please see the attached resumes and statements from the three candidates (four total attachments). Would you confirm receipt? Is there anything else you need from me? Thank you, John John Ramsey Chair, Whatcom County Republican Party m.: 360-298-5563 whatcomgoochairQgmail.com I have been asked, by numerous people, if I would consider fulfilling the remainder of Senator Ericksen's senate term. When I reflect on the current state of Whatcom County, and the unprecedented scale of natural disaster our citizens are facing, it is inarguable that the people of the 42nd district should not be left without a strong voice in Olympia. My family has lived and farmed in the Nooksack River Valley since 1902. As a 4th generation farmer I have personally experienced the abundance and devastation our river system provides us. Now, more than ever, the people of the 42nd district need an experienced voice to advocate for recovery and long term solutions for our river. With Agriculture and the Cherry Point Industrial Area being the 2 largest economic drivers in the 42nd district my 20 years of experience in the energy sector will serve Whatcom well as Olympia wrestles with regulatory changes as we move towards a clean energy future. This task, if properly executed will both protect the environment and provide jobs into the future. However, if poorly done will have the potential to drive out jobs and harm the less fortunate among us most with astronomical energy prices. The people of the 42nd as well as the entire State can not afford to blunder on such an important task. So it is out of respect for Senator Ericksen, respect for the individuals who have asked me to serve, and most importantly, respect for the citizens of the 42nd district - I humbly accept the nomination to be considered by the Whatcom County Council. I believe my unique experience and skill -set provide me with the tools needed to represent the citizens of the 42nd at such short notice. Below please find a brief summary of my relevant experiences; -Planning Commissioner for Whatcom County Council District #2 Appointed by Whatcom County Council, June 2012-Sept. 2015. -Whatcom County Charter Review Commissioner Council District #2 Elected by the citizens of Council District #2, 1 year term expired Dec. 31st 2015 • With the highest vote total of all 15 of the elected candidates, per the Charter, I chaired the first meeting until such a time as we could elect a new Chair. I was unanimously elected Chairman by the Commission members 9 conservatives and 6 liberals. We had 8 amendments proposed with 7 of them passing the ballot and becoming incorporated into the charter. A true bipartisan success. -Whatcom County Councilmember Council District #5 Elected by the citizens of Council District #5, 4 year term expiring Jan. 2024 • Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, member of the Natural Resources Committee. Member of the Bellingham International Airport Advisory Committee. Member of the Drayton Harbor/Portage Bay Shellfish Advisory Committee, Flood Control Zone Committee, and the Lummi Island Ferry Advisory Committee. LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL ADVOCACY American/Washington State Farm Bureau Member Since 2001 President Whatcom County Farm Bureau Board. Term 2018-2020 • Member of the Legislative Committee, Policy Development Committee. Comp plan/CAO Review Committee. Washington State Cattlemen's Association Member Since 1999 Vice President Whatcom County Executive Board 2016-2021 Chair of the Public Relations Committee. I have spent many days in Olympia building relationships with State legislators with Cattlemen. Spent many years as a Director Member for the Whatcom County Chapter. Education Western Washington University & Huxley College of the Environment Bellingham, Washington 1997-2014 BA in General Studies (designed major) with an emphasis on Natural Sciences. Environmental Studies Minor and Geography Minor Graduate Lynden High School Class of'97 My name is Simon Sefzik and I am interested in representing Whatcom County by filling Senator Doug Ericksen's seat. It is an incredible honor to be considered for this position, and I know you do not take this responsibility lightly. Whatcom County has lost a Senator and a friend while his family has lost a husband, father, and son. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as we know the days ahead will involve many tears for a grieving family. As you embark upon this difficult choice, we hope to honor the service of a man who believed in the promise of Whatcom County. It is in moments like this that we can see the best in people, as we gather to support them in their grief. Events like this transcend politics as they remind us of the gift of life and the joys of living in this beautiful place called Whatcom County. On the surface, it may seem that you and I could not be more different. We are of different generation and have had different experiences growing up in Whatcom County. We went to different schools and may have varying political views. But for all our apparent differences, for all of our suspected separations, I believe we have much more in common than it may seem. We drive on the same roads, shop at the same stores, eat at the same restaurants, stare at the same mountains, swim in the same waters, and hike the same trails. But more than that, we both believe in the promise of this place — its beauty, its potential, and its magic. I want to serve Whatcom County because it has served me, grown me, and shaped me. I have been involved in local politics since I was 12, knocking doors all over Whatcom County. From the backyards of Bellingham to the front yards of Ferndale, I have been welcomed in by Democrats and Republicans that have told me young people need to be involved in politics, since it will be my generation that must address many of our nation's decisions. I remember going to the Northwest Washington Fair, where I would sit and talk for hours with the volunteers in both the Democrat and Republican Party booths. It was in those conversations that I learned (and am still learning) how to disagree without being disagreeable. I took the wise words of these people to heart, believing in the value of service to a cause larger than myself. In high school and college I was a national speech and debate champion. I graduated early with highest honors studying American Politics and Policy. As I completed my degree, I lived in Washington D.C. where I served on Capitol Hill. Later, I was selected among thousands of other applicants to intern at the White House. Based on my work as an intern, I was hired full-time and became one of the youngest White House employees during my service. Just like millions of military members that served during the previous administration, my goal was to honor my country in the best way that I could, regardless of who was president. These experiences taught me that while so much of our political dialogue can seem so petty and disheartening, we are bigger and better than that. Whatcom County is my home, and I want to serve it well. I bring youthful enthusiasm and a level of legislative and political experience unique to my age. As your youngest choice, I believe I represent the future and a more age diverse senate. I want to work with members of both parties to protect Whatcom County and improve our quality of life. Given the opportunity, I will represent you well in Olympia. I look forward to speaking with you. You can email me at this address or call at 360-510-4017. Thanks, Simon A. Sefzik Simon A. Sefzik sefzik.simon@gmail.com 1360.510.4017 Education Patrick Henry College Bachelor of Arts in American Politics & Policy GPA: 3.98 Hometown: Ferndale, Washington Additional college classes: Whatcom Community College, Trinity International University Experience Nomi Health COVID-19 Initiative 2021 Operations and Logistics Coordinator, Denver, CO • Organized statewide stakeholder outreach for a multi -million -dollar healthcare company in Colorado • Assisted in oversight of daily operations staff for a COVID-19 vaccine supersite • Incident commander of staff at mobile COVID-19 vaccine clinics The White House 2020- 2021 White House Management Office, Washington D.C. • Managed events and staff requests within the Executive Office of the President (EOP) • Coordinated and assisted operations with federal agencies (Secret Service, White House Medical Unit, Department of Homeland Security, General Services Administration, and the Office of Administration) and private stakeholders for security and facilities projects on the White House Complex • Assisted the Presidential Transition Team Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Intern • Researched and reported COVID-19 related legislation in briefing memos for senior officials, including researching metrics for the White House COVID-19 Taskforce • Organized and assisted with the planning and execution of events attended by key Administration officials • Researched and edited projects on state policy with staff members, including state education policy, state budgets, and local COVID-19 response House of Representatives 2019 Office of Congressman Ted Budd, Washington DC • Drafted content for briefing materials used by senior staff and Rep. Budd for meetings • Drafted and edited response letters and legislative updates for constituents • Compiled summaries of approximately one hundred pieces of legislation • Compiled and maintained government contact lists Whatcom County Republican Party, Bellingham WA 2013-Present • Organized voter outreach and GOTV efforts for Republican candidates • Conducted research and drafted policy documents for state and local candidates • Coordinated outreach to young Republicans in Whatcom County Extracurricular Varsity Moot Court & Mock Trial Team Captain (4x Volunteer, Ferndale Senior Center forensics collegiate champion) Whatcom County Republican Party Inter -Collegiate Studies Institute Whatcom County Pregnancy Clinic Model United Nations Whatcom County Classical Conversations Duke University High School Moot Court Champion President, Whatcom Community College Political (2017) Science Club Princeton University High School Moot Court Northwest Washington Fair Volunteer Champion (2016) Patrick Henry College TeenCamps Counselor 4x National High School Speech and Debate Champion Worldview Academy Leadership Counselor Ferndale Speech and Debate Coach Whatcom County Phi Nu Honor Society 494 sewme TAWSHA K (DYKSTRA) THOMPSON 360.224.3130 k9subaka@hotmaii.com Lynden, WA 98264 Profile Hello, my name is Tawsha (Dykstra) Thompson. I am so honored to be nominated to represent the people of the 42nd district as Senator. I am a life long resident of Whatcom County and have been a public servant for almost 25 years as a police officer for the City of Bellingham. Law Enforcement is a calling to be a part of something much bigger than oneself. I feel the same way about being a Senator and representative of the people. Throughout my career I have had a passion to help my community and be a voice for those whose voice someone tried to silence. I want to be that voice for the people of Whatcom County in Olympia. I have excelled at being that voice throughout my career. I would bring to Olympia that same proven energy, passion, and commitment while representing the people of the 42nd District. Throughout my career, in addition to my assigned duties, I have voluntarily taken on multiple other responsibilities to include Honor Guard Commander, Peer Support and Wellness Coordinator, Police Association President and Board Member, and the Washington Council of Police and Sheriff's representative for the Bellingham Police Guild In Olympia. It has been joked that when I left a position it would take 3 people to replace me to maintain the same level of service I had been providing. My hard work ethic and strong sense of civic duty were instilled in me by my parents: My father, an immigrant from Holland, and my mom, a gospel singing log truck driver from Acme. Together, Jake and Claudette Dykstra, raised a family of eleven on a small dairy farm just south of Lynden. As a farmer's daughter, I learned the value of community and helping your neighbors. It is what has guided me throughout my career and shaped me into who I am today. My husband, a deputy for the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office, and I have a family home in Lynden where we raise our daughter. We have two adult daughters and a granddaughter. Thank you for your service to the citizens of Whatcom County and your consideration to appoint me to be the voice for the citizens of Whatcom County in Olympia. S'ewme Mono2 Law Enforcement Officer: Bellingham Police Dept: 1997-2021 1 was a Bellingham Police Department officer from 3/1997 until 12/2021. • Police Sergeant: April 2021 to December 2021 Supervisor of the Special Victims Unit with 5 detectives • Police Corporal: January 2018 to April 2021 Supervisor in the Patrol Division with 6 assigned patrol officers • Police Detective: April 2012 - January 2018 Family crimes, major crimes, and intel detective. • Police Officer: March 1997 to April 2012 Held a variety of positions to include K9 officer, Bicycle Patrol, Master Patrol Officer, and Field Training Officer. Education Graduate of Lynden Christian High School 1993 Whatcom Community College: AA Transfer 1994-1996 Western Washington University: Studied Sociology/Psychology 1996- 1997 Ongoing Law Enforcement Training. 1997-2020 First Line Supervision Instructor Development Incident Command Structure Active Shooter Forensic Child Interviewing Field Training Officer Intel and Counter Terrorism De -Escalation Recognitions and Awards: Homicide Investigation Dignitary Protection Domestic Violence Training. Reid and Trauma Informed Interviewing I have received multiple commendation letters throughout my career, both internally and externally, from the WCSO, the FBI, and Whatcom County Prosecutors Office. The awards were given to me in recognition of my investigative ability and my community outreach events. 494 sewme Additional Duties Bellingham Police Honor Guard: Honor Guard Commander The Honor Guard unit primary function is to render honors to officers who made the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives in the performance of their duties. I attended services throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Lower BC. I represented Bellingham PD in Washington DC during National Police week on 4 different occasions. Bellingham Police Association: President, Vice President, and Secretary. The BPA is a fraternal organization. It was formed to coordinate activities for our members within our organization, but also supported our community through donations and sponsorships of youth sports teams, DVSAS, Brigid Collins, and other community partners. Each year I organized the yearly Shop with your Cop Event where local LE are paired with a child in need in the community. Together they would shop, have breakfast, and get pictures with Santa. I also was active for many years with the LE Torch Run for Special Olympics program. I organized a yearly relay run that began at Peace Arch park and ended at McChord Air Force base in Pierce County. When the Covid pandemic hit I organized a lunch drive. Working with multiple agencies we packed 2500 sack lunches and handed them out at multiple points throughout the county. Peer Support and Wellness Law Enforcement is a difficult career with a high suicide rate. I was active in a peer support capacity, coming in to support officers after being involved in a high impact events. I attended conferences and brought the information back to the PD and trained officers on what I had learned. WACOPS Two years ago became the Bellingham Police Guild WACOPS representative. WA Council of Police and Sheriff is a political organization in which we engage in conversation with our senators and representatives in Olympia regarding matters affecting Law Enforcement. In January 2020 1 met all the Senators and Representatives from the 40th and 42nd districts. In 2021 1 had multiple conversations with both our representatives about the impact of the legislative changes which occurred this year. 494 sewmg uonot Questions for LD42 State Senate Candidates: As the outcome of the last Senate race in 2018 was decided by only 46 votes it is fair to say the 42" District is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans. Whomever serves in the Senate seat will be expected by the voters to have a good understanding of the issues raised across the political spectrum. 1) What will you do to be effective in Olympia? 2) Why are you the best candidate to represent the 42nd Legislative District and what distinguishes you from the other nominees? 3) If appointed, what will be your top priorities and why? 4) How would you help maintain viable agriculture in the 42nd District? 5) The State House currently only allows vaccinated members to be in the House Chamber. If the Senate decides to impose the same vaccination requirements in order to be present in the Senate Chamber. are you be willine and able to comaly with this reauirement? 6) Share with us your thoughts on the Growth Management Act, and what, if any changes you would advocate for immediately? 7) Housing affordability is a key issue for all communities. Share with us your housing affordability priorities. 8) Our communities are also experiencing increasing levels of homelessness. What will you do as a legislator to meet the needs of Washingtonians who have no housing? 9) WA has an affordable housing crisis, what specific legislation would you propose to address this problem? 10) One way the California and Oregon legislatures have addressed the affordable housi shortage is by legalizing multi -family housing in all zoning areas, including single-family zoning, would you support this? Why or why not? 11) Transportation is a key issue for all WA communities. Share with us your transportation priorities. 12) WA State has significant transportation infrastructure needs, historically these investments have been funded by gas taxes. • Do you believe we need to find more fundinL- for transportation? • Would you support raising the gas tax to fund additional investments in transportation? • If you do not support raising the gas tax to pay for increased investments in transportation. where else would you Lyet the revenue to Dav for it? 13) In the last 2 years the residents of the 42nd have suffered more from the impacts of climate change than most other districts in the State. Two devastating floods, (the latest being the worst on record), drought, declining snowpack, and now severe freezing weather. • Do you believe climate change is occurring? • Do you believe the recent severe weather events experienced by the residents of the 42nd district is due to climate change? • Do you believe the cause of climate change is due to an increase of CO2 being released into the atmosphere from human consumption of fossil fuels? • What policies will you advocate for in the legislature that will reduce and/or mitigate the impacts of the recent severe weather events experienced by the residents of the 42nd district 14) Every year the state legislature is considering more and more climate change related legislation. One such Bill currently making its way through the House is Engrossed 2nd Substitute - E2SHB 1099. • If this Bill reaches the Senate and you were asked to vote on it as currentiv written would you vote in favor or in opposition? • If you would not vote for it in its current form, but could edit it, what specific changes would you like to see made to the text of the bill, which if made, would allow you to vote for it? 15) If the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, will you support or oppose state laws and funding to allow all women in Washington to still have the freedom to retain control over their reproductive choices? 16) Gun violence and the proliferation of firearms used in crimes presents an ongoing danger to law-abiding residents of WA state and the Law Enforcement Officers tasked with protecting us. House Bill 1705 has been drafted to regulate a new threat called "Ghost Guns" • If this Bill reaches the Senate and you were asked to vote on it as currently written would you vote in favor or in opposition? 17) WA State has a very robust, inclusive, and accessible approach to voting, what if any aspect of the WA election system do you think needs to be changed and why? 18) If appointed to the position, do you intend to run for election to the 42nd Senate seat in 2022? 19) [Applicant Elenboas onlyl -If appointed, is it your intention to retain your position on the Whatcom County Council in addition to the Senate position, or will you resign from your position on the County Council effective immediately upon assuming the Senate position? • If you intend to retain your seat on the County Council, how will you manage competing obligations that require your presence at the same time in both Whatcom County and Olympia? 20) What else would you like the residents of 42nd district to know about you before the County Council votes on the appointment?