charlie

About Charlie Crabtree

Long time observer of State and Local Politics. Charlie was born and raised in Whatcom County Washington. Served in the US Air Force in the 70's and served for 12 years on the Meridian School Board (north of Bellingham Washington) and a stint on the County Charter Review Commission. Retired except for Blogging and enjoying life.

A Look at Whatcom County Charter ballot Propositions

A Look at the Propositions Proposition No. 1 - Authorizing Council members to Hire Dedicated Aides  Ballot Text:The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Councilmembers to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each councilmember to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple councilmembers to hire one joint aide if they choose. Charter Amendment Summary: Currently, the Whatcom County Charter contains no provision concerning legislative aides. If adopted, this amendment would authorize each Councilmember to hire a dedicated aide with county funds who reports ...

By |2025-10-16T10:26:35-07:00October 15, 2025|Fourth Corner News|0 Comments
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A Look at Whatcom County Charter ballot Propositions: Proposition 1

A Look at the Propositions Proposition No. 1 - Authorizing Councilmembers to Hire Dedicated Aides  Ballot Text: The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Council members to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each council member to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple council members to hire one joint aide if they choose.   Charter Amendment Summary: Currently, the Whatcom County Charter contains no provision concerning legislative aides. If adopted, this amendment would authorize each Council member ...

By |2025-10-15T15:45:55-07:00October 15, 2025|Elections, Fourth Corner News|0 Comments
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Charter Propositions… On the ballot Proposition No. 1

Ballot Title Nov 4th 2025 Proposition No. 1 - Authorizing Councilmembers to Hire Dedicated Aides The Whatcom County Charter Review Commission has proposed an amendment to the Whatcom County Charter to authorize County Council members to hire aides. This measure would amend Section 2.22 of the Whatcom County Charter to allow each council member to hire a dedicated legislative aide. It also allows multiple council members to hire one joint aide if ...

By |2025-08-26T11:31:08-07:00August 26, 2025|Education, Fourth Corner News|0 Comments
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Whatcom County Charter Series: Balancing the Scales of County Government

Whatcom County Charter Series: Balancing the Scales of County Government By Hannah Ordos, Future 42 Director and Charter Commissioner Imagine a county government where the people elected to represent you are expected to County Courthouse oversee spending, craft legislation, and advocate for their communities—yet must do it all with barely any independent support. This November, Whatcom County voters will face a pivotal choice among 12 proposed charter amendments, including... Proposition 1: “Authorizing ...

By |2025-08-26T10:50:34-07:00August 26, 2025|Education, Fourth Corner News|0 Comments
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The Facts on Tyler Byrd

Smear First, Check Facts Later: The Truth About Tyler Byrd’s Record If you’ve heard that Tyler Byrd has been “MIA” as a Whatcom County Council member, you’ve been misled. That false narrative traces back to a March 2023 opinion piece in the Cascadia Daily News written by Democratic Party precinct officer Abe Jacobson, who regularly uses the platform to turn political spin into public record, whether the facts hold up or not. Let’s be ...

By |2025-08-02T11:27:43-07:00August 2, 2025|Fourth Corner News, Fourth Corner News|2 Comments
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Charter Review Update… Will there be Change in the Charter Review Amendment Requirements

One proposal that has been approved for the ballot has to do with the signatures required to bring a Charter Amendment to the Ballot for voter approval.   Proposed Amendment 13 One of two amendments that has been passed to the voters Modify Signature Requirements for Charter Review Amendments from the Public Proposed by Andrew Reding Description: Change the required number of signatures for putting a charter amendment proposed by the public on the ballot ...

By |2025-05-20T15:13:20-07:00May 20, 2025|Fourth Corner News|0 Comments
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Filing for Office Done: What are the key Primaries?

As a result of filings 823 Candidates are vying for over 500 offices in all counties in the Fourth Corner. So what offices and candidates are running in the Primary? A BreakDown by County: County: WHATCOM Whatcom County Council DISTRICT 2 Elizabeth Boyle Whatcom County Council DISTRICT 2 Maya Morales Whatcom County Council DISTRICT 2 Mike Cullum Whatcom County Council DISTRICT 3 Tyler Byrd Whatcom County Council DISTRICT 3 Jessica Rienstra Whatcom County Council ...

By |2025-05-19T15:55:11-07:00May 19, 2025|Fourth Corner News|1 Comment
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Budget includes Highest raise in Taxes Ever

  From the Republican Caucus in the State Senate: Voting for the bill in the Fourth Corner: In the Fourth Corner voted to pass…Sharon Shewmake(42nd), Liz Lovelett(40th),Derek Stanford(1st),Marko Liias(21st),Jesse Salomon(32nd),June Robinson(38th),John Lovick(44th) Their (Democrat) budget relies on MASSIVE property-tax increases that will also hit renters; a capital gains-style tax on innovation; cuts student aid for tuition at state-run colleges and universities; business tax increases, and much more, like a 38% fee increases on hunting ...

By |2025-04-28T13:15:58-07:00April 28, 2025|Fourth Corner News|0 Comments
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More Water Adjudication information here and… online resources

Saturday Morning Live Covers some of the Questions involved in being served by the Department of Ecology concerning water rights... The Fourth Corner Version of Saturday Morning Live covers the issue with Perry Eskridge who works with the Building Industry Association and the  Realtors in Whatcom County. The Podcast of the show is here... Over 40,000 households have been "served" and will have to go to court for a state mandated adjudication as to ...

By |2025-04-27T15:48:52-07:00April 27, 2025|Fourth Corner News|2 Comments
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