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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.
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.
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.
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;
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.
Property Rights
Private Property is the legal and personal ownership of title or exclusive right to the control of property, protected by our Constitution.
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.
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.
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.
Government Reform
We believe that governments should be held to the highest moral standards functioning within their proper boundaries.
Transportation
A robust highway system is necessary for prosperity and commerce in the State of Washington.
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.
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.
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.
This platform was adopted by the delegates at the county convention, March 12, 2016.
Vancouver Office:
O.O. Howard House (Officers’ Row)
750 Anderson Street, Suite B
Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (360) 695-6292
Fax: (360) 695-6197
Washington Secretary of State: Kim WymanKim 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.
Olympia Office:
305 John A. Cherberg Building
PO Box 40414
Olympia, WA 98504-0414
(360) 786-7626
418 John L. O’Brien Building
P.O. Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7994 Email
405 Legislative Building
PO Box 40418
Olympia, WA 98504-0418
(360) 786-7634
103 Irv Newhouse Building
PO Box 40420
Olympia, WA 98504-0420
(360) 786-7638
Representative Chris Corry
425 John L. O’Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7810 Email
Representative Gina Mosbrucker (formerly McCabe)
431 John L. O’Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7856
Representative Paul Harris
403 John L. O’Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7976 Email
Representative Vicki Kraft
418 John L. O’Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504
(360) 786 – 7994 Email
Representative Larry Hoff
122B Legislative Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7812 Email
Representative Brandon Vick
469 John L. O’Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7850 Email
Representative Richard DeBolt
335C Legislative Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7896 Email
Representative Ed Orcutt
408 John L. O’Brien Building
PO Box 40600
Olympia, WA 98504-0600
(360) 786-7990 Email
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
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:
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:
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:
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:
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.