AGRC Represents at the 2016 Democratic Caucus

The AGRC was well represented during the 2016 Washington State Democratic Caucus today, held at the Hilltop Elementary School.  We were 24 strong in a precinct that had 45 participants, with our voices being heard.  There were many hundreds of neighbors and friends who attended today’s Caucus and it was wonderful to see and be part of this event.

Cheryl Bersch just elected delegate.

We had 8 of our residents who stood and spoke on behalf of their candidate including myself. I also had the privilege of being the voice of a young man who was hearing impaired.  His voice was strong and I was proud to speak his words.

The tally of the our votes to determine proportional delegates took place after the speeches.  There were 45 participants and the vote was 25 for Sanders and 20 for Clinton, giving 3 delegates and 3 alternates to Bernie and 2 delegates as well as 2 alternates to Hilary.

Cheryl Bersch was nominated and elected as a Bernie delegate to the next level, the County Caucus held the 17^th of April. I was one of 3 people who volunteered to be an alternate to the next level.  Stephanie Lieberman of Building A was elected  as a Hilary delegate, also going on to the next level. 

We also passed two resolutions onto the next step.  The first being our demand that Washington move away from the caucus process and into a real and timely statewide primary. The second expressed our dislike of the recent bills passed and proposed in the states of North Carolina and Georgia that strip the rights of the LGBTQ communities allowing outright discrimination.  The second resolution asks that no Washington businesses continue or begin doing any business in these two states until this is repealed or vetoed.

I cannot say how proud I am of those that not only showed up for this important caucus, they also stood and voiced their honest opinions.  Democracy in action if ever it was, continued for us today.  My wish is that everyone exercises their privilege and right to vote in all elections.

Diane L Radischat, President