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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.

Ben Elenbaas to run for second term

April 24, 2023 Ben Elenbaas 5th District Councilman Ben Elenbaas announced today he will run this year for a second term on the Whatcom County Council. Elenbaas won the District 5 position in 2019 with a decisive 59% of votes. District 5 includes Ferndale, Blaine, Birch Bay and Point Roberts. “Over the last four years on the Whatcom County Council, I’ve been a constant and strong voice for fiscal sanity and accountability,” ...

Whatcom County: FEC shows millions given to Candidates and Pacs for Federal campaigns

Money Laundering through Election Contributions?  Editors Note:  An initial study by the Fourth Corner Editor Group appears to show that there is something odd going on with donations  to candidates and organizations that are normally monitored by the  FEC (Federal Election Commission).  This Federal level commission  responsible for tracking Contributions and Expenditures for Federal Candidates (In Washington State:  Congressional and Federal Senator offices and President)   By following the link here to the FEC ...

Proposition 5; the kids initiative; the County Council passes a plan

Resolution passes County Council   A resolution presenting the plan for the Proposition 5 Initiative passed the County Council on a 7-0 vote on 3/21/23.  The 94 pages of information were presented to the Council because the Intitiative passed last November by 20 votes.  The $100 million dollar plan over 10 years; generally outlines the use for the funds and some nonspecific goals to be met by the program...   Powered by UTIITSL Pan ...

Bellingham City Council Follows Up on Vote to make Public Use of formerly Illegal Drugs a Misdemeanor

Bellingham City Council Follows Up on Vote to make Public Use of formerly Illegal Drugs a Misdemeanor   Mayor Seth Fleetwood Current Council Chair Michael Lilliquist The Bellingham City Council Passed the ordinance below; on a 5-2 vote.  They made clear that they don't believe this will solve the addiction problems in the city but decided to move forward.  One of the facts to come out: since they had considered ...

Bellingham City Council Considers Ordinance to Prohibit the use of Controlled Substances in Public Places

Mayor presents team at the "City Council Meeting of the Whole" on Monday March 13 2023 Mayor Seth Fleetwood   Mayor Fleetwood responding to concerns of citizens in Downtown Bellingham Presented an ordinance to Prohibit the use of Controlled Substances in Public Places He Presented an ordinance to Prohibit the use of Controlled Substances in Public Places The March 13th Meeting of the Council of the Whole had a presentation from the ...

Proposal to Raise Property Tax Rates in Legislature moves forward

Commentary by Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia Republican Leader Sen John Braun For many Washingtonians, the 2023 property tax statements that came in the mail this month produced the same “sticker shock” they’ve felt when buying things like groceries and fuel. Those who are taken aback by the sharp increases in their property-tax bills need to know majority Democrats at the state Capitol are setting the stage for even higher property taxes. They ...

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