It's time for accountability
What you can do about our jail
"Our hands are tied."
"Blame the state of Washington"
This was how Sheriff Bob Songer and Jailer Loren Culp reacteed when the sad and horrific condition of a Klickitat County Jail inmate was revealed in recent news reporting. Then, at our County Commissioners meeting this week on Tuesday, Songer went on a tirade when one of the commissioners, Lori Zoller, dared to question him about those conditions, essentially declaring that he didn't owe the county officials any explanation at all.
But Sheriff Songer and Jailer Culp can indeed face accountability. The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJRC) accepts complaints from the public. The CJRC will investigate complaints when "the allegations, if true, may result in a police officer or corrections officer losing their certification." In the Klickitat County Jail's situation, severe neglect resulted in harm to two inmates, a suicide and a hospitalization. You, dear reader, can file a complaint. Please go to the CJRC Complaint Process webpage to learn how to file the complaint. One of our members was informed that the more complaints the CJRC receives about the harm prisoners have experienced, the more likely it is to open a formal investigation.
It is sad and embarrassing for our county jail to be so neglectful. It's time to show the sheriff that he's accountable to the people of the state of Washington.
It's also important to note that these incidents in no way should reflect upon the professionalism of the patrol deputies and officers who work for the Klickitat County Sheriff's Office. We regard our patrol officers with respect for the work they do.
LD 17 Welcomes Klickitat County (well, part of it!) into its fold
As noted in our most recent email alert, a Voting Rights Act violation in the state's most recent redistricting has resulted in Klickitat County being divided between two legislative districts, LD 14 and LD 17.
LD 17 Chair Terri Niles has been in contact with us multiple times. The inclusion of large portions of our county will likely tilt the voter profile of LD 17 to an approximate 50-50 Democratic-Republican split. That means a real opportunity to flip the LD 17 legislative office holders from Republicans to Democrats!
Terri would like to invite our county LD 17 residents to join their Zoom monthly meetings. They're held on the fourth Thursday each month, beginning at 7 p.m. The March 28 meeting will feature as a guest Public Lands Commissioner candidate Rebecca Saldana and State Treasurer candidate Patty Kuderer. Here's the Zoom link. Also, if you'd like to get on the LD 17 email list, write a short note to Terri to let her know.
WA State Delegate candidate Lindsey Tibke to visit Drinking Democratically
Lindsey Tibke of BZ Corner, a White Salmon Valley School District teacher, will join us at our "Drinking Democratically" event 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 28, at Ayutlense Mexican Restaurant in Bingen. Find out why she's running and learn about the other delegate candidates from Klickitat County--join us!
Klickitat County Dems stepping up to volunteer
KCDP member Letters to the Editor keep rolling in! Most recently, we've seen letters from Nancy White, Steve Heitmann, Carol Martin, and Steve Woolpert. They're darned good letters, too! Who's going to submit the next round?
Time to step up to staff KCDP Booth at Goldendale's Home and Garden Show May 3-5 The Home and Garden Show at the Klickitat County Fairgrounds is super popular. That means lots of opportunities to engage with voters. Booth Planning Team leaders Karen Swinger and Sallie Skakel have awesome plans to make our booth more spiffy, engaging, and informative than ever. Let us know if you can volunteer - Here's the link. Shifts last two hours. This is the work that we need to do. Please help us.
Bob Ferguson for Governor yard sign are still available. Did you get yours yet? Email us if you’d like one.
Over 60 members have paid their 2024 dues. It costs money to rent booths at events, so every bit helps. Some of you have donated more than that--thank you! If you haven't done so yet, click this link to find out the different ways you can join or renew. Thank you! (You can join for free if your financial situation prevents you from paying. Just let us know you need a free membership, and we'll place you on our membership roll.)
Upcoming Events
West County Drinking Democratically: Fourth Thursday each month--so March 28 this month, 6:30 p.m. at Ayutlense Mexican Restaurant, 120 E. Steuben, Bingen
KCDP Quarterly Membership Meeting: 6 p.m. June 3, location to be announced. WA State Treasurer Mike Pellicciotti and State Insurance Commissioner candidate Patty Kuderer have tentatively committed to join us, so mark your calendar!
Tuesday County Commissioners Meetings: The Commissioners meet on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. at the Klickitat County Services Building, 115 West Court, Room #201, in Goldendale. They're accessible via Zoom at this link. Public commentary takes place at the beginning of the meeting. For meeting agendas, click here.