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Core Principles of Clark County Republican Party
What are the “Core Principles” of the Clark County Republican Party?
The Clark County Republican Party is a big-tent party, run by its elected Precinct Committee Officers (the “Central Committee”). There are 287 precincts in Clark County and as of this writing approximately 200 of them have Precinct Committee Officers (“PCOs”) who are elected by their neighbors in their own neighborhoods.
While PCOs have differing opinions on a variety of issues, there are other issues which have nearly universal support and tend to bind us together. The “Core Principles” is an actual mechanism we created within our bylaws to identify the unifying principles with which we find broad agreement.
There are some very important things to know about this process to avoid misunderstanding what our list of “Core Principles” is and what it is not.
It is NOT a complete list — it is an ongoing and evolving process. The absence of an important matter does not mean it already has been or will not yet be considered. This is a slow and deliberative, long term process to identify the unifying principles held among people with diverse ideas on many subjects.
It is NOT a platform.
Platforms have in the past been developed by committees, and should be but have not always even been adopted at our conventions.
Even when the conventions adopt platforms it is only by a simple majority vote — there is no high bar requiring super-majorities of agreement therefore a platform is not always unifying.
Platform planks often address detailed policy issues and current events. Core principles are envisioned as addressing timeless principles we desire to advocate and/or protect.
They are proposed by PCOs, or by future county convention delegates — a 100% grassroots endeavor, NEVER enacted by committee.
They are intentionally very difficult to pass.
In order to be considered at a quarterly meeting, a majority of PCOs must have already agreed at a prior meeting to put them on the agenda. Therefore there is always a three month advance notice of consideration of any Core Principle.
Regular Central Committee Meetings (“CCRCC Meetings”) require 25% of the PCOs to be present in order to conduct any business (a 25% “quorum”). In order for any Core Principle to be considered for adoption, a super-quorum of 40% is required.
Most questions at CCRCC meetings are decided by a simple majority vote (50% +1). Some questions require a 2/3s super-majority. However, Core Principles require an even higher super-majority – a 75% vote in order to be adopted. This is an extremely high bar. If 75% of a body can agree on something, it is pretty much a matter around which people can unite. For example, amending the US Constitution requires agreement of 75% of the states, so we thought a 75% core principle requirement, while daunting, was appropriate for this endeavor.
Core Principles should have the following characteristics:
One sentence.
Address principles and not specific policy.
Self-explanatory — i.e. not require additional explanation to understand.
Grassroots PCOs worked very hard to implement this process and help it gain acceptance within the party culture. Those who have promoted this know that unity cannot be achieved by edict, but by mutual respect and action. It is our hope that the Clark County Republican Central Committee (CCRCC) will continue to build upon this list of principles with due diligence and deliberation, so as to develop a Republican Party Brand which will be an example to our community in Clark County and also an example to other communities across the state.
At our August 21st, 2014 meeting, four of the proposed seven Core Principles were adopted, each by an overwhelming majority. All which failed to receive the required 75% vote did exceed simple majorities, but require more work to achieve more universal support. In other words — the process worked! With all this in mind, here are the first ever adopted Core Principles of the Clark County Republican Party — the beginning of an ongoing work which we hope will rally like minded citizens across Clark County to join us in our efforts to preserve our freedom, our individual Liberty, and the opportunities which the USA has historically afforded to ourselves and our posterity.
Having Achieved the Necessary 75% Super-Majority Vote of Precinct Committee Officers on August 21, 2014, Following are the First Adopted;
Core Principles of the Clark County Republican Party:
EQUALITY UNDER LAW–Public officials should not exempt themselves from our laws or regulations.
ACCOUNTABILITY–Public officials should be held accountable to their oath of office, regardless of party affiliation.
SANCTITY OF LIFE–Human life, regardless of age, has the right to legal protection.
MINIMAL GOVERNMENT–Government’s powers should be minimal, clearly defined, and honestly interpreted.
Clark County Republican Party Platform
2016 Clark County Republican Party Platform
Purpose
This platform is a statement of the goals and purposes of the Clark County Republican Party; it is an action plan on policy matters. These are the principles that define the proper role of government, the limits to its reach to protect our freedom, while addressing current issues. We dedicate time, talent, and efforts to electing those candidates who represent these principles and commit to implementing them into public policy
Individual Rights
The proper role of government is to protect life, liberty, and property. Our God-given unalienable rights are acknowledged by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Repeal laws that establish special privileges of one group or segment of the citizenry over others.
Pass legislation defining the origin of life to be at conception and giving the unborn full protection under the law.
Support the repeal of laws that infringe on the rights of the people to keep and bear arms.
Property Rights
Private Property is the legal and personal ownership of title or exclusive right to the control of property, protected by our Constitution.
We support the Washington State Constitution’s protection of individual private property rights as a core function of state, county, and local government. Property rights must be reinforced and upheld.
We support the U.S. Constitution’s priority of individual private property rights over collective policy such as environmental mandates or government tax-based interests. These priorities must be re-established and maintained.
We support repealing the Washington State Growth Management Act, which is an outgrowth of United Nations Agenda 21 and infringes on private property rights protected by the Fifth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
We support due process and right of appeal regarding private property ownership and utilization. These must be strengthened and upheld to protect individuals against government intrusion.
We support compensation to property owners for all loss of use or lost market value due to environmental and/or regulatory mandates.
We believe the natural resources derived from personal private property are not owned by the government and shall not be usurped, taxed or otherwise infringed upon by any governmental agency.
Healthcare
We believe government intervention creates undesired consequences that aggravate the problem. Control of healthcare dollars needs to be returned to individuals and families to affirm their freedom to make healthcare decisions that are best for themselves.
Repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
Enact tort reform.
Enact legislation to allow healthcare policies to be sold across state lines to promote competition in the healthcare industry.
Allow open competition for hospitals like any other industry.
Education
We believe education should prepare our children to enter adulthood with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be competitive in a global economy and market. Parents must have the primary right, responsibility, and choice in the education of their children.
We support charter schools, home schooling, or public and private schools, giving parents the right to choose where to educate their children.
We oppose education and information in schools regarding the promotion of sexual behaviors and alternative lifestyles. We believe in parental authority over moral issues.
We believe that funding emphasis should be in the classroom and not in administration.
Eliminate Federal Dept of Education and remove any authority that the federal government has over education.
Economic Freedom
We believe that economic freedom is essential to a free society. History has proven that a free market system is the best available vehicle to promote prosperity for all individuals and society as a whole.
Repeal crony capitalism and other anti-capitalist laws that pick winners and losers.
Return government to its proper role of providing a legal framework in which voluntary trade is protected.
Return the minting and regulation of the dollar to Congress by disbanding the Federal Reserve System.
Return the dollar to a gold standard to stabilize its value and prevent artificial inflation.
We support a right-to-work law so that no one shall be required to join a union to secure employment.
The Clark County Republican Party strongly opposes Socialism both as an ideology and as a way of governance at any level of government.
Government Reform
We believe that governments should be held to the highest moral standards functioning within their proper boundaries.
Freeze compensation levels of all federal non-military government employees and elected officials until a balanced federal budget is passed through the authority of Congress.
Disband collective bargaining for all government employees.
Repeal all Executive actions that usurp the authority of Congress, or alter the effect of law.
End the dependency state by fulfilling the existing obligations while responsibly phasing out unsustainable social programs. Social Security and Medicare monies paid into shall only be spent on Social Security and Medicare, as well as the interest earned by that money. Monies previously removed from Social Security and Medicare will be returned to their funds.
Support term limits to be set on senators and representatives for the total number of years that they can serve.
Former members of Congress will not receive special benefits after their term of office is over.
Hold politicians accountable for laws they enact which contravene state and federal constitutions.
Sharia law shall have no influence on laws within Washington State.
We favor local controls and governance close to the people. Community problems are best avoided or resolved through families, local agencies, schools, churches, and charities.
Transportation
A robust highway system is necessary for prosperity and commerce in the State of Washington.
We support the creation of new and expanded roadway infrastructure to reduce traffic congestion as the top priority of the WA DOT.
We adamantly oppose adding tolls to the state highway system; it is double taxation.
Fuel taxes shall be used for the purpose of road and infrastructure construction and maintenance, and not be diverted to subsidize mass transit.
Spending and Taxes
Elected officials have a responsibility to control taxation and eliminate wasteful and inappropriate government spending. Spending must be aligned with priorities of government, as defined by the state and federal constitutions.
Eliminate all unnecessary and unconstitutional programs and spending.
We support cutting the Federal budget, capping spending to a percentage of GDP and adding a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution.
We support requiring a 2/3 majority of the Washington State legislature to vote for any tax increase.
We oppose a state income tax.
Repeal the 16th Amendment. Citizens of a free country deserve a tax system which does not require disclosure of their personal financial affairs in order to pay their taxes.
We support openness and transparency in governmental and fiscal decision making, including third party audits to assure tax dollars are being spent appropriately.
National Sovereignty and Defense
We believe strongly in preserving the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness that are the foundation of this nation. Therefore, we endorse policies that will protect our national sovereignty, strength, and pride.
Secure the borders of the United States against invasion and illegal border crossings.
Enact law making English the official language of local, regional, and state government of the United States of America.
Enact reforms to safeguard public monies from being used for any persons that are not United States citizens, except for emergency humanitarian aid.
Clarify federal law on birthright citizenship so that children born of illegal aliens in the United States are not automatically granted citizenship.
Reject any compromise of our national values in treaties.
Reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to ensure the best possible care for our veterans.
Forbid our military to serve under the United Nations or wear the United Nations uniform.
Get the United States out of the UN and then get the UN out of the United States.
Revitalize the State Militia by removing limits to citizens arming and training to that end with Sheriffs linked to the militia.
Crime / Justice
We believe that the strength of our nation lies with individuals and that each person’s dignity and freedom are sacred; that belief is threatened by increased violence and crime in society.
Increase penalties for identity theft.
Increase penalties for hiring or smuggling illegal aliens.
Return prisons to penal institutions by removing societal luxuries and mandating inmates work to pay off the costs of their incarceration and the administration of justice.
Sentences for violations of the law should include three phases: penalty, restitution, and restoration.
This platform was adopted by the delegates at the county convention, March 12, 2016.
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Republican Office Holders in Clark County, Washington
Kim Wyman is Washington’s 15th Secretary of State, currently serving her first term. Elected in 2012, she is the second female Secretary of State in Washington history and the only woman in statewide executive office.
Prior to being sworn into this office, Kim served as Thurston County Elections Director and was elected County Auditor in 2001, overseeing the county’s elections, licensing, recording and financial services. During her tenure, the Thurston County Auditor’s Office won many awards for significant innovations in county government. Kim has actively participated in multiple state and national work groups and committees, helping make Washington a national leader in elections administration.
As Secretary, Kim heads one of the most diverse offices in state government. Her responsibilities include overseeing elections, corporation and charity filings, the Washington State Library, Washington Talking Book & Braille Library, the State Archives, and a number of special programs including the Combined Fund Drive for charitable giving by public employees, the Address Confidentiality Program to protect victims of domestic violence and stalking, and the Domestic Partnership Registry. Legacy Washington’s oral history program and special exhibits, tell the state’s intriguing stories.
Secretary Wyman serves on the executive board of the National Association of Secretaries of State as Western States Vice President. She was selected as a Rodel Fellow at The Aspen Institute in 2013 and is a past president of the Washington State Association of County Auditors.
She has received numerous awards, including the Woman of Distinction Award from the Pacific Peaks Girl Scout Council and the Washington State University President’s Award for Leadership. During the 2014 legislative session, the Washington State Senate included Wyman in a resolution honoring women trailblazers in government.
Secretary Wyman promotes civility and civic engagement and is committed to connecting people with their government. Kim enjoys mentoring students and participates in leadership development organizations, including the Jennifer Dunn Leadership Institute, the American Legion Auxiliary’s Girls State programs, and the YMCA Youth Legislature Program. She is an advocate for our service members and their families, our returning veterans and the Washington Youth Academy. Kim promotes libraries, including the State Library, and advocates for preservation and teaching of our history and traditions, teaching of civics education, and volunteerism in our communities.
She serves on the boards of the Washington State Historical Society and TVW, the state’s version of C-SPAN. She is a member of the Lacey Rotary Club and takes part in numerous civic activities and non-profit work.
Kim is a graduate of California State University, Long Beach and holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Troy State University. She is a Certified Elections and Registration Administrator (CERA) from The Elections Center and Auburn University.
Kim and her Ranger husband John came to Washington when he was assigned to the 2/75 Ranger Battalion at (then) Fort Lewis after being stationed in Ansbach, Germany.
The Wymans reside in Thurston County with their two children. Secretary Wyman enjoys running, Zumba, and weightlifting.
408 John L. O’Brien Building PO Box 40600 Olympia, WA 98504-0600 (360) 786-7990 Email
County
Board of Clark County Councilors
Council Chair
Eileen Quiring (R) Elected: 2016 1300 Franklin Street, Sixth Floor PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2232 Email
District 2 Julie Olson (R) Elected: 2015 1300 Franklin Street, Sixth Floor PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2232 Email
District 3 John Blom (R) Elected: 2016 1300 Franklin Street, Sixth Floor PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2232 Email
District 4 Gary Medvigy (R) Elected:2019 1300 Franklin Street, Sixth Floor PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2232 Email
Clark County Assessor
Peter Van Nortwick (R) Elected: 2014 Term: 2015-2018 Clark County Assessor 1300 Franklin Street, Second Floor PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2391 Email:
Clark County Auditor
Greg Kimsey (R) Elected: 2014 Term: 2015-2018 Clark County Auditor 1300 Franklin Street, Fifth Floor PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2241 Email:
Clark County Clerk
Scott Weber (R) Elected: 2014 Term: 2015-2018 Clark County Courthouse 1200 Franklin Street PO Box 5000 Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 Phone: (360) 397-2292 Email:
Clark County Sheriff
Chuck E. Atkins (R) Elected: 2014 Term: 2015-2018 Law Enforcement Center 707 West 13th Street PO Box 410 Vancouver, WA 98666 Phone: (360) 397-2366 Email:
City
City Councils in Clark County
The City office holder data is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as endorsement by The Clark County Republican Party.
The Clark County Republican Party decision making body is the Clark County Republican Central Committee, made up of Precinct Committee Officers (PCOs), who are elected by you or appointed by the county chairman. PCOs elect the party leadership and make endorsement decisions for the party.
Your PCO is one of your neighbors, and is your primary point of contact for the Party. If you have questions or concerns, your PCO is able to put you in contact with the people or elected officials who can make a difference. They usually know the candidates personally and can give you their opinions based on personal knowledge.
Don't know what voting precinct you are in? Find it HERE.
Washington Secretary of State: