Ag and Rural Caucus for December 2024

Update Zoom Link

Reorganization 

6:30 pm Thursday 5 December

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85907982157?pwd=MU4vV3E3VGZ5VU02dnhvZjg2b3hKZz09

Policy Briefing
Recording Link to Upper Columbia Policy Briefing
Nothing scheduled for December

Paste link into browser.

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Candidates

Chair: Don Schwerin
Vice-Chair East: Robert Schutte
Vice-Chair West: Teresa Purcell

Reorg chair Ron Wright will accept nominations from the floor.

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Candidate for Chair Statement
Don Schwerin

I seek re-election as chair.

I propose that we build on our model of briefing the Caucus on issues of rural significance around the state.

Occasionally, research edges over to advocacy.

This past year we endorsed a plan to enhance short line rail competition to the mainline rail companies to move grain from the Palouse to Pasco in the event that there are changes to the current operation of the Snake River. The goal is to assure grain growers of viable, competitive alternatives to barging.

We also urged the legislature to re-imagine the process of siting renewable energy projects by elevating the role of counties relative to EFSEC, all while underlining the economic benefits to the counties and their voters. The purpose is to build local constituencies for wind and solar to, in turn, facilitate the shift away from fossil fuel dependency.

I propose to continue the Better Practices series to give voice to the creative efforts of local parties around the state. I propose that we enhance the series with a regular segment on building local capacities using existing data tools.

I thank you for your support in the past and seek your vote to continue.

Don

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Candidate for Vice Chair – East Statement
Robert Schutte

Except for a brief time, I have always resided in rural communities.  I come from a multi-generational agriculture and rural family. 

From working on the family farm and presently owning a small farm in Pend Oreille County, I understand the challenges of today’s farmers and rural communities.  My degree is in finance and agriculture, working for many years in commercial banking.  This included agricultural and commercial lending plus senior administration positions.

From a geographic and political aspect, the Ag and Rural caucus is an important voice in the bridge between rural communities and our State Party.

It is my desire to use my combined finance and agriculture background to be a voice for rural Washington. 

It has been a privilege to serve as Vice Chair of the Ag & Rural Caucus the past few years. I would appreciate your support for another two year term.

Thanks.

Bob

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Give Thanks. Be a candidate. Visit LD 7 video

It is Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, but we do not have to stop giving thanks…for our families and friends and food on the table. So, please do.

This is a reminder of ARC’s reorg meeting Thursday. Please submit your candidacy to Ron Wright.

To make up for using our Better Practices slot for reorg, I point you to LD7’s video, courtesy of Kathie Schutte and friends. It is both beautiful and inviting.

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Reorganization

It’s that time again…reorg time. The Ag and Rural Caucus will use its Better Practices time slot on 5 December to reorganize. This means that we will select chair, vice-chair – east, vice-chair-west, secretary, and treasurer.

Current officer holders are Don Schwerin (chair), Robert Schutte (vice-chair – east), Teresa Purcell (vice-chair – west), and Marty Gilmore (treasurer). Secretary is currently vacant.

Ron Wright will serve as reorg chair. Candidates should indicate their interest to Ron via email by Tuesday 3 December. Candidates may submit texts in support of their candidacy. Candidate list and messages will be distributed to the membership on Wednesday 4 December.

Speaking of membership, it is whoever shows up. If you receive this email, you are in the club.

Don
22 November 2024