Governance
Primary’s done: on to the general election
Who will make the cut? Auditors in Whatcom, San Juan and Skagit counties have updated primary election vote counts that determine which two candidates will face off in November’s general election.
Does military service influence the veteran vote?
Military veterans have served their country and reintegrated into civilian life. When it comes to local elections, do they vote?
Bellingham mayoral candidates field forum questions in primary quest
What should be the way forward for downtown Bellingham vitality, a new jail, waterfront development and housing? Bellingham mayoral primary candidates offered responses in an online forum this week.
Four of six Whatcom executive candidates respond in forum
Responses in a candidates forum from four (of six) vying for Whatcom County Executive sketched out four differing perspectives on how to serve.
Paradox of passion, apathy impacts young voter turnout
Younger voters care deeply about renter protections, homelessness, social justice and racism — but will they go to the polls to make their voices heard in this year’s election?
San Juan County permit woes result in director firing
Months of complaints of delays, discourtesy and interpretation led to a decision by the San Juan County council to “part ways” with the county’s Community Development director.
Jane Fuller readies to tackle county priorities
New San Juan council member sworn in, forming county’s first all-woman governing body.
Local legislators set housing, public safety, education and climate as priority
All-Democrat delegation identifies top issues they will pursue when the legislative session begins on Jan. 9.
‘Surprisingly interesting’: local observers do local reporting on local government
The League of Women Voters of the San Juans has begun observing and reporting on local government.
San Juan County voters reject ranked choice voting, spending measures
Turnout plummeted, charter amendments failed and the challenger leads the incumbent sheriff in San Juan County’s midterm election.
Vigilance! Security against cyberthreat is a 24/7 need
While cybersecurity is a daily concern for individual users, it reflects the ever-growing threat to local municipalities and agencies that rely on increasing amounts of online information.
What do ‘community policing’ and ‘police reform’ mean … in the islands?
Island-style policing in the San Juans may be an embodiment of real police reform—or it may fall victim to changing times.
From the Editor’s Desk: Fact-checking 42nd District campaign mailers
Political mailers to 42nd Legislative District addresses—timed to arrive with ballots—carry a variety of assertions and arguments; Salish Current fact-checks the claims.
Fact-checking what’s being said around Whatcom’s Proposition 5
Whatcom voters will decide Nov. 8 on the Healthy Children’s Initiative, a property tax measure to fund child care and early-learning programs.
From the Editor’s Desk: Fact-checking the House candidates
Committed to accuracy and fighting misinformation, the Salish Current fact-checked some candidate statements made in a recent Bellingham City Club online forum.
Voters asked to approve child care support as demand exceeds supply
Whatcom County voters will decide in November whether they will fund change for an overburdened child care system: Part 2.