Convention Report

By Jo Morgan, Co-President, Bellingham/Whatcom County

Inspiring! Educational! Fun! Convention was full of surprises and wonderful enrichment. We all learned that one vote really does count when one measure passed by the exact number of votes it needed and another by only two. Delegates elected a new slate of officers and directors. The proposed slate, proposed by the nominating committee, was opposed by 4 people who were nominated from the floor, including presiding President, Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins. There was some mystery as to why she had not been selected to run for a second term that was never explained. A substantial majority gave Carolyn a second term. I was delighted to see many younger women, more men, and more diversity than I had expected. Still, more than 1/3 of the delegates were 60 and older. We need more, younger members! Delegates were very active in adding to the national program pushing for as many as 6 non-recommended items. The delegates from Washington State (Oregon, too) were very active (and successful) in promoting an update of the United Nations position along with the position on Trade. Global warming and Sustainability fell to more interest in a study of Federal Drug Policy. There was tough competition between an item on election systems and an item on presidential primaries.

We tried to get the rules changed so that we could hear arguments for both before voting but it was ruled out of order. Election systems won. Our state is one of three or four already studying this issue. There were many inspiring speakers but one of the best was Senator Paul Wellstone of Minnesota who spoke of his frustration in getting Congress to allocate money for early childhood education and services when it will save 20 times the amount when children are older and in trouble. He also spoke about the amount of time that each Senator must spend just raising funds–3 to 4 hours a day–"to keep up with the madness of the TV commercials held the last two weeks before an election". He told of how demeaning it is to have to ask for money and praised the League’s efforts in campaign finance reform. Ann Richards, former Governor of Texas, was the final speaker and with her incredible talent of telling stories about her life as Governor–she is SO funny–and clever delivery she made us all very aware of the need to take care of ourselves. Nursing her mother through 5 years of debilitating osteoporosis injuries and death has made her an advocate for weight bearing exercise; bone loss starts in your 30's! After days of cerebral "stuff", it was good to be reminded that we are human and have bodies that need to be cared for. I certainly came back energized! Please feel free to call or write me if you have questions. weavermorgan@aol.com

Convention: From the Veteran

By Alice Stolz, LWV Spokane Area

Convention 2000 was one of the most interesting of the many national conventions I have attended. League has been working for some time to evolve and to regenerate itself to continue to be the premier good government organization in the 21st century (Crossroads Project, The Future Plan). Changes were apparent at this convention. Change can be good or bad, but mostly it’s just different. As Yogi Berra said, "When you get to a fork in the road, take it!" This was the first virtual convention. With the proper equipment, you could have watched all the proceedings from home. The delegation was much more diverse — more young people, more people of color. Their votes undoubtedly had an impact on convention decisions. New people bring new perspectives. LWVUS D-NET on-line voter service is now a part of the commercial Grassroots.com, and several delegates expressed dismay at that change. The election of officers was different. The nominating committee had not asked Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins to return as president for a second term, as is customary. The nominating committee presented one slate as usual. An alternate slate was nominated from the floor, with Carolyn for president, two vice-presidents, and a nominating committee member. There was a candidate’s forum, and campaigning by both sides: campaign buttons — "Team Beverly" and "Believe", written handouts, and the undercurrents of verbal campaigning. Why she was not re-nominated was never really explained, but it appeared to be a difference in leadership style, a division on the board, and differences in philosophy about how the League should operate — the more traditional vs. some new and very different ways. Carolyn Jefferson-Jenkins won by a substantial majority. I was impressed by her ability to focus on managing the meeting well, with flair and competency, and with no indication of running for office.

Choosing program produced surprises. Several delegates said they wanted studies again, and the convention so voted. The recommended program was an update of the International Trade position. LWVWA and others successfully added "and the UN" position. Also voted in were a study of Election Systems (by the exact number of votes needed; our state is one of four already studying this), and a study of U.S. Drug Policy (proposed by 21 Leagues in program planning). Funding is to be determined. Also of interest is the vote to set the LWVUS PMP for students at half the regular PMP, which stays at $21 (won by two votes). There were more speakers than usual — about 12 — varied and all outstanding. We particularly enjoyed Ann Richards, ex-governor of Texas. Eli Lilly pays her expenses to speak to groups about osteoporosis and the importance of asking for bone density tests in your later years. Ms. Richards’ anecdotes covered everything from her years as governor, her family, simplifying life, to taking care of oneself — "When I found out I was going to live long enough to collect social security, I decided I’d better start taking care of my body, and I’ve never felt better in my life." Her light-handed and clever delivery in that Texas drawl was a nice change from all the speakers on heavy League issues. Having Pam’s (Behring) daughter, Mary, along was a delight. She gave us a fresh perspective on the goings-on. Our hotel was the Washington Hilton at DuPont Circle where President Reagan was shot. The night we arrived there was a military ball. VP Gore spoke at a dinner there one night. Events honoring Japanese-American War Heroes were held the day we left, as was something earlier that morning that required secret service all over. We found time for some sightseeing, and marvelous restaurants. On the way to convention, the stewardess asked us what convention we were going to. Upon hearing League of Women Voters she gave a thumbs up and said, "you go, girls." And we did! Alice

Collegiate View

By Mary McBride, Spokane Area

Attending the LWVUS National Convention in Washington, D.C. this last month enlightened and intrigued me. Although my mother has been a member of the League for my entire life, I was unaware of the historical origin of the organization. Listening to the story of Carrie Chapman Catt on the day in 1920 when women were finally given the right to vote gave me goose bumps. The image still fills my eyes with tears of pride and victory. I was proud and honored to sit at the banquet with women from every state, as well as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, to celebrate the eightieth anniversary of the League. The speakers that evening, and throughout the plenary sessions, left me in a state of euphoria.

I attended a couple of caucuses on topics that I find pressing today, and found hope for improvement. The information presented was well researched and I took comfort in knowing other people saw these issues as important. The convention impressed me not only on the issues discussed but also in the variety of the people in the group. I met a couple of fellow college students and observed a lot of young faces. This presence as well as greater racial representation and the presence of many men gives the League a new face for a new century. [Mary is the daughter of Pam Behring, former LWVSA President and current Board Member. Mary will be a junior at Gonzaga University and is headed to Florence, Italy, for the coming school year.]

Read up on Taxes

By Judy A Hedden, Chair, State Study on County Finances

 

The educational study on county finances is in its final stages of editing and will be available online (check www.lwvwa.org) in August to help you understand tax issues that may come up in the election. After a year of hard work and research, the study committee has gathered and developed a wide range of information and data on how our counties finance their responsibilities. There was an abundance of material available. One of our hardest tasks was cutting down the study to a more manageable length from the original 70+ pages. We will be developing some interesting, innovative, and cost-effective ways to distribute the study — offering League members several choices of format and length.

Representatives of the League of Women Voters of Washington and of the Institute for Washington’s Future collaborated well. Remember that this study does not require any consensus process. The study is being provided as an educational opportunity. We know that local Leagues will be asked to set aside several meetings for consensus for the other two state studies. While we hope that some local Leagues will plan meetings about county finances, there is no obligation to do so. Please let us know if you would like a committee member to be available to help with any discussions that you do plan.

Election Season 2000 Starts!

By Judy A Hedden, Voter Service Chair

August brings not only hot weather but also the heat of the campaigns for elected office and for ballot measures. The LWVWA Voter Service Committee has plans to provide many services to local Leagues and to the voters of Washington. A major part of our efforts is online voter service with two Web sites: Washington Voter and Democracy Network. We will use every opportunity to promote these excellent resources. We will use these sites to help explain how the primary election will work — as soon as it is known! We will begin to send information about the races and about the ballot measures to local Leagues in the beginning of August. Resources will include lists of candidates, contact information, and a new edition of How to Pick a Candidate. Publicity is a major effort of the committee this year with an emphasis on reminders to register to vote and on a get out the vote campaign. Part of that effort is our cooperation with the AT&T Outdoor Cinema during four weekends in August to register voters and ask people to pledge to vote. Our partnership with KING 5 Television will continue to develop as the season progresses. Watch for more information and opportunities to be in studio audiences.

We will use the LWVWA Web Page Section on Voter Service for League members more and more. All handouts used for LWVWA Voter Service have been posted: the March 18, 2000 Retreat handout; the April 19, 2000, Washington State Elections Conference pamphlet; and the June 23-24,2000, State Council workshop on Marketing Strategies for Voter Service. We would like to act as a clearinghouse for candidate forums across the state. Please let me know about any forums that you schedule. The essential simplified or easy-to-read versions of the initiatives will once again be available for distribution. There will be several initiatives on the ballot and this publication will help many voters understand their options. Start planning now!

Primary Election — September 19, 2000

General Election — November 7, 2000

Wanted:

Local Administrators for Democracy Network/Washington (DNet/WA)

The following excerpt is from an article in the June 6, 2000 edition of THE SUN Bremerton newspaper. Web site aims to link voters, candidates by reporter Steve Corda For everyone who ever felt their vote didn’t count, thought the democratic process was being hijacked by the highest bidder, or wished they could just ask the candidates exactly what it is they believe in, there’s the Democracy Network. An army of League of Women Voters volunteers provide the elbow grease, collecting candidate information state by state and posting it on the site. Local administrators are volunteers such as (Alice) Millis, a retired high school teacher living in Kingston, who oversee and help maintain their state’s contributions to the site. The Democracy Network does not post election results, but provides links to sites that do, as well as newspaper and other applicable sites. There is no charge to voters or candidates.

You are invited John B. Anderson, Independent candidate for President in 1980 will kick off our new study of Election Methods at a forum jointly sponsored by the Seattle and State Leagues on September 7th. Prior to his run for President, he served as a member of Congress representing the State of Illinois for 10 consecutive terms. Ten of those years he was part of the Republican leadership. Mr. Anderson is currently President of the Center for Voting and Democracy, a non-partisan clearinghouse that provides information about alternative election methods. (www.fairvote.org) The meeting will be held at The First Baptist Church, corner of Harvard & Seneca, 7:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m. Discussion Leaders briefing beginning at 6:30. Organize a car pool. The public is welcome.

		A Delicate Balance: Trees and Schools Fall fundraising luncheon, Thursday, November 9, 2000, Cavanaugh’s on Fifth Avenue, Seattle. Watch for details in the mail!
Children, Families and Government League of Women Voters of the San Juans has compiled a report for San Juan County on the above subject. Leagues interested in learning more, please contact: Marjorie Stanley, stanley@rockisland.com					Children at Risk LVW of Clallam County has become part of the Prevention Works! Community Coalition, co-sponsoring a community forum on the benefit of early intervention. Almost 600 people attended the all day Saturday event in Port Angeles!

An Educational Gold Nugget:

Dollars for Scholars in Washington State

Washington State Senator Ken Jacobsen, Chair, Washington Dollars for Scholars Governing Board of Directors has provided information to LWVWA about the program called "Dollars for Scholars". This program seeks to help community’s high school seniors achieve their academic potential in higher education by collecting donations throughout the community to build an endowment, which then is used to issue scholarships to help defray college costs. Many universities throughout the country

say they will match Dollars for Scholars contributions up to $1,000 per grant — or more.  Since 1987, Dollars for Scholars chapters raised more than $1 million and assisted 780 individual students. This organization is encouraging local groups to consider forming a chapter in their community. For more information, contact Dollars for Scholars Executive Director Rick Millerick at 1-800-335-4512 or email: wascholars@aol.com.

Keeping Voters Service and Program/Action Separate

By Judy Hedden, LWVWA Voter Service Chair

"Voters service is the term League uses for its nonpartisan voter education activities. Voter registration, candidate interviews and forums, ballot measure debates, Pro & Con publications, voters guides, get out the vote campaigns, and other information services that contribute to a well-informed electorate: these are the kinds of activities that make up voters service. Program/Action comprise those League activities that involve the development of program positions and advocacy on their behalf. During the election season, Leagues are usually active in both voters service and action on program positions. To protect the League’s nonpartisan status and its reputation, we are careful to keep the two areas separate and distinct.

Keeping voters service and program/action separate is a delicate balancing act. Voter service workers should be thoroughly prepared to answer questions from voters who have trouble understanding how the League can be nonpartisan while working heart and soul to pass a measure on the ballot. Part of board training should be a careful airing of these issues and discussion of the strategies for handling challenges to our nonpartisan claims." From Voters Service Handbook, LWV California Education Fund

INITIATIVES, REFERENDUMS, COALITIONS: HOW DOES

LWVWA MAKE DECISIONS ON THESE ISSUES?

By Liz Pierini, President

We ran out of time at this year’s LWVWA Counsel in Ellensburg before I was able to talk about the State Board’s process for decision making for supporting/opposing/no position on initiatives/referendums, and joining coalitions. I am instead writing for the LWVWA Summer VOTER. Please take the time to read my reflections about our current process for these kinds of decisions. In deciding whether or not to take action on ballot issues, we strive for a reasoned and broad-based outcome. League’s positions and interests are broad, and in fairness to our members, so must be our considerations. Unless a member or a campaign requests League’s participation, we do not place an initiative/referendum on the State Board agenda. Since the 1997 local League presidents’ retreat, when the presidents requested to be consulted before the State Board took a stand on a statewide ballot issue, the State Board has been surveying local Leagues. The results of LL surveys have almost always reflected the Board’s own opinions. This is not surprising, since each State Board member is also a member in her own local League. At the same time we ask for local League opinions on ballot issues, one or all three of the State’s umbrella committees — government, social policy and natural resource -- meet to discuss the issues requested for action. Into this arena we invite guests, pro and con, to give their views and to talk over our questions. However, there are not always opposing sides organized to present arguments to the umbrella committees. When the umbrella committee has reached a conclusion, it may, by consensus agreement, send an advisory recommendation to the Board. Current LWVWA Policies and Procedures state that "decisions will be made by consensus with all members in attendance participating." Packets are mailed at least a week before a State Board meeting to all Board and Off-Board members and include "Agenda Request & Participation — Action Issues Requiring a Board Decision" forms plus additional materials about agenda issues. Next step is the State Board Action Agenda at a Board meeting. The appropriate Portfolio Chair moves the proposal; debate and the vote follow. The Board can vote to support by lending name only; support by lending name, providing volunteers and joining a campaign coalition; or oppose.

When does the Board take a "no position" vote? When there is no position or general principle written on the issue in either state or national position papers, or the issue is not a priority. More difficult is when the cause is just, but the implementation plan is flawed, or in conflict with other positions. For example, the Board was conflicted about the K-12 2000 Student Achievement Act Initiative 728. Responses from LL’s revealed similar uneasiness. We took no position. We wanted to support public education but also were concerned about the overall ability of the State’s operating budget and general fund to provide the resources for new education costs and at the same time fund vital social services and other government necessities. Please note that a Board decision is not dependent upon either surveys from LL’s or a recommendation from an umbrella committee. Sometimes a statewide campaign will approach a local League before contacting the LWVWA. Please refer them to the LWVWA office and/or let the office know if you have any questions about a call from a campaign. A request for joining a coalition of a more permanent nature like the Children’s Alliance or Washington Environmental Council usually does not need discussion by an umbrella committee, but is acted upon by the Board after full discussion. The 2000 Council delegates requested immediate posting of Board action online to Topics, local League leaders, and Board and Off-Board lists. This request has now become part of the decision-making process. The above is a description of our current process for initiatives/referendums and coalition decision making. I hope it gives clarification, and if you have questions, please call or email Claudia or me here at the State office. We’ll be happy to hear from you. (Alice Stolz contributed to this article.)

ABOUT LWVWA TOPICS To join lwvwatopics, just send a message to: majordomo@lists.speakeasy.org Do not use a subject. In the body, type: Subscribe lwvwatopics your email address. You will soon receive a confirmation message containing valuable information. To send a message to the other people on the list, address it to: lwvwatopics@lists.speakeasy.org write your message, and send. When replying to a message reply to the list rather than the individual, so that all others can read your reply-hence, we have a discussion underway! Consider "cleaning up" messages you forward by removing all the extra addresses. Please do reference your message’s origination. To unsubscribe, send a message to: majordomo@lists.speakeasy.org Do not use a subject. In the body, type: Unsubscribe lwvwatopics your email address.

ABOUT the LWVWA WEB PAGES http://www.lwvwa.org (about League studies, publications, advocacy, voter service, local league contacts and more) http://www.washingtonvoter.org (about voting, candidates and ballot issues-local, state, and national) http://www.dnet.org/wa (Compare candidates stands on issues in the Democracy Network 'Issues Grid') The State We're In: Washington is now online on our web page. The URL is http://www.lwvwa.org/state or, just go to the web page at http://www.lwvwa.org and click on the link to The State We're In:Washington   To comment, contact Steve Johnson, sj@ponderroses.com

NEW AND FAIRLY NEW BOOKS MEMBERS MAY LIKE TO PERUSE: THE TIPPING POINT by Malcolm Gladwell — The hidden mechanism behind widespread social change BOWLING ALONE by Robert Putnam — The growing disenfranchisement of individuals in this society - (recommended by Joyce Dennison) AMERICAN SCRIPTURE by Pauline Maier — a unique perspective on the framing of the Constitution THE LEXUS AND THE OLIVE TREE, 2nd Edition by Thomas Friedman — 25% new material, now in paperback, a depiction of globalization

Office Rent, Moving and Thanks…

Our search for a new home has been a roller coaster ride — from discouraging to heady. We have been overwhelmed with the generous response and helpful suggestions from League members and friends. That alone has kept us moving forward. Some of our particular needs, convenient bus access, parking, accessibility, over 700 sq/ft and cost, have made a few decisions for us. We also must consider Board and committee members, visitors and guests, who fly in from around the state and country. And yes, we have looked, and are looking, outside the downtown Seattle area! At the time of this printing, we are seriously talking about a location on First Hill in Seattle. It offers bus access, parking, and is over 700 sq/ft. Can we pull it together? We’re going to try. Many thanks for all the wonderful words of encouragement and the generous contributions! It has meant the world to us. We’ll keep you posted. Claudia Downing, Administrative Director

The following list is that of our generous donors to help cover the cost of the increase in rent and the expected cost of a move. We are very grateful.

Ann Aagaard Henrietta Alsdorf Nancy Bagley V. Nadine Baker Helen Baker St. John Emilia Belserene Joyce Bergtholdt Margaret Bernard Virginia Bigelow Opal Blood Adele Borciolinio Gwen Bradley Dottie Brookes Ford, M.S. Katharine Brown Pearson Adele Burnett Cecille Burroughs Lee Carpenter Joseph Cebert Baillargeon Janet Chalupnik Natalie Clark Patricia Clark Eugene Coan Geoff Cole J. Elizabeth Davis Aubrey & Henrietta Davis Irene Davis Nancy Debaste Evelyn Dekker Elizabeth Detels Joyce Dietrich Marilyn Erickson Ernest Falk Walton Fangman Mary Fiddler Julia P. Fields Bobbie Fletcher Roberta Flickinger Rosemary Flora

June Helen Foote Kathleen Francis Jerri Fredin Paula Garland May Gerstle Beverly Gibson Letty Ann Ginn Roberta Goodnow Maryann Grant Marjorie Grubbs Barbara Guptill Eileen Hambly Verda Hansberry Ray Hansen Meade Hargiss, Jr. Naila Harper Susan Hockley Dorothy Hopper Patty Houff Claire Hull Jean Hurlburt Catherine Iles N. May Jankowski Penelope Jennings Eckert Antionette Johnson Delores Jones Mary-Louise Jones Sybil Jones Evonne Jordan Carla Kaatz Lucille Kane Diane Kerlin Jack Klippensteen Kara Kondo Susan Kreid Maxine Krull Jean Kyle Mary Walker Laidlaw Ethel Leach

Kathlyn Lew Dave & Dorothy Lilly Shirley Lutz LWV/Skagit County Jocelyn Marchisio Margarita Marderosian Dorris Martin Dan Mather Ruth McCloksey Charlene McKenzie Adelaide McMenamin Edna McNeil Carol Meisels Alice Miles Linda Milsow Mae Mitchell Jo Bennett Mitchell Betty Morrow Susan Neaton Beth Nelson Connie Niva Myrna Ober Helen Osborne Marian Osterby Jean Paulin Marilyn Perkins Alice Peterson Dorothy Plath Nancy Poultney Mary Powers Puget Sound Council of Senior Citizens Helen Pulsifer Lola Reams John Roberts Maurine Ryan Peggy Saari Patricia Sandbo Susan Sanders

Lisa Schuchman Carol Selander Luana Sever Frances Sherbrooke Elizabeth Sholund Alice & Art Siegal Christi Smith Helen Sommers Shirley Sonnichsen Jane Stokes Alice Stolz Eileen Sussex Joan Thomas Mary Jane Thompson Marjorie Thorne Doris Troxel Barbara Urschell Doris Wages Beverly Walsh Frieda Walworth Linda Ward Virginia Wedgwood Bernice Wheatley Peter Wheeler Osgood & Barbara Whittemore E. Ann Widditsch Alyce Wiggins LaRue Williams Arthur Wolcott Dorothy Woodruff Mrs. Myron Wright Jane M. Young Richard Zarnowitz Mary Ziegler

ELIMINATING PERSISTENT POLLUTANTS IN OUR STATE

NEWS FROM THE NATURAL RESOURCES UMBRELLA COMMITTEE

Cascades Conservation Partnership. Following a recommendation from the Forest StudyCommittee, and a presentation by Jon Owens from CCP, recommended to the Board that League endorse the goals and objectives of the Cascades Conservation Partnership. (See article in this VOTER) LWVWA Board approved this motion. Washington Toxics Coalition (WTC). Recommended to the Board that League join WTC. LWVWA Board approved this motion.

Global Climate Change. New portfolio and co-chairs. (See article in this VOTER) Shorelines Management Act (SMA). At the July 11 Department of Ecology public hearing in Seattle, Ann Aagaard testified for LWVWA concerning the proposed SMA revised guidelines. Columbia River Gorge Scenic Area Plan. Sent a letter jointly with the League of Women Voters of Oregon in opposition to a proposal to weaken air quality standards in the Gorge.

CASCADES CONSERVATION PARTNERSHIP

This spring Cascades Conservation Partnership (CCP) formed to begin a three year effort to raise money for the purpose of purchasing more than 75,000 acres of privately owned forests in the central Cascades between Mount Rainier National Park and Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area. This area contains remaining old growth forests and prime wildlife habitat. The goal is to raise $25 million in order to leverage at least $100 million from the federal Land and Water Conservation Fund. The land between the Park and the Wilderness Area has been described as akin to an hourglass with development going east from Seattle and west from Cle Elum forcing wildlife into ever narrower corridors and,

without the proposed protection, eventually isolated and unable to maintain sustainable populations. The proposed acquisition lands include more than 22,000 acres of roadless forest, more than 15,000 acres of the last remaining old growth forest left in private hands, 26 miles of river including Chinook salmon habitat, 15 lakes, and more than 45 miles of hiking trails. For more information about the Partnership, contact them at The Cascades Conservation Partnership, 1421 Cornwall Avenue, #201, Bellingham, WA 98225, or check their Website at www.cascadespartners.org.

GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE: NEW LWVWA PORTFOLIO

Global climate change may be the umbrella to which most League natural resources positions relate. The national League issued a position paper in September 1988 entitled "Global Warming Questions and Answers." The following is the answer to the question on the League's position: "The League of Women Voters believes that global warming is a serious problem that requires immediate action. It supports the goals of both the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol. In order to avert the potentially serious consequences of a warmer climate, the League supports Senate ratification of the Kyoto Protocol. Before the protocol is brought before the Senate, however, the world's leaders must fairly and equitably negotiate the committed participation of developing nations. The U.S. government should move ahead immediately - without waiting for Senate ratification of the Kyoto agreement - on initiatives to reduce domestic emissions of heat-trapping gases, as such actions will not only reduce the threat of global warming, but also combat local air pollution, increase energy security and create new jobs nationwide."

Now the state League has established a new off-board portfolio on global climate change. The new co-chairs are Donna Ewing and Sue Minahan, members of the Thurston County League and the authors of the article about global warming in the Spring VOTER. Sue and Donna are both retired U.S.Army nurses. They coordinated a series of programs about global warming for the Thurston County League three years ago. Donna was a part time supervisory nurse in a local hospital for several years and she has worked with the county's Master Gardener and Master Composter programs. Sue was on the faculty of Pacific Lutheran University School of Nursing for three years. They have both participated in volunteer activities at the Nisqually Reach Nature Center. Anyone who would like to participate in the on-going work of this very important portfolio subject can reach Donna and Sue at SueDonOly@aol.com or by telephone at 360.456.4635.

1000 Friends’ Announces Citizen Awards Legacy Award: Lucy Steers For over a decade, Lucy Steers has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to issues related to managing growth and building more livable communities in Washington. As a member of the Growth Strategies Commission, Lucy helped craft our state’s landmark planning laws. She is a founding board member of 1000 Friends of Washington and served as President during the critical early years of the organization. Lucy was a leader in the "No on 48" campaign in 1995, working tirelessly to defeat the property rights initiative. She has always made it a priority to build bridges to the business and development community and continues to be in a unique position to broker sensible solutions to difficult growth issues.

Island Sisters

by Nancy and Dana Quitslund

In April many of you saw the video "Island Sisters" by Melissa Young and Mark Dworkin on PBS. The show effectively brings to life for the viewer the fourteen-year relationship between the islands of Bainbridge in Washington State and Ometepe in Lake Nicaragua. The relationship began in 1986 when dozens of Bainbridge Islanders funded Kim Esterberg's trip to Nicaragua in search of a sister island. Kim envisioned a long-term relationship, based on mutual respect and trust, which would grow and deepen over time through many different types of exchanges. One short-term goal was that the peoples of our two islands would learn about each other directly, bypassing the propaganda of both governments during the Contra war. The long-term relationship would provide an opportunity for us, our children and our grandchildren develop lifetime friendships across language, cultural, and economic lines. In 1988, after three more visits by Bainbridge Islanders to Ometepe, the Bainbridge Ometepe Sister Islands Association (BOSIA) was incorporated "to encourage mutual understanding, education, friendship, cultural and peaceful exchanges between the people of Bainbridge Island and Ometepe Island, and between the peoples of the United States and Nicaragua." Our written philosophy expanded to include "We help with projects which are initiated by groups on Ometepe and which are important to the community rather than to individuals or one family. We are non-partisan and non-sectarian. Working together we learn about each other and derive mutual benefit. Keeping this process in place helps prevent us from seeing ourselves as "do-gooders" and helps our partners on Ometepe to not see us as "patrones." Within that framework, the relationship expanded to include a myriad of exchanges. A Catholic priest, several artists, a member of the coffee-growing cooperative, an Assembly member from the English -speaking portion of Atlantic coast, the founder a project working with street children, and cultural speakers have visited Bainbridge. In 1992 a delegation of high school students and young adults lived with families here while planting "Peace Trees" in Tacoma through EarthStewards. Since then four English teachers from Ometepe have stayed with families on Bainbridge in order to practice English and understand our culture. As our friends on Ometepe showed us their projects and shared their visions, the number and variety of our delegations to Ometepe expanded. In 1990 a Bainbridge delegation was on Ometepe at the time of the pivotal election, and seventeen members acted as observers. This election removed the revolutionary Sandinista government, and set the stage for changes that continue today. It also brought an end to the Contra war. Because the outcome of a national election affects such local positions as mayors and school directors, its impact is felt by every Nicaraguan. Its non-political nature has allowed the sister island relationship to grow despite dramatic changes in the political life of Ometepe, and three different national governments in each country. Early in the sister island relationship, people from Bainbridge were befriended by the members of a coffee-growing cooperative on the slopes of the Maderas volcano. In 1991 a medical delegation returned with suitcases loaded with green coffee beans, which were roasted by Pegasus Coffee on Bainbridge. The coffee caught on, as did the idea of providing a market for the cooperative and helping its members keep the land that had been theirs since the revolution. With dozens of small loans from Puget Sound citizens, BOSIA bought an entire year's crop, and we now receive an annual container of beans. This year's shipment was 14,500 pounds. Coffee is roasted once a week by Pegasus and bagged by volunteers to meet the week's orders. Coffee can be ordered via the Association's web site (www.bosia.org), but most of the sales are through local groceries and restaurants. The coffee is organically grown, but also "shade grown"--under the forest canopy that provides a home for myriad birds and other animals. This program is not only self-sustaining, but generates profits which have funded materials for potable water systems for several communities on Ometepe, and for school construction.

Members of the Bainbridge Fire Department and medical community became interested in Ometepe early in the sister island relationship, and staffed several medical delegations to help fill gaps in the well-qualified, but understaffed, clinics on Ometepe. Traveling from village to village on the south end of the island, they encountered a variety of medical problems, but the most prevalent symptoms were caused by a lack of potable water. These communities relied on water carried from the contaminated lake. Villagers were eager to have safe and convenient water. Fortunately, the Maderas volcano that comprises the southern half of Ometepe is inactive, and holds water in its caldera. Springs from this source show up at intervals around the mountain. With thousands of hours of volunteer labor from the affected communities, and materials and engineering assistance provided by BOSIA, seven simple, gravity-fed water systems now serve communities around Maderas. Every year students from Bainbridge High School spend their spring break on Ometepe and work with community members on a project that the community has selected. The kids cover their expenses, sometimes with scholarship help, and contribute part of the cost of the projects. For ten days they live a very simple lifestyle in tiny homes, usually with dirt floors, outhouses, and occasionally the family pig under their cot. They return home feeling that they have experienced a richness of family and community that their material comfort can't replace. They also are acutely aware of the uneven distribution of resources in the world. In 1990, students on Ometepe shared their desire to go to college in Nicaragua with our first student delegates. As a result the Spanish Club at Bainbridge High School decided to raise funds so that one student from the town of Altagracia could study in Managua. At that time there was no tuition, so students who could stay with family or friends in the city could study for $30 or $40 a month. The program has expanded so that there are currently 21 stipends of $60 per month for Ometepinos which committees from the high schools on Ometepe administer and monitor. So far twelve students have graduated with the help of families, three churches, and the Spanish Club here. In 1993 student delegate Tom Neil showed slides of Ometepe, Nicaragua to his mother, Alice Mendoza's, class. Later Kim Esterberg brought the children of Ometepe to life with his slides. The children in Alice's class drew a picture of a full-sized ambulance, one of three donated to Ometepe, and challenged the children of Wilkes school to fill it with school supplies. They did. But that was just the beginning of the story. The kids had a project that taught business and social studies. They were to do research, create a calendar, borrow money to have the calendar printed, and then sell it to raise money for their field trips connected with their Pacific Rim and port study. One of the children in the class raised his hand and said "This isn't fair". Alice asked what wasn't fair. The child said that it wasn't right to be raising money for field trips when children on our sister island were having classes outside because there weren't even enough classrooms. The kids in the class discussed the situation and decided that they wanted to help build a classroom. They unanimously decided that they wanted to send ALL the money they raised to the elementary school in Los Ramos to build the preschool (our equivalent of kindergarten) classroom. Every year since, Kim has shown slides introducing people on Ometepe, talking about their lives and their spirit. Alice has led the kids in discussions, asking them what they saw in the slides, in the faces of the people, how it made them (her students) feel. The children are amazingly astute in their observations and compassionate and respectful in their responses. Every year for the last seven years the kids have unanimously decided to continue the calendar project. For the last two years they have raised the price by $3 per calendar to fund first Hurricane Mitch relief, then Earthquake assistance in Turkey. They have paid for the construction of four classrooms, one small library complete with desks, bookcases, and quite a few books, a carpentry shop for the former street children in the Si a la Vida project, and several sleeping rooms for the same kids. The relationship between the islands of Ometepe, Nicaragua and Bainbridge, Washington provides a model for a sustainable relationship based on mutual respect and understanding. People on Whidbey Island are currently working to develop a similar relationship with the people of the Dominican Republic. The video "Island Sisters" is available through www.bullforgfilms.com

Report on Visit with Guests from Africa

By Betsy Greene

On July 11th, League members from Snohomish, Seattle, Lake Washington East and King County South met with Mr. Mario Ussene, a businessman from the Republic of Mozambique, Mr. Eduardo Kuangana, President of the Social Renovation Party (PRS), a political party in the Republic of Angola and Mr. Joaquim Mande, Inspector General, Angolan National Government. They are participants in a US State Department project on "anti corruption: ethics, accountability and transparency in government". Washington State and the League were included on their itinerary because of our reputation for citizen activism. We talked about their countries, campaigning in Angola without TV, many radios or newspapers and with part of the country physically and politically inaccessible. In Mozambique much is done by radio because most people have one. League's Global Ethics project was described as well as League's insistence that all candidates be invited when it sponsors a candidate’s forum. Mr. Ussene said they are fortunate in being able to use what others have learned, not having to reinvent the wheel. Women in both countries have political equality but most do not have the time to be active in politics. Mr. Kuangana asked the League to help stamp out the arms trade.

According to the 1999 World Almanac both countries became independent in 1975 after years of war against Portuguese colonial domination. In Angola fighting began immediately among the National Front, the Soviet backed Popular Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) which gained control of most of the country and the US aided United Union for the Total Independence of Angola (UNITA). A peace accord was signed between the MPLA and UNITA in 1991, elections were held in 1992 but UNITA rejected the results and fighting recurred. In 1994 another treaty was signed but the UN Security Council voted sanctions against UNITA in 1997 because of its non-cooperation. The PRS won some parliamentary seats in the election and consequently was given some ministerial and local leadership positions. The present population is about 10 _ million people. Frelimo (the Front for the Liberation of Mozambique) established a government that provided for the gradual transition to a communist system. A severe drought and civil war in the 1980s resulted in famine. In 1989 a new constitution provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. Hostilities ended in 1992 with a peace agreement between the government and the Mozambique National resistance. Elections took place in 1994. Its population is 10 to 11 million. Recently the country experienced a terrible flood.

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On June 27, 2000 the Seattle Community Public Health & Safety Network held a reception for Dorothy Jane Youtz, longtime League member and community leader. The reception was held in the Mayor’s Conference Room at the Seattle Municipal Building. Mayor Paul Schell declared June 27, 2000 to be "Dorothy Youtz Day", and at least 30 organizations were present to pay tribute and to toast Dorothy Jane including Washington State Church Women United, Group Health of Puget Sound Senior Caucus, Friends of the El Rey, Puget Sound Health Systems Agency, and the Washington Library Association Friends and Trustees. Liz Pierini spoke on behalf of the LWVWA.

Tribute to Dorothy Jane Youtz from the LWVWA The League of Women Voters is honored and pleased to be included in this celebration of Dorothy Jane Youtz’s 15 years of accomplishments while a resident of the state of Washington. I first met Dorothy Jane when she arranged for a meeting at the state League of Women Voters office about three years ago. She had invited several other League members to this meeting, and we sat down to begin to talk about writing statewide ballot issues in simplified language for all readers to understand. The difficult but always intriguing task of turning the ballot language of initiatives and referendums into easily understandable concepts fits exactly with League’s goals of encouraging voters to be informed before they vote, and so we began working on the project as a state League effort. The Seattle League had produced simplified ballot materials in earlier years when Dorothy Jane was the Seattle League’s literacy coordinator. In those years the simplified ballot materials were distributed to the Seattle public library and its branches. With the expansion of the project, distribution of the simplified ballot language became statewide. The State League Education Fund contributes to the publishing and now is able to send the simplified ballot language materials to all areas of the state through the state library system, all local League organizations, community colleges, churches, senior centers and other groups who request copies. This year the Washington State Literacy Office is assisting with preparation and distribution. Dorothy Jane, we wish you could stay with us here in Washington, but in your absence we will try to do the kind of project that would meet with your approval. And over the years we have known you, all the while you were helping League members to prepare simplified language for ballot issues, you were working on other projects also important for making an improved and more civil society. You would mention them at our meetings once in awhile, like your concern for the well-being of the prisoners you had visited at the Monroe Penitentiary, but I didn’t learn until later that you went to the state legislature and made sure a bill was passed protecting prisoners against abuse from prison guards. I received a form in the mail one day from the Girl Scouts, asking if I would recommend you to be a Girl Scout leader. I didn’t learn until later that you had organized a Girl Scout troop at the Purdy Prison for Women for incarcerated women and their daughters. I even saw a news story about the Purdy Girl Scouts on TV, just a few days ago. You are always interested in better health care, and I am sorry we have not made much improvement in this area for you to celebrate before you have to move away, but we will keep working for better health care, and will always be inspired by you. A special benefit about belonging to the League of Women Voters is that members like me have the chance to meet wonderful people like Dorothy Jane Youtz. Dorothy, your wonderful big heart, your concern for everyone, no matter where they land in this society, your good humor and sense of fun, your gentle yet persuasive manner that wins us over because you care so much for us all — these memories of you we will keep with us always, and I am sure, will help to make us better people because we have known you. Best wishes to you! Please go with our love and our prayers. Elizabeth Pierini, President June 27, 2000

IN CELEBRATION OF THE INDUCTION OF EMMA SMITH DEVOE,

WASHINGTON SUFFRAGIST, NATIONAL WOMENS HALL OF FAME

OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM SOCIAL

DEVOE MANSION - EMMA’S HISTORIC HOME

208 EAST 133^RD STREET, TACOMA, WASHINGTON

www.devoemansion.org

AUGUST 26, 2000 - 1-3 PM

Music — Exhibits — Souvenir Timeline — Hats & Long Dresses Welcome

TICKETS LIMITED? $10? CALL NOW - CONTACT DOROTHY MARSH

1-360-459-4460 jdmarshis@home.com

OR USE COUPON BELOW

Sponsored By The Devoe Mansion And The Leagues Of Thurston And Pierce Counties

------------------------------------------------------clip- ---------------------------------------------------------------------

Yes I/We want to come to Emma’s Ice Cream Social

Send by August 17, 2000 to: Dorothy Marsh, 6402-63rd Avenue NE; Olympia, WA 98516, Phone: 360-459-4460

Debt Drives America’s Prosperity

By Reed Hansen

A Talk Given To League of Women Voters In Olympia, WA

May 17, 2000

Good evening Ladies & Gentlemen ---It is always a pleasure to come to Olympia and an even greater pleasure to talk with the LWVs anywhere. Mary Lux asked me to explain in layperson’s terms the significance of the foreign trade gap. What happens when we import more than we export? Is it important or is it not important? What does it really mean to the rest of us? Is it related to the Asian crisis? I will try to show how this trade gap--this external borrowing combined with internal or domestic borrowing is the engine driving our prosperity. In short, our prosperity rests on soaring domestic and foreign debt. Unfortunately, this is a subject requiring hours of discussion and controversy but as an old minister once told me---"Always remember when giving a talk that no souls are saved after 20 minutes." First --let me present some basics --economists do not have answers. They do have questions. They talk about variables and the relationship among these variables. To complicate matters these variables are always changing much like the weather patterns or the tidal currents. Then there are the variables we have yet to learn about. The best answer to an economics forecast is simply " It depends" -- followed by a discussion of what it all depends on. So, whether the large foreign trade is good or bad depends on many moving variables. One basic tenant to remember is that when you buy products from a foreign source, dollars do not leave this country. Dollars are always in American banks, unless hoarded in a suitcase. More than 80% of our money is bank deposits moving electronically, less than 20% is cash & coins. When you pay a foreign company in dollars they can only deposit it in an American bank. When you buy products from a foreign source those U.S. dollars make it possible for that country to buy our manufactured goods--(airplanes, computers, autos )--and natural resources --(logs, hogs, and grain.) Without dollars, they cannot buy anything. When you bought that Toyota for $18,000 you wrote out a check on your bank account, and the Toyota company now has a claim on US dollars which they deposit in the US bank. If they want to take the money home they must first sell their dollar holdings to someone who wants dollars and has Yen to give in return. Dollars have a price called foreign rates of exchange. How this money moves is another of the variables to be considered. For example: You bought a Toyota. You paid for it with a check on your bank in Dollars. Then.... Toyota now has dollar deposits in a US bank Toyota now sells dollar deposits to ABC with a check on a US Bank--in exchange for ABC’s deposits of Yen in Japanese Bank ABC now has $ deposits in US Bank and Toyota has Yen deposits in Japanese Bank. The U.S. deposits changed ownership So what else can foreigners do with their dollar deposits? They can sell them for other currencies as stated above. Possibly hoard them in a bank--i.e. do nothing Buy corporate stocks and bonds on U.S. exchanges Buy U.S. government securities Buy American business factories and land Buy products or raw materials --computers, airplanes, guns, food, etc. Actually, our foreign trade is always in balance---by definition (We balance it with Debt). We buy goods from abroad and we give these foreign countries checks in dollars that are claims upon our resources. We get Japanese cars, they get dollar deposits which they convert into computers, guns, securities, or a share of American industry. Again, it depends on what they do with their dollars. For example, the Saudis have exchanged their oil holdings for a significant share in the ownership of American business. When we sell goods to Foreigners they pay us with: Dollar Deposits in U.S. banks held by foreigners Mortgages--notes--all forms of debt Computers, planes, lumber, food Gifts/ AID/ Forgive the loan (taxpayers reimburse banks when guaranteed loans default) So what is the problem? Is there a problem? The USA has a long history of buying more than it sells and providing foreign sources with dollar deposits. The following table identifies the growing problem, and one must ask how many dollars do foreigners wish to hold and what are they doing with their present holdings of dollars. Billion $ 1960?+ 3.5 (+ means our exports exceed imports) 1970?+ 2.0 We are selling more than we buy 1980?- 19.4 1985?-122.1 (- means our imports exceed exports) 1998?-220.0 We are buying more than we sell 1999?-338.0 One study claims that 50% of trade represents inter- corporate transfers. This means American Corporations are sending raw materials abroad to be processed and then shipped back for retail. Where there is a public cost to the growing deficit, some of this cost serves as a subsidy to business. For instance Ford sends steel and pressed forms to Canada where a car is assembled and then shipped back to the States for sale. Obviously, the trade deficit is real as we are buying more than we sell. Foreigners are acquiring an enormous supply of dollar deposits and their purchases are helping to fuel our prosperity. Critics of the soaring trade deficit argue it will eventually threaten our prosperity. Why? Foreigners are acquiring dollars at an alarming rate. Critics predict foreigners will have to sell off the dollars eventually, thus the value of dollars will fall, and cost of imports will rise. With cheaper dollars exports will become cheaper to foreigners - exports increase -and at full employment, our goods are in short supply and USA prices increase. This inflation pressure means the FRS will likely raise interest rates & the economy slows down. Critics claim the higher interest rates will produce a drop in the stock market and much wealth will disappear causing consumption and investment to decline even further. Another concern is that Europe Asia, Africa, etc are all investing heavily in production for export. This is done with the support of the IMF and the World Bank and the major world corporations seeking cheap labor. The export business is said to be close to saturating the market at which time supply exceeds demand, inventories soar, and factories shut down. To quote President Calvin Coolidge "When a large number of workers can’t find work, unemployment results". So will the American dollar collapse? -- Again it depends:

It depends on how high the Fed raises the interest rate, and on how much the higher interest rates curtail consumer’s consumption, or impact business investment. A high interest rate could collapse the stock market and rising unemployment and falling consumer demand could create a significant depression. A falling demand would mean our imports could decline as well as our exports. What usually happens is we export our depression. An old saying amongst economists is that when the United States catches cold, the other countries get pneumonia. There is also the other possibility that the interest rate increases are too small and too slow resulting in the higher interest cost being shifted forward in even higher prices and feeding the inflation. Furthermore, If the politicians enact tax cuts at a time of full employment and rising prices, consumer’s disposable income can rise and consumers buy more domestic goods adding to the problem of inflation, or they buy more foreign goods adding to the trade gap. At which time the Federal Reserve System raises interest rates again. There are members of Congress advocating tax and expenditure policies which serve to redistribute income upward, such as a tax cut for the rich, thus widening the gap between the rich and the poor. Redistribution upward means lowering disposable income for the general consumers and slows down a consumer driven economy. A declining economy might impact the stock market adversely. Today, a falling stock market could create some dramatic results. Again, " it all depends"----However, it is unlikely prosperity will be threaten by a collapsing dollar providing we apply a sound monetary and fiscal policy. Nevertheless, there are critics who believe otherwise. These critics refer to the striking similarities between the factors driving the U.S. prosperity and those driving the major depression of the late 1920s and 1930s. The London Economist for February 5th, 2000--page 14 summarizes such a position: "The parallels between America in the 1920s and the 1990s --rapid technological innovation, booming investments, dizzy asset prices--are uncomfortably clear. And it is not hard to find the imbalances that might trigger the shift from boom to bust. Personal savings is low and falling as consumers spend their stock market gains. Debt levels, both corporate and personal are rising fast; they seem tolerable only if one assumes that asset prices stay very high. With a current-account deficit near 4% of GDP, America remains dangerously reliant on foreigners willingness to buy dollar assets." Also, the Asian crisis was the result of excessive borrowing from abroad, extensive borrowing internally to finance investment and consumption, plus income redistribution upward followed by declining consumption and over production, rising unemployment. Foreign investors tried to escape the collapsing economy by removing their money from the country, thus creating an even bigger problem. Can it happen here in the U.S.? Again, It Depends. We do have in the U.S. a debt financed prosperity. We now know our borrowing from abroad to finance our imports is soaring, but our borrowing internally is also rising rapidly: For example lets look at consumer credit outstanding: 1970..............$ 131.4 billion 1980..............$ 349.4 1990..............$ 789.3 A tenfold increase 1999..............$ 1387.4 Let’s look now at the Gross Federal Debt: 1970............$ 380.9 billion 1980............$ 909.l Again, a tenfold increase 1990............$3206.6 2000............$5769.0 Mortgage Debt Outstanding for Commercial property 1970..............$ 85.8 billion 1980..............$ 257.7 1990..............$ 789.0 2000..............$1059.0 Mortgage Debt Outstanding For All Property 1980...............$ 1465 bb 1998...............$ 5762 bb The banks are not the only source of money. It is possible the greatest amount of borrowing has occurred outside of the banking system. For instance, the borrowing for stock market purchases, the Hedge funds, the enormous borrowing for the merger movements all serve to increase the money supply or to increase the velocity of money. This increase also adds to the Demand side, but if the price of assets should fall with so much debt outstanding, the results would shake the financial community. Here is just one small example of borrowing or acquiring new money outside the banking system and generating prosperity of the past 12 years. (table 839-Stat. Abstract-1999) New Security Issues of Corporations 1985--1997 (each year) Bonds- $203.7bb (1985) ?Stocks----$ 35.5 bb $811.4 bb (1997) ?? $112.2 bb What I have tried to do is identify potential problems associated with the trade gap and why critics are deeply concerned and why the FRS is attempting to cool the economy with very modest raises in the interest rate. It is possible that to be effective more attention should be focused on stock market margins, the merger mania, and consumer credit card loans. There is no doubt that the federal government needs to pursue a sound fiscal policy and a gradual retirement of the federal debt. Finally, if you are now confused, welcome to the field of economics.

Summary of Caucus on Global Warming at National Convention

League of Women Voters of Washington
Opposes I-729 (Charter Public Schools)

The League of Women Voters of Washington believes in an open governmental system that is representative, accountable and responsive; one that assures opportunities for citizen participation in government decision making. One of LWVWA’s positions on education is that citizen participation should be encouraged at all levels. Because of these principles and positions, LWVWA must oppose I-729, which states, "A charter public school shall operate independently of any (elected) school district board." Charter schools would be managed and operated by the board of directors of a non-profit corporation. This board would not be elected or accountable to the taxpayers but would receive state education funding.

Local school district communities would have no vote as to whether or not such a school should exist in its community, even though local tax dollars would be expended. LWVWA also has positions regarding education funding. We believe that the state has the responsibility for amply funding education, that all programs mandated by the legislature should be fully funded by the state, and that maintenance and operation costs of local school districts should be fully funded by the state. Until all our current schools are fully funded and every child has an equal opportunity to reach higher standards, LWVWA opposes funding a new system of schools through I-729. For more information contact League of Women Voters of Washington, 206-622-8961, 1-800-419-2596, lwvwa@lwvwa.org

FINDING PARTNERS FOR CHILDREN AND FAMILY IN COMMUNITIES & LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

The Spring VOTER published an article on Partners for Children in Our Communities in which I described some of the partners for children in communities all over the state, in particular the Children's Alliance and the Community Public Health and Safety Networks (See descriptive box on p12, Vol 40 No 4 .The last sentence should have concluded that the Family Policy Council includes representatives from the state departments whose work affects children, families and youth and legislators representing House and Senate.) As we approach the election season we need to widen our community contacts so that at candidate. forums informed audience members will at least outnumber the candidates. After the Legislation session I attended our legislators' town meetings. They were sparsely attended. Many audience responses indicated little understanding of the issues. We need to attend these meetings and contribute our knowledge of community needs. Now in campaign season we need to join partners such as PTA, United Way, Children's Alliance, Community Networks and other compatible agencies, in planning candidate forums .

It is important that we and our partners actively recruit friends and neighbors to attend. Low attendance does not convince candidates of strong support for our issues. Candidates can frequently meet more voters by doorbelling. I-695 has led them to believe that people value tax cuts over community needs. We have a major job to convince them that properly directed funds can improve community health and safety. We must work also to improve the quality of the turnout in the September Primary . Unfortunately many of the best possibilities are defeated in September where the small voter turnout often allows small special interest groups to determine who is on the ballot in November. The Children's Alliance can help you identify and focus on key issues. www.childrensalliance.org Seattle 206-324-0340, Spokane 509-747-7205

COMMUNITY PUBLIC HEALTH AND SAFETY NETWORKS

YOU WILL NOTE THIS MEANS

THAT THE GOAL IS NOT JUST

"GET FAMILIES OFF WELFARE

AND OUT OF POVERTY"

BUT TO CREAT