President Obama's "Report Card"
As President Obama closes out his first year in office, perhaps it's time for an assessment of his progress -- a "report card" if you will. The Obama presidency is very much a work in progress, and to be fair, his record pales in comparison to the extraordinary expectations of the people who swept him into office. His performance must also be accurately assessed against the huge challenges he inherited -- two wars, record deficits, and the worst economic conditions... [read more]

Plan to reduce Medicaid expenditures by $3 billion
Last Friday The Olympian published a letter to the editor in which I proposed a plan that would reduce Washington state Medicaid expenditures by at least $3 billion: Vitamin D3 is budget shortfall solution http://www.theolympian.com/letters/story/1102224.html The idea wasn't mine, but originated with William Faloon, director and co-founder of the Life Extension Foundation: William Faloon, director of the Life Extension Foundation, believes that we can reduce Medicare and Medicaid costs by as much as 50 percent by giving clients 5,000-to-7,000 IU... [read more]

Better than furloughs for state employees?
The State senate is preparing to vote on revised version of Substitute Senate Bill 6503, a bill that would " shut down state agencies one day a month and give state workers furloughs to save money." Furlough vote readied, The Olympian, BRAD SHANNON; Staff writer, January 22, 2010 http://www.theolympian.com/stategovernment/story/1110665.html Reducing our work year by 13 days is supposed to save the state $69 million. But yesterday one of my coworkers had a very interesting suggestion. Why not simply not-pay us... [read more]

HITLER FINDS OUT SCOTT BROWN WON MASSACHUSETTS SENATE SEAT
Yes, another version of the over-dubbed Hitler movie scene, but it's good for several laughs---trust me. (thanks to Hillbuzz.org for alerting us to this) Take heart, Obama; fellow socialist Adolf Hitler feels your pain. But the rest of America is ecstatic. Congratulations, Scott Brown! And thank you, Massachusetts! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c4aQCiRjvZY&feature=player_embedded... [read more]

A city can annex you without your vote!!
Time to revisit the issue of being able to vote on annexation. HB 2674 was introduced and needs to be supported by your legislator in the House. Please send them a message asking for passage of HB 2674. Regardless of whether you believe in making the entire state a quilt work of cities or allowing the property owners and citizens to stay unincorporated, being able to have a vote is essential in open and honest government. Being un-incorporated does not... [read more]

DeBolt Declines To Run For Baird's Seat, Supports David Castillo
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 3, 2010 CONTACT: Richard DeBolt (360) 304-7900 Statement from Rep. Richard DeBolt to the citizens of the 20th District "Since the announcement of Rep. Brian Baird's retirement, I have been encouraged by the words of support and the thoughtful perspectives many of you have shared on the merits of running for Congress. While there is a strong appeal to bring solutions to the failures of Washington, D.C., I will not be a candidate for Congress this... [read more]