It was great seeing so many of you at the ERC Picnic on July 21. We appreciate Paul Hess hosting the event! We hope you all had a good time hearing from and mingling with the candidates.
As usual, there’s no ERC meeting in August. Our next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 1. We’re working on confirming availability of speakers, and will have details for you soon. Given the progress of the coronavirus, it will likely be another online meeting.
Tuesday, July 21, 5-8:30 PM at 19235 73rd Avenue NE, Kenmore
From I-405, take SR-522 West (toward Seattle).
In about 4 miles, turn right onto 73rd Ave NE [O’Reilly Auto Parts on the corner].
Go about 0.8 miles. The house will be on your left.
If you reach NE 201st Pl, you’ve gone too far. Click Here for Bing Map Directions
Celebrate July the old-fashioned American way! Enjoy hotdogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill, topped off with chips, non-alcoholic drinks and an assortment of potluck sides, salads, and desserts!
Come, mingle with the candidates, and hear about their campaigns in this very important election. Visit with old and new friends.
Buy Raffle Tickets for Prizes! Bring a side, salad, or dessert to share and
get a free raffle ticket!
Please bring folding chairs for everyone in your party.
COVID-19 Guidelines
If you are feeling ill/showing symptoms, please stay home. (Click Here to read COVID Symptoms per CDC) While we expect to have sufficient space for social distancing most of the time, if you want to bring a mask or other PPE, feel free to do so.
Join us on Tuesday, June 30, when Eastside Republican Club hosts an online “meet and greet” with candidates! The event will be live streamed on the ERC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EastsideCitizens4Democracy, beginning at 7:00PM. You don’t need to be a member of Facebook to watch! Let’s turn Washington red!
About the Candidates (in alphabetical order)
Doug Basler
Doug Basler is a candidate for Congress in the 9th District which extends from Bellevue to Tacoma. He’s president and founder of EZTVSPots.com, an entrepreneur, business owner, national trainer and conference speaker, media producer, TV and radio personality, community volunteer, and currently president of Eastside Republican Club. He’s the past Senior Vice Chair of the King County GOP, and has run for Congress three times previously. He’s a pro-life, pro-Trump constitutional conservative who opposes the erosion of our civil rights during the coronavirus pandemic, supports President Trump and his America First policy, and supports strong borders and stopping the illegal immigration, human trafficking, and drug related gang activity that porous borders create. He would seek to drastically reduce the disastrous H1B guest worker visa program. His web site is http://www.dougbasler.com.
Tim J Hickey
Tim J Hickey is a candidate for State Representative in the 48th Legislative District, which includes parts of Kirkland, Redmond, Bellevue, and the Points communities. He serves as chair of the 48th District Republicans, on the board of Eastside Republican Club, and as Vice Chair of the Kirkland Senior Council. Tim is a professional dancer and dance instructor, having founded Tim Hickey’s Dance Studio and the Kirkland Dance Center, and was a significant contributor to the founding of Kirkland Performance Center. He recently retired as an adjunct professor at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA. Tim studied Business Management at Boston University and Political Science and Sociology at the University of Massachusetts in Dartmouth. He supports Safer Schools, Safer Neighborhoods, Strong Businesses and Lower Taxes! His web site is http://timjhickey.com.
Kyle Lyebyedyev
Kyle Lyebyedyev is a candidate for State Representative in the 47th Legislative District, which includes parts of Kent, Covington, Auburn, and surrounding areas. Kyle was born in Ukraine while the territory was under the control of the USSR. Growing up in a military family under communism, Kyle developed a strong desire for freedom. He legally immigrated to the US in 2002 to pursue freedom and happiness, strongly believing in the American Dream. Kyle is a successful small business owner and family man. He and his wife Lily have been married for 16 years and have 3 children. He received the Veda Jellen Grassroots Activist Award from the King County GOP in 2019, and serves on the board of Eastside Republican Club. He is focusing his campaign on common sense and accountability, parental choice in education, immigration reform, cutting regulations and reducing taxes, and implementing proven methods of reducing criminal recidivism. His web site is https://www.peopleforkyle.org.
Marty McClendon
Marty McClendon is a candidate for Lieutenant Governor of Washington state. Marty is a pastor, real estate broker, and co-host (with Doug Basler) of the radio program “Eyes on Washington”. He volunteers with several organizations including Boys and Girls Club, Habitat for Humanity, Make A Wish Foundation, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and is a member of Gig Harbor Rotary. He currently serves as Vice President of Eastside Republican Club. He and his wife Lyn have three children, and live in Gig Harbor. He has previously run for Lieutenant Governor (2016), Congress (2014), and Washington State Senate (2010). He is focusing his campaign on government accountability and responsiveness to the public, restricting lobbying of the legislature by government agencies, reforming government budget practices and encouraging efficiency. His web site is http://electmarty.com.
Don’t miss Eastside Republican Club on May 5! We’re hosting an OnlineCandidate Forum for six Republican candidates for Governor of Washington! Our own Marty McClendon will moderate. The forum will be live streamed on the ERC Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EastsideCitizens4Democracy, beginning at 7:00PM. You don’t need to be a member of Facebook to watch! Let’s turn Washington red!
About the Candidates (in alphabetical order)
Loren Culp
Loren Culp is Police Chief in Republic, Washington. As a U.S. Army Soldier, Loren honed his leadership skills in the Drill Sergeant School which he then used to help turn civilians into soldiers. He was the Honor Graduate for his class of Combat Engineers and an Honor Graduate of the Non Commissioned Officers Academy for Leadership. He was a Sergeant in the world famous 101st Airborne Division and the 2nd Infantry Division serving under President Ronald Reagan. After his military service, he was a small business owner for more than 20 years. In November of 2018, Loren was the first Police Executive to take a stand against the gun restriction initiative I-1639 which he believes is unconstitutional.
Tim Eyman
Tim Eyman is best known for sponsoring many conservative ballot initiatives in Washington, including I-695 (“$30 Car Tabs”), I-747 (1% limit on property tax levy increases), I-18 (reducing the King County Council from 13 members to 9), I-900 (government performance audits), I-960 (2/3rd legislative vote to raise taxes), and many others. In 2019, his initiative 976 to restore $30 car tabs and repeal the onerous Sound Transit tax was approved with 53% of the vote statewide, but is being challenged in court by Democrat politicians who resist the will of the people. He has stood strong in the face of legal persecution by the Washington State Attorney General, who is demanding he be permanently banned from political activity in Washington. He’s a frequent speaker at ERC, most recently on the topic of “Fearless Activism”.
Phil Fortunato
Phil Fortunato is State Senator for the 31st Legislative District, and serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, Housing Committee, and Environmental Committee. He previously served as State Representative in the 31st and 47th Districts. Starting with a lawn-cutting business at age 18, Phil built a successful commercial landscaping and hydroseeding business. He currently owns and operates Eco-3, an erosion and stormwater management company. With over 30 years of experience, Phil provides environmental training and helps builders navigate environmental regulation. He was president and founding director of the Pacific Northwest chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. He and his wife Suzanne had been married 42 years, and have five children and four grandchildren.
Joshua Freed
Joshua Freed, a lifelong Washingtonian, was elected to the Bothell City Council in 2005 and later served as mayor. He oversaw revitalization of downtown, protected open space, and cleaned up long-ignored environmental issues, while giving tax relief to those who needed it. When King County announced plans to further imperil those with drug addiction by building heroin injection sites, Joshua persuaded local officials in nearly 20 cities and counties to ban injection sites in their communities and focus public resources on helping people break the cycle of addiction. He founded his real estate company with the vision of developing strong communities for families, and grew the business during the Great Recession into one of the premier locally-owned homebuilders in the Puget Sound region.
Anton Sakharov
Anton Sakharov is a community activist and businessman who knows what it’s like to live under anti-capitalist regimes, something he fears could happen in this country and in the state as we tilt closer and closer towards socialism. He’s an immigrant who has lived through Soviet socialism and witnessed religious oppression and antisemitism; he knows from personal experience that our current path is a dangerous one. He pledges to use his more than 13 years experience in high-tech and in-depth management experience, to turn Washington away from its current socialist direction.
Martin Wheeler
Martin Wheeler is a lifelong Washingtonian who was born in Tacoma, graduated from Bethel Senior High School and Tacoma Community College, and is an alumnus of the National Fire Academy in Emmetsburg, Maryland. He began in the fire service as a volunteer with Pierce County Fire District 17 at the age of 14. He was hired by Pierce County Fire District 7, and worked with Central Pierce Fire and Rescue until his retirement. He’s worked with county boards of health developing rules, regulations, policies and procedures. He’s demonstrated through his years in public service that he is dedicated to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. His dream of giving back and making a difference becomes reality.
Due to ongoing social distancing requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic, the April 7 monthly dinner meeting has been CANCELLED. The Board is working on the possibility of rescheduling the candidate forum at a future date once large gatherings are again permitted. The Treasurer will be in touch with those of you who already registered and prepaid for the April meeting to determine if you would like a refund or to carry your prepayment over to the next dinner meeting. Everyone stay safe and healthy!
Due to ongoing social distancing requirements due to the coronavirus pandemic, the April 7 monthly dinner meeting has been CANCELLED. The Board is working on the possibility of rescheduling the candidate forum at a future date once large gatherings are again permitted. The Treasurer will be in touch with those of you who already registered and prepaid for the April meeting to determine if you would like a refund or to carry your prepayment over to the next dinner meeting. Everyone stay safe and healthy!
Don’t miss Eastside Republican Club on April 7! We’re hosting a Candidate Forum for the top five Republican candidates for Governor of Washington! Our own Marty McClendon will moderate. This will be one of our biggest events of the year and we’re expecting a sellout crowd! RSVP today! Pre-pay to save $2 and reserve your spot. As always, we will have a great dinner and plenty of time to hang out with new and old Republican friends! Dinner starts at 6PM and the program begins no later than 6:30. Let’s turn Washington red! See you on April 7, 6PM at the Sheraton Hotel in Bellevue.
About the Candidates (in alphabetical order)
Loren Culp
Loren Culp is Police Chief in Republic, Washington. As a U.S. Army Soldier, Loren honed his leadership skills in the Drill Sergeant School which he then used to help turn civilians into soldiers. He was the Honor Graduate for his class of Combat Engineers and an Honor Graduate of the Non Commissioned Officers Academy for Leadership. He was a Sergeant in the world famous 101st Airborne Division and the 2nd Infantry Division serving under President Ronald Reagan. After his military service, he was a small business owner for more than 20 years. In November of 2018, Loren was the first Police Executive to take a stand against the gun restriction initiative I-1639 which he believes is unconstitutional.
Tim Eyman
Tim Eyman is best known for sponsoring many conservative ballot initiatives in Washington, including I-695 (“$30 Car Tabs”), I-747 (1% limit on property tax levy increases), I-18 (reducing the King County Council from 13 members to 9), I-900 (government performance audits), I-960 (2/3rd legislative vote to raise taxes), and many others. In 2019, his initiative 976 to restore $30 car tabs and repeal the onerous Sound Transit tax was approved with 53% of the vote statewide, but is being challenged in court by Democrat politicians who resist the will of the people. He has stood strong in the face of legal persecution by the Washington State Attorney General, who is demanding he be permanently banned from political activity in Washington. He’s a frequent speaker at ERC, most recently on the topic of “Fearless Activism”.
Phil Fortunato
Phil Fortunato is State Senator for the 31st Legislative District, and serves on the Senate Transportation Committee, Housing Committee, and Environmental Committee. He previously served as State Representative in the 31st and 47th Districts. Starting with a lawn-cutting business at age 18, Phil built a successful commercial landscaping and hydroseeding business. He currently owns and operates Eco-3, an erosion and stormwater management company. With over 30 years of experience, Phil provides environmental training and helps builders navigate environmental regulation. He was president and founding director of the Pacific Northwest chapter of the International Erosion Control Association. He and his wife Suzanne had been married 42 years, and have five children and four grandchildren.
Joshua Freed
Joshua Freed, a lifelong Washingtonian, was elected to the Bothell City Council in 2005 and later served as mayor. He oversaw revitalization of downtown, protected open space, and cleaned up long-ignored environmental issues, while giving tax relief to those who needed it. When King County announced plans to further imperil those with drug addiction by building heroin injection sites, Joshua persuaded local officials in nearly 20 cities and counties to ban injection sites in their communities and focus public resources on helping people break the cycle of addiction. He founded his real estate company with the vision of developing strong communities for families, and grew the business during the Great Recession into one of the premier locally-owned homebuilders in the Puget Sound region.
Anton Sakharov
Anton Sakharov is a community activist and businessman who knows what it’s like to live under anti-capitalist regimes, something he fears could happen in this country and in the state as we tilt closer and closer towards socialism. He’s an immigrant who has lived through Soviet socialism and witnessed religious oppression and antisemitism; he knows from personal experience that our current path is a dangerous one. He pledges to use his more than 13 years experience in high-tech and in-depth management experience, to turn Washington away from its current socialist direction.
Eastside Republican Club’s monthly meetings are held at Sheraton Bellevue Hotel; click here for location information and directions. Monthly meetings cost $25 per person [$23 per person if paid in advance, online]. Please RSVP online at https://www.eastsiderepublicanclub.org/rsvp/ so we have an accurate count for dinner.
Conservative, Republican must attend event! The ERC March 3 meeting! Leo Novsky, Executive Director of Defy Ventures Washington and our vision for the 2020 election! Great food, friends and fun!
Leo Novsky
“I never thought that I would find what it means to be free by going to prison, but that is exactly what happened. This year, after 5 years of volunteering in prison, I took a leap and started Defy Ventures Washington — an independent chapter of a national non-profit that teaches entrepreneurship, employment, and empowerment in prisons and beyond. Looking for the best program in the business, I found Defy Ventures and now have licensed their curriculum in order to bring it to Washington State.” — Leo Novsky
Eastside Republican Club’s monthly meetings are held at Sheraton Bellevue Hotel; click here for location information and directions. Monthly meetings cost $25 per person [$23 per person if paid in advance, online]. Please RSVP online at https://www.eastsiderepublicanclub.org/rsvp/ so we have an accurate count for dinner.
Join your friends for our State of the Union Viewing Party on Tuesday, February 4th! Doors open at 5:30 (a half hour earlier than usual) and the State of the Union speech is scheduled to start at 6:00. Come early for the best seating! Wear your MAGA gear and be ready for a delicious dinner and tons of excitement at our new location, the Sheraton Bellevue! We’ll have a lively discussion afterwards and hear some news about the upcoming Washington State Presidential Precinct Caucuses from KCGOP Chair Cynthia Cole. This is a don’t miss event!
Eastside Republican Club’s monthly meetings are held at Sheraton Bellevue Hotel; click here for location information and directions. Monthly meetings cost $25 per person and includes a full dinner. RSVP and pay online by January 29 for a $2 discount.
Please join ERC at the Sheraton Bellevue Hotel (Note New Location for 2020!) at 6PM on January 7 when our speaker will be Caleb Heimlich, chairman of the Washington State Republican Party, for a look ahead to the 2020 legislative session and elections.
Caleb Heimlich
Caleb Heimlich has served as chair of the Washington State Republican Party since the beginning of 2018. Born and raised in Puyallup, the third of eight children, Caleb was home educated until he enrolled at age 17 in Running Start at Pierce Community College. He went on to graduate Hillsdale CollegeMagna Cum Laude with a degree in Political Economy. Upon graduation, he worked for Americans for Prosperity in Washington DC and then for AFP in Washington State organizing grass-roots activists. That led to being hired as the Political Director of the WSRP in 2011, promoted to Executive Director in 2013 with the additional title of Chief of Staff in 2016. Caleb’s political experience includes running for office at the age of 23 in LD 25. Though unsuccessful in the primary, he immediately worked on the field team for the Pierce County Republican Party.
On January 7, ERC will also hold our Annual Business Meeting, electing board members as well as officers for 2020. Individuals who have been ERC members for at least the three months preceding the meeting will be eligible to vote. If you are interested in serving on the board, please email info@eastsiderepublicanclub.org.
Eastside Republican Club’s monthly meetings are held at Sheraton Bellevue Hotel (Note New Location for 2020!); click here for location information and directions. Monthly meetings cost $25 per person and include dinner (but you get a $2 discount for paying online in advance). Food and networking are at 6:00PM, and the program begins at 6:30PM. Please RSVP online if you plan to attend the upcoming meeting.
Please join us at 6PM on October 1 at the Red Lion Bellevue to Discover the Discovery Institute!
Steve Buri
Our guest speaker Steve Buri joined Discovery Institute in 2000 as Executive Director and was appointed president in 2011. He was worked in various capacities in local, state and federal government including as a senior staff member to U.S. Senator Slade Gorton. In 2009 he founded the Roanoke Conference, a statewide political conference designed to connect activists and elected officials with students and young professionals.
Founded in 1991 by Bruce Chapman and George Gilder, Discovery Institute is headquartered in Seattle but has scholars and fellows all over the country and internationally. Steve Buri explains: “Discovery Institute is more than a think tank. While we still maintain an interest in public policy, we are increasingly a cultural institution — one that examines and challenges the worldview assumptions and cultural influences that drive public policy.”
In addition to hearing from Mr. Buri, ERC has invited Republicans running for local offices in the November general election to come to the meeting and tell us about their campaigns.
Eastside Republican Club’s monthly meetings are held at Red Lion Hotel Bellevue; click here for location information and directions. Monthly meetings cost $20 per person and include a light buffet. Food and networking are at 6:00PM, and the program begins at 6:30PM. Please RSVP online if you plan to attend the upcoming meeting.
and the State of the Union speech is scheduled to start at 6:00. Come early for the best seating! Wear your MAGA gear and be ready for a delicious dinner and tons of excitement at our new location, the Sheraton Bellevue! We’ll have a lively discussion afterwards and hear some news about the upcoming Washington State Presidential Precinct Caucuses from KCGOP Chair Cynthia Cole. This is a don’t miss event!
