Nov 2009 Ballot Measures - Mon 10/12/09 6pm

In recent weeks, Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon has been conducting community ‘listening sessions” to gather citizen input on how best to develop the County’s 2011 budget. It is likely that cuts will have to be made and revenue raised.

Where would you cut the budget? Would you cut parks in favor of police? Would you like to see tax increases to maintain both at current levels?

This is your chance to tell the County Executive how you think he should spend your money. It’s a live, call-in program and your participation is welcome.

Volunteers from the League of Women Voters of Snohomish County produce a program about issues of importance to the voters of Snohomish County.

THIS WEEK: Teen-age prostitution

Dr. Gary Goldbaum, Director, Snohomish Public Health District gives a snapshot of the state of health for the residents of Snohomish County; Dianne White, Stanwood Mayor talks about local government transparency and Kathy Atwood, Deputy Chief with the Everett Police Department joins Providence Intervention Center Advocate in a discussion of county programs to help youth at risk.

In the wake of the recent Supreme Court decision allowing corporations the right to make unlimited campaign contributions to individual politicians, concerned citizens are again becoming motivated to take money out of politics. Guest Craig Salins, Executive Director of Washington Public Campaigns, discuss the details of the ruling, the status of a related bill in our WA State Legislature and US Congress, and will take call-in questions from listeners throughout the north Puget Sound. The number is (425) 303-9070.　

Climate change, the 2010 census, social networking and the status of health care reform are all topics covered in the program. Everett activist Doris Olivers talks with LWV member Cameron Johnson about the Copenhagen Climate Conference, LWV member Leah Harrison and Zaida Arguedas tell about the coming population census and Sergio Espana, LWV Special Assignment staffer talks about social networking with Kate Reardon of the City of Everett.

The 2010 Census (League of Women Voters) -- Every decade the government is required to count every man, woman and child in the country. This census impacts many parts of our lives. It determines how many votes a state has in the U.S. Congress, it affects how many Federal dollars come to each state and much, much more. April 1st, 2010 has been officially designated as Census Day and the start of the count. Find out why it is important for you to fill in the blanks and maybe even answer the door when the census taker comes calling.

Recently the League sponsored a public presentation to update citizens on the status of health care reform in Congress. Panelist, Sally Hintz of Sen. Maria Cantwell’s office, Susan Bidenschick of the League’s state office and Larry Kalp, President of “Health Care For All Washington” present a “snapshot” of the status of health care reform packages currently making their way through Congress.  League of Women's Voters Snohomish County.

Producer Cameron Mitchel talks with people at the day-long "Livable Snohomish County Summit" about the Lake Stevens annexation, the EMS levies, the Sno-Isle library levy, and the Eyman initiative on the ballot. Plus, the pros and cons of the two state-wide initiatives: Referendum 71 and Initiative 1033.

League of Women Voters Magazine On The Air

Matching President Obama's International travels, League of Women Voters is also going International.   Tune in Monday to hear LWV's Ellen Berg explain the UN's 8 Millenium  Development Goals and how they are progressing so far. 

Next, hear Garth Fell, Snohomish County Elections Manager, tell about 2008's record setting elections, and how his department is preparing for coming local 2009 elections right here at home.

League of Women Voters Magazine On the Air - There are 20 food banks in Snohomish County and they are hurting for fresh produce. This week on the magazine we highlight a "growing" movement to turn community pea patch gardens into a source of nutritious food for needy families.

We speak with Laurie Brabent from the Volunteers of America Foodbank, Molly Dootson of the Sno-Isle Food Co-op

Where will the stimulus money (from the feds and state) actually be used and will it benefit working people in Western Washington? 

And what part will green industries and practices play in this economic recovery strategy? 

Marilyn Watkins of the Economic Opportunity Institute explores these questions and more.

Plus, the League evaluates FreeRice.com, a website that invites you to bone up on your vocabulary and earn grains of rice to feed the hungry at the same time and local people tell us how they think our society will adapt to a changing climate.

League of Women Voters Magazine - “Local Farms and the Healthy Kids and Communities Act” -- Passed by the State Legislature, the measure recognizes the benefits of local food production.