October 13, 2008 Spokesman

Posted by Mike Hunter 
 

Jim Feek, the President Elect, began the meeting at 6:35 P.M.  David Aubry led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Visiting Rotarians and Guests:

Oly Wise, Ballard; Terry Cole, Redmond Rousers; Roger Goodman, University District (also a member of the legislative panel); Tom Conlon, Roger Goodman's campaign manager; and Kendall Watson, a reporter from The Reporter newspaper.

Announcements

  1. John Overleese reminded everyone to sign up for the Polio Plus presentation by Penny LeGate on Sunday evening, November 16, from 7:00-9:30 P.M.  Penny LeGate has been to Africa 8 times and has an uplifting message about Rotary eradicating polio in the World.  Bring your friends and neighbors.  Other Rotary Club members will be attending so we expect 200+ people.  A dessert buffet will be served.  The cost is $10 per person; you can pay the Treasurer at your convenience.
  2. Pat Swenson asked for volunteers for the Reading Buddies program at JohnMuirElementary School, which will begin in November.  Four to five students make up a reading group, and this does not involve teaching.  Sign up soon because a meeting will be held October 20 at 5:00 P.M. to discuss the logistics.
  3. Steve Shinstrom reminded everyone that Bunko is this Saturday evening, October 18 at the Shinstrom home.  The theme is '50's Rock & Roll' so sign up and then get dressed up for this lively annual event.  Steve will put out the requests for food later this week.

 

Program

Patti Smith presided over the legislative forum with eight candidates participating in a discussion of current issues.

 

The legislative candidates present were:

 

Roger Goodman - 45th District, Position 1

Toby Nixon - 45th District, Position 1

Larry Springer - 45th District, Position 2

Kevin Haistings - 45th District, Position 2

Ross Hunter - 48th District, Position 1

Charles Lapp - 48th District, Position 1

Deb Eddy - 48th District, Position 2

Ronald Fuller - 48th District, Position 2.

 

After each candidate presented a personal profile of why they are running for office, Patti asked a series of questions that each candidate answered in turn.  The questions asked by Patti and from the audience were:

  1. What would you cut to balance the budget?
  2. Would you increase taxes?
  3. How would you ensure stable and consistent funding for education?
  4. The 520 bridge, 6 lanes or 8 now (not 6 now and 2 later)?

 

Each candidate answered the questions from their perspective and the responses were lively and enlightening. 

 

During the funding education question, Ross Hunter explained that there is a website for funding basic education:  whatittakesforkids.com 

 

Thanks Patti for an informative and entertaining evening.  Now our job is to be sure and vote!

 

Jim Feek thanked Rachel Knight for greeting, Mike for scribing and Patti for the great program.  Jim then explained how the 'poles' have elected the Pope and adjourned the meeting at 7:40 P.M.

 

Submitted by,

 

Mike Hunter

Scribe