HomeMy WebLinkAbout040926 email - Request for Support_ Join the Convention of Counties for Fair RepresentationALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear Jefferson BoCC,
I am writing to introduce you to the Convention of Counties (COC) and to explain the reason why I believe a reapportionment of state senators by county, rather than by district, is necessary
in Washington State.
The people of Washington have been unequally represented due to current senatorial district apportionment. At present, we have 49 state senators and 39 counties, but representation is
heavily skewed toward a few urban areas.
COUNTIES FIRST
In our state senate, three counties currently control a majority of seats:
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King County – 17 state senators
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Snohomish County – 7 state senators
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Pierce County – 5 state senators
Out of 49 total senate seats, 29 senators represent these three counties, leaving only 20 senators to represent the remaining 36 counties. This imbalance results in situations where
some legislative districts encompass six to seven counties, meaning that one senator represents multiple counties and cannot reasonably reflect each county’s distinct interests.
This means that the combined influence of King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties effectively controls 55% of the state senate, leaving our smaller and rural communities underrepresented.
I respectfully ask that your Board of County Commissioners consider joining the Convention of Counties and filing a Resolution to formally support the movement toward reapportioning
state senate seats by county for fair and equal representation statewide.
Matt Hawkins—creator of the Convention of Counties and a former candidate for Washington State Auditor in 2024—has developed a clear pathway to reform through his organization and published
work. You can learn more at:
🔹 Convention of Counties Website <http://conventionofcounties.com/>
🔹 “Counties First” by Matt Hawkins on Amazon <http://a.co/d/01xe0pbP>
His book “COUNTIES FIRST” outlines a process to restore equal representation in the state senate by assigning one senator per county, ensuring every region of our state has an equal
voice.
To hear a deeper discussion of the proposal, you can listen to Matt’s recent appearance on Right Spokane Perspective Radio:
🎧 Monday with Matt Hawkins – Counties First <https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/monday-with-matt-hawkins-counties-first/id1476944167?i=1000758212893>
Please feel free to contact Matt Hawkins directly if you would like to learn more or invite him to speak with your board. His contact information is available at the website linked above.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you and hope your county will join in supporting this important effort for equitable representation across Washington
State.
Best regards,
Erik Nelson
Port Townsend