Hard to believe the Democrats could find a more partisan candidate for Secretary of State than they had in 2016 – but they did.  Three years ago, the Democrats ran Tina Podlodowski to be Washington’s top election official.  She is so partisan that she is currently the Washington State Democrat Party Chair.  For next year’s election the Democrats have tagged a party attorney who has also worked for Democrat candidates but has never overseen an election or even worked in an election office. (MyNorthwest)

Oak Harbor farmer Ron Muzzall was appointed Washington state senator to finish the term of Barbara Bailey who announced her retirement from the 10^th legislative district seat last summer.  Muzzall received unanimous support from the commissioners of Island, Skagit, and Snohomish counties.  This term runs until the 2020 elections. (Everett Herald)

In a study by Washington State University, police officers believe there has been an increase in driving under the influence of marijuana since the state legalized cannabis in 2012.  Officers contend this might not show up in the crime stats for there is currently no universally accepted method for determining impairment and it is often mixed with alcohol.  Officers also believe there has been an increase in underage consumption. (Spokesman Review)

The Washington Supreme Court determined unconstitutional a state law which automatically required vehicles to be impounded that are involved in a DUI arrest.  The court ruled that the 2011 law was too broad and that police must consider alternatives before impounding a vehicle. (iFIBER One)

Bellevue city council candidate wants to impose a housing measure that is even more liberal than Seattle’s current policies.  James Bible is running against Jennifer Robertson for the Position 7^th council seat and has stated that he wants to, “work toward the creation of a system of rent controls.” This is the same position being promoted by socialist Kshama Sawant in Seattle, but the proposal has not been passed by the extremely liberal city council. (Bellevue Reporter)

Seattle and King County will stop accepting plastic bags in recycling material in the new year for the bags clog up the sorting and compacting machines.  Also, China, which is the largest receiver of recycling material, will no longer accept plastic bags in the paper bales. (Seattle Times)

Stating the current city government is “stalled on too many critical issues,” the Spokesman Review has endorsed Nadine Woodward to become the next mayor of Spokane.  The endorsement editorial stated, “The majority of the current council receives heavy backing from public employee and other unions. That has tied leaders’ hands when it comes time to make tough decisions about personnel and organizational structure.” Woodward’s opponent, Ben Stuckart, is the current president of the council, has received strong financial support from government unions, and recently stated it was his priority, “to take care of our (city) employees.”  (Spokesman Review)

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