2008 Press Clips
Press clips from 2008
A rare find: A very happy lobbyist
I'm blogging from the Legislative Building and will be until the session adjourns tomorrow. There still aren't many people — by which I mean lobbyists — around outside the chamber doors.
Environmentalists push lawmakers for Puget Sound cleanup
OLYMPIA, Wash. – For environmentalists, the health of Puget Sound will take center stage as lawmakers return to Olympia with a clear directive from Gov. Chris Gregoire to invest in the restoration of the state's most important waterway.
Climate Change Bill the Latest Victory for Bainbridge Senator Phil Rockefeller
The state will soon begin working on a plan that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions back to 1990 levels over the next few decades. Near the heart of it all was Democrat Phil Rockefeller of Bainbridge Island. Despite some critics — and controversy that inevitably makes the environment a partisan topic — he has become one of the Senate's leaders on climate change issues.
Joel Connelly: Greens go for candidates
King County Conservation Voters has put a "green seal" on a lot of Seattle's usual political suspects, but has endorsed challengers to incumbent Seattle City Councilman David Della and Port Commissioner Bob Edwards.
Bill orders firm steps to make state 'greener'
After last-minute, closed-door deal-making that included arm-twisting by Gov. Chris Gregoire, the state House took a step Tuesday toward ushering in what some are calling the "sustainable revolution."
Gregoire signs measure toughening restrictions on toxins in toys
"We in Washington are not going to wait to protect our children," Gregoire said before signing the bill. "The toys that pose a danger to our children are not welcome here in Washington state. But we must make sure we do not throw out the good with the bad toys." This legislation was advanced by the Washington environmental community.
WA Lawmakers See Green
Olympia, WA – If things look a little "greener" in Olympia today, it may be because of the hundreds of people visiting the State Capitol to show their support for environmental legislation. Some 24 groups from around the state are combining their efforts. This year, they've chosen four priorities that all relate to climate change, from using local produce in schools and food banks, to encouraging "green" jobs and industries. Clifford Traisman, of Washington Conservation Voters, says lawmakers could get all of it done this session for a bargain price.
Environmental lobby looks to exert clout
Fresh off one of their most successful legislative sessions in recent memory, the environmental lobby has united behind four priorities for the 2008 legislative session. The legislative goals are modest monetarily but tackle significant public policy issues of global warming and healthier, livable communities. It’s an ambitious agenda that lawmakers should embrace when they convene in Olympia in January.
Legislature approves four earth-friendly bills
"Although some fell short of the original proposals, in all cases they create a good foundation to build for the future," Clifford Traisman, state lobbyist for the Washington Environmental Council and Washington Conservation Voters, said of the four environmental priorities.
Steps to Make State Greener
After last-minute, closed-door deal-making that included arm-twisting by Gov. Chris Gregoire, the state House took a step Tuesday toward ushering in what some are calling the "sustainable revolution."
Senate OKs nation's strictest toy safety rules
The legislation dramatically reduces the amount of lead, cadmium and plasticizing chemicals called phthalates allowed in children's products made and sold in the state. The chemicals can cause developmental problems, and are regulated by weak federal standards, if any at all.
WA Legislature passes climate change blueprint
"This bill is a great combination of doing the right thing by the environment and doing the right thing by the economy." - Jay Manning, director of the state Department of Economy
Gregoire urges fast action on climate change measure
Governor Chris Gregoire is continuing her commitment to reduce global warming by asking the state Legislature to pass the Climate Action and Green Jobs bill --a 2008 environmental Priority. The Climate Action and Green Jobs bill will establish Washington as a strong leader in the clean energy economy, increase energy independence, create good new jobs and deliver a better future for our children. We're proud to stand with the Governor to make Washington a leader in tackling the challenge of global warming.
Gregoire signs "toxic toys" bill, making Washington state's standards strictest in the nation
Gov. Christine Gregoire signed the so-called "toxic toys" bill into law Tuesday, enacting the most stringent toy-safety standards in the nation. This bill was advanced by the Washington environmental community.
Reichert Up, McCain Down
Rep. Dave Reichert, R-Wash., scored 85 out of 100 in the League of Conservation Voters' scorecard for the first year since 1994 in which Democrats have controlled both houses of Congress.
Jim Dunn: He isn't done yet
OLYMPIA — State Rep. Jim Dunn is wearing one of his loudest ties — a mélange of green leaves and yellow and orange ribbons that he ordered off the Internet — as he strolls into his office on the fourth floor of the John O’Brien Building.
In our view: Taxpayer rip-off
On the 10th and the 25th of each month, the taxpayers of Washington pay Jim Dunn $1,720 for his services as a state representative, and bestow on him the medical coverage and other benefits that go to all legislators. In addition to his salary, Dunn gets from the taxpayers $100 per day for living expenses while the Legislature is in session.
Washington State Debates Strict Bill on Child Products
Gov. Christine Gregoire of Washington is expected to sign a measure on Tuesday that would give the state some of the toughest rules in the nation restricting toxic materials used in children’s products, though it was unclear just how broad the measure would be. The bill, called the Children’s Safe Products Act, addresses the use of lead, cadmium, phthalates and other materials.
Jobs added in Chehalis: Cardinal Glass expands to meet demand from solar industry
Economically hard-hit Lewis County is getting a boost in new jobs thanks to the solar energy industry. The Cardinal Glass plant in Chehalis will expand and more than double its payroll because the company has taken on tempering solar panels as a new business line. The process strengthens the panels, making them more durable.
EDITORIAL: Giving a Hand to Veterans and the Environment
Another upcoming boost for veterans, and for our environment, was promoted Thursday at Olympic College. The governor's husband, "First Mike" Gregoire and Rep. Larry Seaquist said the Veterans Conservation Corps program, expanding this fall to OC, is aimed at providing environmental job training for veterans. That's a "two-fer" for Gov. Chris Gregoire, who has made veterans and environmentally friendly jobs a priority in her administration.
County helping construct climate-friendly economy
Throughout Whatcom County, people are stepping up to the challenge of climate change. From the Whatcom County Courthouse and Bellingham City Hall to Western Washington University’s campus, from the BP refinery and Alcoa Intalco Works to local fields and homes, they will help Washington find answers to this threat to our economy, environment and quality of life.
NASCAR hot topic at forum
The Kitsap County Conservation Voters hosted its annual county commissioner’s forum Wednesday night, putting forth a series of questions addressing energy, parks, growth and a host of other related issues.
Kitsap Commissioners Oppose Pit-to-Pier
Kitsap County commissioners Josh Brown and Steve Bauer said during a forum Wednesday night that they will oppose the proposed pit-to-pier project in Jefferson County because of its potential effects on the water quality of Hood Canal.
Campaign Trail: Voters league gives three endorsements
The Washington Conservation Voters has endorsed two candidates for statewide office, Republican incumbent Sam Reed for secretary of state and Democrat Peter Goldmark for state lands commissioner.
GOP Rep. Campbell wins environmental endorsement
Republican state Rep. Tom Campbell of Roy has won the “early endorsement” of Washington Conservation Voters. Campbell shepherded bills dealing with environmental toxics bills in this year’s legislative session.
Roundup: guv's race goes nasty, green
Gregoire won the endorsement of the Washington Conservation Voters for her work on global warming and other top environmental issues. But Rossi touts his transportation plan that includes tax incentives for buying hybrid cars, and he has traded in his traditional SUV for a hybrid version that gets 27 miles per gallon.
Gregoire, Rossi battle for eco-credentials
Campaigning out of a hybrid SUV that gets about 27 miles per gallon, Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi says that when it comes to the environment, he's more progressive than many voters might think.
Washington Conservation Voters Endorse Peter Goldmark for Commissioner of Public Lands
The campaign of Okanogan rancher Peter Goldmark for Commissioner of Public Lands gained more momentum yesterday with the endorsement of the Washington Conservation Voters, the political voice for the environment.
Maury Island/Glacier Fray Back as Election Issue
Peter Goldmark is running for lands commissioner as someone who can relate to the struggles and sensibility of the eastern side of the state. And he fits the part. Goldmark's a rancher, rugged and mustachioed; more comfortable in jeans and boots than slacks and loafers. His campaign Web site displays him on horseback, comfortably sporting a cowboy hat. And if elected this fall, Goldmark would be the first in this statewide position to have cut his teeth on the drier side of the Cascades.
A special interest tarnishes governor's race
THE BUILDING INDUSTRY Association of Washington is a political equivalent of the Oakland Raiders in their roughhouse days: The BIAW delivers more and dirtier blind-side hits than a Raider cornerback. One difference: The Raiders were skilled and successful. The BIAW is living evidence that dirty play does not deliver success. If you've listened to drive-time radio in recent weeks, you've doubtless heard an anti-Gov. Chris Gregoire radio spot sponsored by an outfit called "ChangePAC." It's really the BIAW in disguise.
Moms make climate change top priority
My 3-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter can't vote. Nor can a million other kids across the state. So when we grownups cast our votes this fall, we're voting for our kids, too. That's why I'm interested in where candidates in Washington stand on a top priority for me as a mom and for our children's future: climate change. This summer and fall, as state legislative candidates are out knocking on doors, holding forums and participating in debates, I'll be letting them know how important action on climate change is to my family and me. I'll be taking my kids to those forums and debates to ask candidates where they stand on strengthening state policies to combat global warming.
Hanging with Pierce County greenies
The occasion was a sort of pep rally for Pierce Conservation Voters, the local division of Washington Conservation Voters – the coalition of environmental groups that bestows the official "green" endorsement for candidates in Washington.
State race for public lands chief could get rough
Peter Goldmark is a cattle rancher from Okanogan County with strong ties to the state's agricultural industry -- not the most obvious poster boy for environmental activism.
Carlyle in the 36th; White in the 46th
Two open seats in solid Democratic Seattle neighborhoods have produced several good candidates for the Legislature this year, an election that provides the first test of the state's new top-two primary. Reuven Carlyle, Democrat, is the strongest candidate to fill the 36th District seat in north and northwest Seattle vacated by the Legislature's long-serving Rep. Helen Sommers.
Ranker maintains money lead, Henderson second, Van Luven third
To start it off, I must tell you that the Washington state Public Disclosure Commission has updated their campaign contribution and expenditures database Web site and it is awesome. Very user friendly and easy to use.
Pricey election fight pits 2 Dems
John Burbank, a candidate for state representative, took a break from his campaign recently for an interview at a Starbucks in the 36th Legislative District. The Democrat took a sip from his strawberries and cream frappuccino before making a simple pledge: "I will not take corporate contributions."
Ranker stresses his experience in 40th District race
Try to keep track of how many local-, state- and federally sanctioned committees San Juan County Councilman Kevin Ranker is on. Double-dog dare you. And good luck. Ranker, an ardent environmentalist who thinks local economies can thrive while still being green, is on so many organizations it'll make your head spin.
18th District race catches parties’ attention
A lively race is shaping up in the 18th District between Republican Jaime Herrera, the appointed incumbent in House Position 1, and Democrat VaNessa Duplessie, the public relations manager who is challenging her.
Rossi's gas-tax rant detours from the facts
Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi is running radio and TV ads that lambaste Gov. Christine Gregoire for doing precisely what our state needed to do. Raise the gas tax. Get a few transportation projects done. Help businesses and motorists get moving.
Natural resources divide donors in state race
The contest for state commissioner of public lands is shaping up as Democrats against forest-product companies, environmentalists against forest-product companies, and Seattleites against forest-product companies. Incumbent Republican Doug Sutherland draws heavily from forest-products, construction, development and mining interests; 126 of his 200 biggest donations come from companies and people in those industries — with the vast majority from forest-product companies. Those 126 donations account for more than one-third of his total $468,000 in campaign cash.
Environmental Community United in Support of Mass Transit Now
This year's light-rail expansion measure, Proposition 1, shares little more than a name with last year's roads and transit ballot proposal.
Sound Transit's light rail plan may cut traffic 30%, says study
Sound Transit's proposed $22 billion light rail expansion plan could cut car and truck travel as much as 30 percent, reduce carbon dioxide pollution by nearly 100,000 tons a year and save consumers $41 million annually in reduced fuel costs if voters approve the plan and commuters switch to transit, according to a new study.
Rossi's friends, funders - the BIAW - broke the law
The Public Disclosure Commission has determined that one of the state's most politically aggressive industry groups violated campaign finance law while amassing its multimillion-dollar campaign fund. The Building Industry Association of Washington has spent more than $2 million through its political action committee ChangePAC in an effort to oust Democratic Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Rossi linked to builder fundraising
OLYMPIA -- Documents released Tuesday tie Republican gubernatorial candidate Dino Rossi to a fundraising campaign that was recently deemed illegal by the state attorney general.
HERALD ENDORSEMENT Goldmark offers unique skills to public lands post
This year, though, Okanogan rancher and scientist Peter Goldmark offers a rare opportunity to bring a fresh, hands-on perspective to land management that represents improvement, even over the capable Sutherland. In a close call, our nod goes to Goldmark. Goldmark's background seems tailor-made for this office.
Yakima Herald endorses Peter Goldmark
After careful consideration, this is a race in which we're going to call for new blood and direction. The lands commissioner heads up the important state Department of Natural Resources and we'll back Goldmark, who we would like to see take the agency into a new era.
Who would be a 'greener' governor?
When it comes to environmental issues, voters in Washington's gubernatorial race have a clearcut choice. "A lot of voters in Washington don't know the stark difference between the two candidates when it comes to the environment," said Sudha Nandagopal, spokeswoman for Washington Conservation Voters, a nonpartisan group that rated Rossi based on his votes as a state senator. "This is what we do -- we keep score. (Rossi) had a 32 percent voting record (for) the environment, and that, frankly, isn't good enough."
Op-Ed: Peter Goldmark for lands commissioner
Think globally, vote locally. When it comes to the challenge that is likely to define the 21st century, fighting climate change and ending our dependence on fossil fuels, we can take a step in the right direction by electing Peter Goldmark as commissioner of public lands.
Seattle Times endorses Peter Goldmark
Democratic challenger Peter Goldmark, an Okanogan rancher with a doctorate in molecular biology and new strains of wheat to his credit, is the right candidate to infuse oversight of state trust lands with an appreciation for the role of science.
Gregoire triumphs as close race fails to materialize
Gov. Chris Gregoire won her re-election bid Tuesday night with solid support from Democratic voters who turned out in droves to support President-elect Barack Obama. Shortly before noon on Wednesday, Rossi called to congratulate Gregoire then held a press conference in Bellevue to concede.
Goldmark slightly ahead
Democrat Peter Goldmark is gaining a slight edge over incumbent Republican state Lands Commissioner Doug Sutherland, gaining 50.53 percent of the statewide vote compared to Sutherland's 49.47 percent, with leads in King, Snohomish, Jefferson, Cowlitz, Okanogan, Spokane and Whatcom counties.
Goldmark declares victory in lands-commissioner race
Goldmark declared victory Thursday night, shortly after The Associated Press said Goldmark's 2 percentage-point lead was insurmountable as Sutherland fell further behind in King County.
