BREAKING: Shout out from West Seattle I-1068 Volunteer Coordinator Kirk Prindle

Kirk Prindle:

In anticipation of release of 80,000 I-1068 petitions in tomorrow’s edition of The Stranger, socially-conscious West Seattle businesses are helping to let their community’s voice be heard. The West Seattle area – including diverse communities of color where the tragic impacts of continued prohibition are so profound – has consistently voiced strong support for I-1068 and West Seattle businesses are contributing to the effort by providing centralized locations for collecting and compiling signed petitions.

Completed and partially-filled petitions – even individual signatures are important – can now be turned in at the following West Seattle business locations during indicated business hours:

Mountain To Sound Outfitters
3602 SW Alaska St.
West Seattle, WA 98126
Open Mon-Wed 11am-6PM; Thur-Fri 11am-7PM; Sat 10am-6PM; Sun 11-4pm


Red Cup Espresso
4451 California Ave. SW
West Seattle, WA 98116
Open weekdays 6am-5pm; Sat 7am-4pm; Sun 8-3pm


Big Al Brewing
9832 14th Avenue Southwest
Seattle, WA 98106
Open Wed 3pm-9am; Thu 3pm-9pm; Fri-Sat 3pm-11pm; Sun 12pm-5pm


Full Tilt Ice Cream
White Center
9629 16th Ave Sw
Open 12pm-10pm Tues-Sat. 12pm-9pm Sunday, Closed Monday

Petitions with signatures need to be submitted by the June 30th deadline, but earlier submission is preferred to allow time for signature verification (signatories need to be registered to vote in the State of Washington).

WA I-1068: AG McKenna Says State Leg Can Regulate Pot

Sensible Washington:

Today State AG Rob McKenna told KUOW-FM that if 1068 passes the leg can impose civil regulations on marijuana, totally rebutting yesterday's claim by the ACLU of WA that the leg couldn't impose regulations for two years. We appreciate McKenna, who's an authority on initiatives, clearing the air. Link to the program is... below. Listen to the podcast at about 47:20. -Philip.

"I-1068 and the Power of Hope: Democracy, reason and true progressive leadership"

Kirk Prindle:

The tragic ramifications of continued prohibition in regard to social justice, civil rights, and environmental and economic sustainability have been a focus of Washington State progressive groups through the past decade. This is, quite simply, because the heartbreaking consequences of prohibition to Washington’s working families – especially in underprivileged areas and communities of color – can no longer be ignored.

Even as research continues to confirm the numerous health and social benefits of a natural plant medicine – in regard to cancer treatment and prevention, domestic violence rates, pain relief, anxiety, arthritis, glaucoma, etc… the list is ever-growing – Washington families are still being torn apart and individual lives destroyed by our draconian marijuana laws (remember it was just in 1995 that Newt Gingrich proposed a bill that would require the death penalty for marijuana distribution).

This is why it is so heartening to see progressive values and the importance of I-1068 emphasized by mainstream democratic groups even as other purported progressive “leaders” cower to long-perpetuated scare tactics and racism-infused lies and propaganda. The power of hope is palpable as democratic groups are now providing resounding support for I-1068. I-1068 is currently endorsed by the King County Democratic Central Committee, the Whatcom County Democrats, the Fidalgo Democrats, and the 23rd, 30th, 37th, 39th and 41st District Democrats.

And now, word from Dwight Pelz on the Washington State Democratic Central Committee:

______________________

Subject: RE: ACTION ALERT: Middle class tax reform
Date: Sat, 19 Jun 2010 14:54:58 -0700

We are holding our convention next week, and I anticipate endorsement of 1068.

Dwight

It seems the answer to the question of whether the people of Washington can overcome over 80 years of mis-information to embrace social justice, personal liberty, and important health alternatives is now coming through loud and clear:

Yes we Cannabis!

Kirk Prindle

(Kirk Prindle is a West Seattle I-1068 coordinator and a resident of the Delridge Neighborhood)

WA I-1068: "FUSE and the ACLU - the Tea Party of the left???...‏"

Kirk Prindle:

How is the behavior of FUSE and the ACLU in re I-1068 any different than that of those involved with the Tea Party movement? In lieu of supporting issues profoundly important to their respective bases, these groups instead defer to a long history of mis-informed scare tactics and overt racist slander.

It takes an informed perspective to truly understand the tragic implications of continued prohibition to the working families of Washington State---especially families struggling in underprivileged areas and communities of color.

It is too bad the Board of FUSE does not have the necessary experience to understand the importance of this informed perspective (though, unfortunately, not surprising given their privileged demographic and socioeconomic make-up).

Fortunately -- in addition to the other many benefits of I-1068 to the State of Washington -- the initiative allows the people of Washington to identify who is truly willing to lead on important progressive issues in this state. It is clear progressives need to look beyond the privileged Board of Directors at FUSE.

Don't be conFUSEd...

True progressives support social justice!
True progressives SUPPORT I-1068!

Kirk Prindle: "Thank You for Voting and Welcome to the EVERGREEN APB – the Evergreen All Points Bulletin"

Kirk Prindle:

As I spoke around King County about how the state conservation district elections were unjust and merely marginalized the importance of natural resources to King County’s livable communities and thriving economies, I saw a hunger: a hunger for specific information about issues of environmental conservation. The people want to know and they deserve to know about how natural resources are managed and protected in King County.

We had such a positive response to our website addressing conservation issues specific to the region that we plan to continue the important conversation as a blog focusing on environmental issues germane to the State of Washington and the Pacific Northwest.

So…Welcome to the EVERGREEN APB – the Evergreen All Points Bulletin – a bulletin focusing on specific projects and issues of environmental, conservation, and/or land-use importance to the people of the Evergreen State.

We hope to include the informed perspective of those serving in local, state or federal municipal government; personnel from state and federal resource agencies; environmental activists; innovative design, development and building professionals; scientists; and, yes, those concerned with important rights and personal freedoms in an on-line discussion of Washington State environmental issues.

If you have an informed perspective to share on a specific policy issue, project or topic pertaining to conservation and/or the environment in Washington State please let us know through the “contact” page. The diverse voices, ideas, and perspectives on how to best protect our unique Evergreen environment must be heard.

Stay tuned and stay engaged.

I know you got it in you.

And PS – Thanks so much to all our supporters. Your informed perspective and inspiration has made such a difference and the KCD Board is hearing your call. Throughout the campaign the District (through Board members and staff) has reached out to better understand our call for an increased Countywide awareness of KCD’s great services and programs – as well as our loud call for an increased awareness of the importance of natural resources in King County.

I will remain engaged with the workings of KCD and hope that EVERGREENAPB.COM will provide a candid forum for the development of good and specific better ideas for the people of Washington – and the KCD Board – to consider.

Howie P.S.: Rumor has it that Prindle has been invited to affiliate his new blog with the existing online progressive NW infrastructure; details TBD. In case you didn't see them, here are the results of Tuesday's "election":

Max Prinsen 1772
Mara Heiman 1488
Mary Embleton 519
Kirk Prindle 402
Teri Herrera 51

KCD Election: "VOTE at the LIBRARY TODAY" and join us for a celebration of ideas at Sip Wine Bar (5th and Madison)

Kirk Prindle.com:

he time is upon us, vote now and let your voice be heard!

.

.

And, please join us for an election evening celebration of ideas at Sip Wine Bar – across from the southeast corner of the downtown Seattle library (5th and Madison). Please come and add fuel to the important conversation at Sip overlooking the library (the perfect venue to consider how to put a tree in the library!).

So join us and enjoy the great wine at Sip AND, as a special treat, ENJOY THE BLOW-YOUR-MIND AMAZING MUSIC OF “GRAVITY”!

http://www.realgravitymusic.com/

I am so grateful for the support and inspiration provided by the consummate professional musicians – Tim Kennedy, Ian Sheridan, and Claudio Rochat-Felix – who make up gravity. Their blend of jazz/funk/life is defining the music scene in Seattle, the West Coast and beyond (they are just returning from a West Coast tour). We are so lucky to have them so…DON’T MISS OUT.

4PM-9PM (music starts at 5PM)

Kirk Prindle on the KCD Board: "Keep It Natural"

Kirk Prindle:

Growing up, I was curious about my grandmother’s novelty pencils. She always wrote with pencils inscribed with the words “Keep it Simple.” I never understood how she had so many (did she constantly have them made?) or why she insisted on always using the pencils when she was writing. But, when asked, Nana would always defend the veracity of the phrase and loudly proclaim that it is always important – and often times difficult – to keep it simple.

Over the last fifteen years, I could have used having Nana around to help in my work reviewing and overseeing environmental restoration projects. But, I hold her opinion as dear, and in my work always strive to keep it simple – and in environmental restoration that means, KEEP IT NATURAL.

It is not always easy.

Sometimes, those in the environmental design field are so concerned with quickly rehabilitating a degraded habitat that they lose site of the larger goal – to facilitate the restoration of natural processes. Sometimes, the “greenwashing” and commercial promotion of engineered products is just too tempting and we buy into the idea that modern technology can improve upon nature. It is hard to assert the urgency of “Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There.”

As a result, over the years I have seen engineered products – from catch basins and piping to footing drains and filter media (artificial engineered soil) – repeatedly proposed for inclusion in restoration projects. I have seen streams converted to piped outfalls; I have seen filter fabric placed uphill of draining surface water; I have seen existing large trees and forest swaths proposed for clearcut to allow for expedited replanting (?); I have seen proposals to install rip rap jetties and groins proposed to allegedly “nourish” Puget Sound beaches. Unfortunately, I can go on. On a large scale, I have seen whole forested mountaintops removed and regraded to make way for “cutting edge” “green” and “sustainable” communities. On a small scale, I see a restoration focus on fencing and signage; and, I repeatedly see remnant artificial trash from “restoration” projects – flagging, irrigation piping, filter fabric, quarry spalls – left to degrade open space areas and native habitat.

The KCD Board needs to be acutely aware of these recurrent issues. Not only because the emphasis on technology over nature and on artificial engineered products is wholly counterproductive to effective habitat restoration, but also because these engineered products are often, by far, the largest percentage of a project’s overall cost. In this time of economic concern and with a budget of over six million dollars, it is so important for KCD to use our tax dollars wisely. The Board could save so much – and so more effectively affect conservation in King County – if they would just strive to KEEP IT NATURAL.

A lifetime of study and years of technical training are typically cited as qualifying me to review, oversee, and coordinate environmental restoration projects. But it often doesn’t take much technical expertise. Just experience. Experience that is sorely needed on the Board of Supervisors for the King Conservation District.

KEEP IT NATURAL

Prindle scolds Publicola for its "status quo" coverage of KCD Board Election

Kirk Prindle commenting on Publicola:

MORNING FIZZ vs. MORNING FUZZ?

Publicola does a distinct disservice to the District and the residents of King County by only mentioning the inured status quo candidate by name. Obviously the status quo is not working for the King Conservatin District as evidenced by the continued lack of awareness of the great programs offered by the District to the people and communities of King County.

The innacuracies in even the first paragraph of this article are astounding, and only further perpetuate confusion about what KCD does - and, more importantly, what KCD can and should be doing to help King County residents.

#1 - KCD has no influence over development, the spread of urban sprawl, or in fact any regulatory authority at all. KCD simply offers programs and funding to assist residents with conservation efforts - I believe they should greatly expand their services to include programs that truly promote an awareness of natural resources in our region.

#2 - Implications to the black-and-white false dichotomy of "environmentalism" vs. "property rights" only keep us from truly assessing effective options to affect conservation in the District - we are fortunate to have a wide array of uniquely-experienced candidates in the race this year. Emphasizing the importance of retaining status qou thinking only keeps the District further from making the improvements it so desperately needs.

#3 - There are political and systemic reasons for the perpetuation of the "secret" election procedures protected by KCD's status quo leadership - these should be accurately explored by Publicola as the "secret" election only keeps the District beholden to a limited group of ingrained stakeholders instead of serving the specific conservation needs of our livable King County communities.

The best way to get KCD to tailor their programs and services to the conservation needs of King County is to encourage informed involvement in the District and to encourage people to VOTE TUESDAY MARCH 16th (at the LIBRARY).

And it starts with true Morning Fizz...not Morning Fuzz.

My name is Kirk Prindle and I, too, am running for King Conservation District Board of Supervisors.

Find out more about my specific ideas to help KCD increase an awareness of the importance of natural resources to King County's thriving economies and livable communities at www.kirkprindle.com.

"The most important election you’ve never heard of"

Publicola:

The most important election you’ve never heard of, for a seat on the five-member King Conservation District board, is happening next Tuesday, March 16, at seven libraries around King County. The district gives out conservation grants and oversees land use in rural King County; the decisions it makes determine whether wetlands and habitat are protected or developed into suburban sprawl.

Environmental groups like the Sierra Club are supporting Max Prinsen over the other four candidates in the race because, in the words of Sierra Club political chair Scott Otterson, “He’s got a record of working with the King Conservation District already.” A former KCD board member and founder of the salmon-preservation group SHADOW, Prinsen also has the support of the King County Conservation Voters.

Other folks in the race include the director of the Cascade Harvest Coalition, a woman from Auburn who says she will “protect property rights” if elected, a former wetland biologist for the city of Issaquah; and a Redmond realtor who says she will “advance the preservation of our natural environment without fear of losing our freedoms to enjoy individual property rights.”

Seattle residents can vote at the downtown public library (1000 Fourth Ave.) between 10:30 am and 7:30 pm. Other locations are listed here.

Howie P.S.: My friend Kirk Prindle is the "former wetland biologist for the city of Issaquah."

"Kirk Prindle for King Conservation District Board of Supervisors"

KirkPrindle.com:

My name is Kirk Prindle and I am running for King Conservation District Board of Supervisors. This site provides information on my background as a biologist and environmental planner, and specifics on my experience working for the conservation of cherished natural resources in King County, the State of Washington, and beyond. It also includes “position papers” with information on how my perspective on the importance of environmental conservation has been shaped, and on specific issues that I think are important for KCD residents and communities to consider.

If you are unfamiliar with the work of the KCD, please take some time to explore their website at http://www.kingcd.org/. The District offers opportunities for everyone – from assistance with sustainable farming to help restoring natural areas and everything in between. The more you get involved, the more opportunities you will find to help your family, neighborhood and community sustain a better way of life.

So, get involved! Spread the word. And, be sure to vote at a participating library on March 16th.

Howie P.S.: Kirk is a friend of mine who is also a socially engaged environmentalist.