SEQUIM COMMUNITY STUDY GROUP

Clallam County, Washington is referred to as the bellwether county for the nation. Much of the reasoning for this designation lies in its perceived 50-50 split down the middle between traditional liberal and conservative voters. Voting trends in Eastern Clallam County are increasingly rejecting conservative and center-right candidates in state and local elections, whether they be for partisan or non-partisan offices. One might think that Independent candidates would thrive in such an environment. However, at the present time, the opposite seems to be the case. In the partisan rancor, Independents are attacked by both sides as being too conservative and not conservative enough at the same time. In numerous recent local and state elections, the Clallam County electorate has consistently voted against Republican and Independent candidates alike. A question worthy of investigation and analysis is, "Do these current voting patterns reflect a long term trend or are they a more transient reality.

The Sequim Community Study Group is a citizen led committee made up of sixteen citizens residing in the Sequim area of independent mindset, not having close ties to either political party. Its objective is to explore the nature of public political trends in the area. The agenda is rather open, in the form of brainstorming: no idea or suggestion is too outlandish to consider. Each hypothesis will be considered on its merits based on the members' experience interacting with other citizens of Sequim and its surrounding area.

SUMMING IT UP

There is a strong need for people willing to invest their experience in the coaching of inexperienced unaffiliated candidates in the technicalities involved in starting and running their campaigns. This need extends to conducting or participating in candidate recruitment, candidate training and guidance; voter education, participation and awareness; to advance the cause of independent candidates for the people. Any assistance provided through education of a candidate or candidate's team should be on a nonpartisan basis, without obligation or commitment. It should be provided on a strictly no cost basis and have no valuation for reporting purposes.