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THE KITSAP REPUBLICAN
May 2026
| We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. | |
MARK YOUR CALENDAR for MEETINGS & EVENTS!
Monday, June 1, 2026
6:00pm Candidate Forum!
Come and meet the candidates running this year!
7:00pm Central Committee & Executive Board Meeting
(1st Monday of every month)
KCRP Headquarters, 6610 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312
Confirmed candidates:
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Teresa Fox for 6th Congressional District Representative
- Leon Lawson for 6th Congressional District Representative
- Kevin Tisdel for Kitsap County Commissioner District 3
- Phil Cook for Kitsap County Auditor
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Rick Kuss for Kitsap County Sheriff
- Lance Byrd for 23rd Legislative District Representative Position 2
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Gary Parker for 26th Legislative District Senator
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David Olson for 26th Legislative District Representative Position 1
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Katy Cornell for 26th Legislative District Representative Position 2
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Drew MacEwen for 35th Legislative District Senator
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Dan Griffey for 35th Legislative District Representative Position 1
- David Stevens for Washington State Supreme Court
Bold indicates an early endorsement was received from the KCRP Executive Board.
Saturday, June 13, 2026
5:30pm Lincoln Day Dinner
Ticket sales close June 6!
Don't miss this once-a-year event!
Preview auction items here.
Kitsap Golf & Country Club
Wednesday, June 17, 2026
6:00pm KCRP Community Matters Meeting
KCRP Orientation, WAGOP Tools, & Discord Server
(rotates between weeknights and Saturday mornings)
KCRP Headquarters, 6610 Kitsap Way, Bremerton, WA 98312
★★★★★
Join Kitsap Republicans at one or more events!
https://www.kitsaprepublicans.com/calendar
★★★★★
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★★★★★
Executive Board Member Reports
Juliana McMahan, Chair
We are excited to be a part of the efforts to collect signatures for this year's initiatives. If you haven’t already volunteered, please consider signing up to help the signature collection efforts. People are EAGER to sign the Stop the State Income Tax initiative! In fact, they set a record of collecting over 92,000 signatures in the first week! You can sign up here:
https://www.kitsaprepublicans.com/event-signup
Many thanks to the PCOs who signed up to serve again the next term (2027-2028). The current PCOs term will end this December 2026 and the newly elected PCOs will vote to create our county organization’s structure for the next term on December 5, 2026.
If you are not yet part of the conversion, please check out our Discord server that allows Republicans all over the county to discuss and share information on issues they care about. Click here to join our Discord server! This month we added a disaster preparedness thread!
If you have not done so already, please make your 2026 membership donation to the Kitsap County Republican Party. We will use your money to build a stronger county party and support our local candidates.
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★★★★★
Cerina Murphy, State Committeewoman
WAGOP has introduced a new tool that will allow volunteers from across the state help with phone banking for key districts. Please let me know if you are interested in helping!
RNC has found that voter apathy is one of the biggest issues that keeps Republicans from voting. They will be sending workers to WA State to help full-time with election integrity work for this upcoming election.
Unexpected vacancies on the State Supreme Court is giving us a unique opportunity to elect justices who care about the rule of law. There are five open seats out of the nine justices this election cycle. Usually there are only three per cycle. This newly elected Supreme Court will likely decide lawsuits such as the state income tax that are being filed against the state this year. It is critical we support solid judicial candidates!
WAGOP will support four lawsuits in progress. One against the state income tax, one challenging the sheriff’s bill, one against the pension raid, and one the DOJ filed against the Secretary of State for their refusal to follow the law.
The people's initiatives are due July 2. We need people to sign up to volunteer to collect signatures. There are a number of opportunities to sign up on our website.
★★★★★
Alice Tawresey, Bainbridge Island
City of Bainbridge Island
May 12, 2026 – Regular City Council Business Meeting Summary
- Four May proclamations: Memorial Day, Police Week, Public Works Week, and Building Safety Month.
- Public comment on Island‑Wide Mobility Plan, Kitsap Transit circulator, cell service, Comprehensive Plan intro, and groundwater.
- Consent agenda passed: bills, minutes, 2026 Ford F‑250 purchase, 2023 greenhouse‑gas inventory, Climate Committee 2025 report/2026 workplan, and interlocal with Kitsap County Sheriff.
- Comprehensive Plan work: forwarded Verizon 10‑year franchise ordinance and Groundwater Management Plan to future adoption meetings; refined and advanced the Introduction, Cultural Element, and Human Services Element.
- Island‑Wide Mobility Plan approved as Transportation Element reference plan; council backed enhanced summer downtown services, formed a roundabout subcommittee, and okayed a support letter for North Kitsap District Court.
May 26, 2026 – Regular City Council Business Meeting Summary
- Jewish American Heritage Month proclamation and an employee wellness update tied to the AWC WellCity Program and health‑insurance savings.
- Consent agenda: bills and minutes, a construction contract for the 2026 annual road‑striping project (~208,708 dollars from the Streets Fund), and approval of a 10‑year Verizon telecommunications franchise ordinance.
- Comprehensive Plan work: consideration of the Transportation and Water Resources elements plus analysis of infrastructure and land capacity at full build‑out.
- Policy and funding items: extended the bonus FAR program sunset by four months, received a city‑manager hiring update, weighed a contribution to the YWCA ALIVE shelter, confirmed “Something New” rotating public‑art selections, and considered adding Councilmember Schneider as an extra Mobility Advisory Committee liaison.
About:
- The Bainbridge Island City Council meets most Tuesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. in City Hall (280 Madison Ave N), skipping fifth Tuesdays, with hybrid Zoom access.
- Agendas, minutes, and videos are posted at https://www.bainbridgewa.gov/AgendaCenter.
Bainbridge School District
May 14, 2026 – Regular BISD School Board Meeting
The May 14 meeting focused on long‑range planning, an energy‑efficiency project, and a major student trip, alongside routine reports.
The board heard an initial presentation on the 2026–2029 BISD Strategic Plan, summarizing eight months of work by a 29‑member steering committee, including a SWOT analysis, new vision/mission and a “Portrait of a Graduate,” broad community feedback, and refined goal areas. The board was asked questions only at this stage, with adoption targeted for May 28 and full implementation in 2026–27.
Directors considered and were asked to award a contract for District‑Wide LED Retrofits (Bid Package 1) at Ordway Elementary, Sakai Intermediate, and Woodward Middle School to Johnson Electric for about 430,147 dollars (including tax), after reviewing bids and the expected benefits for lighting quality and operating budgets.
On the consent agenda, the board reviewed an out‑of‑state, overnight Bainbridge High School band trip to Disneyland in May 2027 for team‑building and cultural experience.
The superintendent provided a district update; public comment and board reports were taken under standard procedures.
May 28, 2026 – Regular BISD School Board Meeting
The May 28 meeting combined student activities and athletics approvals with governance items, including WIAA membership, summer sports, AAC, and strategic plan adoption.
In the consent agenda, the board was asked to approve two state‑tournament overnight trips for Bainbridge High School: boys baseball to Bellingham for the State tournament (May 28–31) and boys soccer to Federal Way for the State tournament (May 29–30), along with routine donations and other consent items.
The board was asked to adopt Resolution 04‑25‑26 delegating authority to the WIAA to regulate interscholastic athletics and activities consistent with state law, reaffirming BISD’s participation in WIAA and its rules.
Directors reviewed and were asked to approve the district’s Summer Athletic Programs list, authorizing use of facilities, equipment, and transportation for summer sports in line with WIAA rules.
Student Services presented an informational update on Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), describing AAC tools (from picture boards to speech‑generating devices) and how they are being implemented to give non‑speaking and neurodivergent students a functional “voice” across classrooms and settings.
The board received a strategic plan presentation marked as an action item, following the earlier information‑only review on May 14, and heard the superintendent’s report plus a presentation from the YES Fund, along with standard public comment and board reports.
★★★★★
Christie Schultz, Bremerton
Bremerton City Council
May 6, 2026 – Regular City Council Meeting
The May 6 meeting was a relatively light business session focused on routine approvals and a major stormwater contract.
On the consent agenda, council was asked to:
- Approve the claims and check register, covering about 5.09 million dollars in checks and electronic transfers plus April 15 payroll, a payroll payout, and retiree payroll.
- Approve minutes from the April 15 council meeting and the April 22 study session.
- Award a contract to Active Construction, Inc. for the East 9th Street Stormwater Improvements Project, which will replace failing outfalls, upsize conveyance, add water‑quality improvements, rebuild the outfall at the East 9th Street Mini Park with shoreline/park restoration, and include mitigation work at Smith Cove, with a contract value of about 2.82 million dollars within a 4.33 million dollar CIP budget.
May 13, 2026 – City Council Study Session
The May 13 study session prepared council for the May 20 business meeting, with one public presentation and a series of briefings.
An information‑only presentation on programming and funding for the Bremerton Fan Zone tied to the FIFA World Cup, presented by the Downtown Bremerton Association.
Briefings and consensus to place several items on the May 20 consent agenda:
- appointment of Nancy Zellers to the Bremerton Housing Authority Board;
- a Washington State Department of Ecology design grant for the Oyster Bay Regional Treatment Facilities design;
- a Siemens agreement to replace the main service breaker at the Eastside UV plant;
- a Holt Services contract for Well 6R rehabilitation;
- an FHWA/PSRC grant and WSDOT local‑agency agreement for 11th Street Corridor design work; and
- an interlocal with Kitsap County (KC‑229‑26) for reimbursable work and equipment rental.
May 20, 2026 – Regular City Council Meeting
The May 20 meeting combined an information‑only technology presentation with a substantial consent agenda and one policy resolution.
Staff presented an overview of “Bremerton1,” the city’s customer response platform and app for reporting non‑emergency issues (potholes, stormwater, vegetation, graffiti, encampments, etc.), explaining reporting channels (phone, email, app/web), a five‑business‑day response goal, internal triage by a designated customer responder, and activity data (4,342 requests in 2025, with 71 still pending).
Consent agenda:
- The council was asked to approve the claims and check register (about 2.56 million dollars in disbursements plus roughly 1.42 million dollars in various April 30 payrolls);
- adopt minutes from the May 6 meeting and May 13 study session;
- appoint Nancy Zellers to the Bremerton Housing Authority Board;
- accept the Department of Ecology design grant for Oyster Bay Regional Treatment Facilities;
- approve the Siemens main‑breaker agreement for the Eastside UV plant;
- approve the Holt Services Well 6R rehabilitation contract;
- accept an FHWA grant (via PSRC) and WSDOT local‑agency agreement for the 11th Street Corridor Improvements project; and
- approve an interlocal with Kitsap County KC‑229‑26 for reimbursable work/equipment rental.
General business: Council was scheduled to consider Resolution No. 3410 authorizing an Opportunity Zone application for Census Tract 53035080300, following the earlier study‑session briefing.
About:
- The Bremerton City Council meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays (regular meetings, 5:30 p.m.) and 2nd and 4th Wednesdays (study sessions, 5:00 p.m.) at the Norm Dicks Government Center (345 6th St), with hybrid Zoom/BKAT live stream access.
- Agendas, packets, minutes, and archives are posted at https://www.bremertonwa.gov/691/Council-Meetings.
Bremerton School District
April 30, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting
The meeting opened with student recognitions and school presentations, including Bremerton High choir students performing the National Anthem, recognition of students headed to state vocal competition, and a Kitsap Lake Elementary second‑grade “A Pirate’s Daydream” presentation. The board proclaimed April 2026 as Month of the Military Child and Volunteer Appreciation Month, and received a bond program update, a mid‑year staff absence report, and an enrollment report.
Directors also reviewed ongoing bond and capital work (such as facility upgrades and technology projects), along with general fund revenues, expenditures, and fund balance for the spring period. Routine business included standard consent items and reports from district leadership, with no major new policy actions noted in the packet summary.
About:
- The Bremerton School District (BSD) board meets on the first and third Thursdays at 5:00 p.m. at the Administrative Offices (134 Marion Ave N, Bremerton).
- Zoom broadcasts; agendas, minutes, and public comment forms are posted at https://www.bremertonschools.org/meetings.
★★★★★
Rosemary Schuessler, Central Kitsap
Central Kitsap Community Council (CKCC)
About:
- The Central Kitsap Community Council holds regular meetings on the first Wednesday of each month (except July), 5:00–6:30 p.m., at 5300 NW Newberry Hill Road, with time reserved for public comment and an option to submit comments in advance by email for reading into the record.
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Additional information is available at https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Pages/CKCC.aspx.
Central Kitsap School Board
May 27, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting
The Central Kitsap School Board handled a large, mostly routine year‑end agenda focused on contracts, programs, and policy.
Key actions:
- Approved prior minutes, HR items, summer athletic programs, two summer student leadership trips, an amendment to the superintendent’s 2025–26 contract, and additional funding for Character Strong/PurposeFull People SEL curriculum.
- Accepted several donations, including 1,000 dollars to Silver Ridge Elementary and 15,000 dollars total to the CK Performing Arts Center from health and dental sponsors
- Renewed or approved a wide range of 2026–27 service and curriculum contracts (online learning, therapy vendors, MTSS support, copier lease, ClassLink, GoGuardian, and more), plus a Community Eligibility Provision agreement with OSPI so eligible schools can offer no‑cost meals
- Took multiple capital actions: bus purchases; change orders for Green Mountain fire/water damage work and the Olympic High softball scoreboard; commissioning for the Klahowya HVAC project; another change order for the Fairview Middle School replacement; and new budgets/contracts for Klahowya HVAC and EV chargers at the Operations Service Center
- Heard presentations from Barker Creek Community School ASB and Cougar Valley Elementary (SIPs in Action), received enrollment and budget status reports and Budget Advisory Council recommendations, approved district‑level instructional adoptions, moved the 2026–2031 Strategic Plan forward, and then went into executive session to review a public employee’s performance before adjourning.
About:
- The Central Kitsap School District (CKSD) board holds regular business meetings on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and study sessions on the second Wednesday, typically at the Teaching and Learning Center (1400 NE McWilliams Road, Silverdale), with hybrid in-person/Zoom access.
- Agendas and minutes are posted at https://www.ckschools.org/school-board.
Home Schooling
Group Links:
What to become a candidate, Precinct Officer or KCRP volunteer?
★★★★★
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Linda Popp, North Kitsap
Poulsbo City Council
April 8, 2026 – Workshop Meeting
The council met in workshop format to hear a legislative update from the city’s lobbyist and to review recommendations from the Housing, Health and Human Services (H3) Ad‑Hoc Affordable Housing Committee on how to prioritize local housing tax dollars. The housing discussion focused on “STEP” housing (shelter, transitional, emergency, and permanent supportive housing) and strategies to increase housing for residents at or below 60% of area median income, align with other jurisdictions, and leverage private‑sector development.
April 15, 2026 – Regular Business + Workshop
On the consent agenda, council approved multiple sets of February and March minutes and routine items such as a fireworks‑ban amendment ordinance, a lease with Coffee Oasis, a WSDOT pedestrian/bicycle detour agreement, and a consultant contract amendment for Oyster Plant Park permitting.
In the business agenda, they considered a Parks & Recreation Commission appointment, a downtown paid‑parking resolution, a short‑term lease extension with Cornerstone Church, and two grant‑authorizing resolutions (ALEA and Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program). The workshop portion covered the Defense Logistics Agency 1033 surplus program, special‑events review, lodging tax (LTAC) resolution discussion, Klingle property development, an impact‑fee update, and council questions/future agenda items.
May 6, 2026 – Regular Business + Workshop
The council recognized Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and honored parks and recreation volunteers, then moved through a substantial consent agenda. Consent items included retreat minutes, funding for planter boxes at the city’s Recovery Café, participation in the federal 1033 surplus‑equipment program, a lease addendum with Gambit Recovery for the Nelson House, acceptance of the Complete Streets curb‑ramp project, a resolution authorizing rental‑assistance funds for Gambit residents, and Viking Fest‑related noise‑ordinance and downtown parking‑enforcement adjustments.
Business items included a Pride flag/banner display request, an interlocal amendment with the Kitsap Public Facilities District (KPFD) for the PERC project, and contract awards for 2026–27 road striping and roadside landscaping. The workshop covered tourism and marine partnerships (Visit Kitsap Peninsula and a mobile pump‑out program), tsunami signage and awareness, special‑events review, a website‑redevelopment budget amendment, a cemetery‑ordinance update, a proposed parking lease with the Port of Poulsbo, and future‑agenda questions.
May 13, 2026 – Workshop Meeting
This meeting was structured entirely as a workshop focused on transportation, streets, water, and fees. Items included a proclamation for National Public Works Week, an update on the Neighborhood Streets pavement‑maintenance program (status of streets, completed and planned projects, funding, and street‑rating software), and discussion of a Transportation Benefit District, the Noll Road middle‑segment grant, the 6‑year Transportation Improvement Program, water‑conservation efforts, and a second 2026 impact‑fee workshop reviewing rate‑study results for parks, transportation, and fire.
May 20, 2026 – Regular Business + Workshop
The council opened with a land acknowledgment and a mayoral proclamation declaring June 2026 as Pride Month in Poulsbo. The consent agenda covered excusing a councilmember absence, March 2026 disbursements, a parking lease with the Port of Poulsbo, a budget amendment for a website‑redevelopment project, and acceptance of grant funding for the Noll Road middle‑segment project.
Business items included first‑quarter 2026 budget‑amendment ordinance 2026‑05, a budget action to purchase BKAT equipment using PEG fees, a contract amendment for the SR‑305 sewer force‑main project, and consideration of one‑time seed funding for a “250th 4th of July” community celebration. The workshop section reviewed special‑events policy and paid‑parking implementation, potential parking exemptions for city‑managed events, the Q1 financial status report and beginning‑balance budget adjustments, and council questions/future items, followed by an executive session on real‑estate lease or purchase.
About:
- The Poulsbo City Council typically meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. Videos are available on the BKAT Channel 12.
- Agendas posted online at https://poulsbo.gov/city-council-council-meetings.
North Kitsap School District
May 14, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting
The board focused on routine approvals and staffing. After public comment from one speaker regarding the failed capital levy and Pearson Elementary, directors unanimously approved the consent agenda (April 16 minutes, fiscal and personnel recommendations, and donations).
They then approved three action items: food and nutrition services purchase orders; an AVID college‑readiness contract; and Resolution 05‑01‑26 authorizing the employment of non‑supervisory certificated personnel, all on 3–0 votes with two members excused. The meeting adjourned at 4:21 p.m.
May 14, 2026 – Special Board Meeting with Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe
Immediately following their regular meeting, the board held a government‑to‑government special meeting at the Kingston‑area site with the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. After opening remarks by the tribal chair and board president, the groups discussed tribal recommendations, spring updates, and partnership opportunities.
Topics included development of Kingston High School’s CTE fisheries and aquaculture pathway (with a call for advisory volunteers and potential externships), connections between the high school medical pathway and tribal health, ongoing relationship‑building visits by Kingston administrators to the tribal center, and sharing the district’s 20‑year facilities plan survey through tribal communication channels.
May 28, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting
After recognizing the North Kitsap Choir Council and a Teacher of the Year honoree, the board took public comment and heard board, student representative, and superintendent reports.
On the consent agenda, directors approved May 14 regular and special‑meeting minutes, fiscal and personnel recommendations, and second‑quarter donations. Key action items included adoption of 2026‑27 fees and student clubs/accounts, approval of the 2026‑27 board meeting schedule, renewal of coverage with the Washington Schools Risk Management Pool, a high‑school textbook adoption, and a collective bargaining agreement with SEIU.
In management reports, the board reviewed March and April budget‑status reports, received a 2026‑27 budget update, and heard the annual Asset Preservation Program report on facility inventory and condition before recessing to executive session under RCW 42.30.110(1)(g) to review a public employee’s performance.
About:
- The North Kitsap School District (NKSD) board holds regular meetings on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. (except November, December, July, and August) at the Student Support Center (18360 Caldart Ave NE, Poulsbo) or rotating school sites, with "School Connection" sessions often preceding at 5:00 p.m.
- Agendas are posted by the prior Friday, minutes/videos on the Diligent Insight site at https://www.nkschools.org/about-us/school-board.
★★★★★
South Kitsap
South Kitsap School District
May 6, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting
The board opened with a land acknowledgment and adopted the agenda with no public comment requests. Staff and student recognitions highlighted Certificated Staff Appreciation Week and Nurse Appreciation Week, three schools recognized by the State Board of Education, two staff retirements, and SK Way awards for a paraeducator, an AVID tutor, and a middle‑school student.
Superintendent Tim Winter reported on written public comment trends, the Facilities Steering and Finance Advisory Committees, the South Kitsap Public Education Foundation event, arts promotion, and upcoming school activities, and he read a proclamation honoring Certificated Staff Appreciation Week. Student Circle of Champions members from South Kitsap High and Discovery High presented projects on inclusion for alternative programs, mastery‑based learning, financial literacy and life‑skills education, and a proposed tutoring center, including differing perspectives on limiting student cell‑phone use during instructional time.
The board then held a focused discussion on Policy 3245 (Students and Telecommunication Devices), emphasizing the need for consistent expectations, more staff and student input, enforcement capacity, and attention to social interaction impacts, with plans to continue the conversation at future meetings. In board‑development updates, directors reported on legislative advocacy, foundation events, literacy work, and book donations, and they approved a consent agenda covering policy updates, HR employment reports, vouchers and payroll, surplus technology, and April 22 minutes before adjourning at 6:51 p.m.
May 20, 2026 – Regular Board Meeting
The meeting opened with a call to order, pledge, and land acknowledgment recognizing the Suquamish ancestral homeland and the district’s commitment to belonging. After adopting the agenda, the board recognized staff and students with SK Way Awards tied to district core values, then move into two discussion items: literacy in South Kitsap (led by Director Megan Higgins) and continued board dialogue on student cell‑phone and electronic‑device use.
The large consent agenda (items 9.01–9.10) called for approvals of various routine but important actions, including WIAA membership renewal for 2026‑27, renewal of the interlocal agreement with the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office for SRO services, proposed breakfast and lunch price increases for 2026‑27, and Instructional Materials Committee recommendations adopting new “History Alive!” social‑studies texts for secondary grades.
About:
- The South Kitsap School District (SKSD) board holds regular meetings on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m., typically at the District Office (2689 Hoover Ave SE, Port Orchard) or rotating school sites
- Study sessions and special meetings agendas, minutes, and videos are posted on the district website at https://www.skschools.org.
★★★★★
Kitsap County Commissioners
Briefing Meetings in May:
HR: Proposed reclassifications and small staff reorganization in Public Works/Sewer Utilities and the Commissioners’ Office to improve efficiency and generate modest ongoing savings.
HR: No one‑time costs, no budget‑increasing actions, and no new HR resolutions or contracts; mostly updates and upcoming activities.
DCD: Monthly update covering natural resources, public outreach activities, and an Administrative Code Update project (with plan, engagement strategy, and change matrix).
About:
- The Kitsap County Board of Commissioners (BOC) holds frequent hybrid meetings (in-person at 619 Division St., Port Orchard, and via Zoom) including AM/PM work sessions on Mondays/Wednesdays and regular business meetings on the 2nd and 4th Mondays.
- Agendas, minutes, and videos are available online at: https://www.kitsap.gov/BOC_p/Pages/eAgenda_Search.aspx
Kitsap County Commissioners:
- District 1: Christine Rolfes (D)
- District 2: Oran Root (R)
- District 3: Katie Walters (D)
- Contact Info: (360) 337-7080 and kitsapcommissioners@kitsap.gov (sends a copy to all three commissioners)
Kitsap County Planning Commission
No meetings in May.
About:
- The Kitsap County Planning Commission meets on the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Commissioners’ Chambers at 619 Division Street, Port Orchard, in a hybrid format with Zoom access.
- Agendas and recordings are posted on the county DCD website at https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/Pages/PlanningCommission.aspx.
★★★★★
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May Community Matters Meeting re: Disaster Preparedness
KCRP welcomed representatives from the Kitsap County Department of Emergency Management who talked about being prepared for any disaster here in our area. To no one's surprise, the number one anticipated disaster is an earthquake (a.k.a. "The Big One") with a possible follow-up tsunami. In our (Kitsap County's) case, it's not a matter of if but when it will happen.
The speaker emphasized the importance of being prepared for multiple scenarios such as being without help or services for two days, two weeks, or even as long as two months if a large area is impacted. You can start small and build from there. Simple safety measures such as keeping a flashlight, thick-soled shoes, and a pair of leather gloves next to your bed can be the difference between being able to help others and needing help yourself.
You can read more about getting ready and download their handouts on their website https://www.kitsapdem.com/get-prepared. They also coordinate volunteers who sign-up to help in case of a disaster. If you are interested in being a volunteer, you can learn more about their program at https://www.kitsapdem.com/programs/volunteer.
KCRP Member Bob T. talked about how you can stay in contact with each other and the outside world using different types of radio systems. There are three basic ones:
- FRS (Family Radio Service) - These are your standard walkie talkies and are cheap and easy to use. They have a very limited range.
- GMRS (General Mobile Radio Service) - These are more like police radios and have a much longer range. You can receive NOA Weather Radio reports and police reports using these handheld devices. You just need a cheap "household license" to legally use them. They are more complicated to use, but still are within budget for most people.
- HAM - These are the granddaddies of radios and can reach around the world. You must have training and take a test to get a license to use them. Often HAM operators coordinate with GMRS operators in an emergency to create a network of radio channels and assist with regional communications.
KCRP now has a disaster-prep thread on our Discord server where you can chat with others about ideas and resources for disaster preparedness. (And learn about the different types of radios.) If you haven't joined our Discord server yet, please join us now!
KCRP Board Member Rose S. gave an excellent presentation on being an "everyday" prepper with practical ideas for being prepared for a disaster. You can click here to download a copy of her presentation, Are You Ready - An Everyday Prepper's Perspective.
★★★★★
Join us next month on Wednesday, June 17 at 6pm! (see flyer below for details)
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★★★★★
Volunteers Needed!
Volunteer to help on one of the many KCRP Committees. Learn more about them at https://www.kitsaprepublicans.com/committees.
Volunteer Opportunities – Serve Our Community and Make Washington Great Again!
We are excited to invite dedicated volunteers to join us in supporting local events that celebrate our heritage, strengthen families, and build real community spirit across Kitsap County. In challenging times for Washington, your service is a powerful way to give back, promote self-reliance, local pride, and the values that make our state a great place to live, work, and raise a family. These opportunities let you contribute directly to positive change through hands-on involvement. Your time and energy can help Make Washington Great Again—step up and serve with us!
Signup for Fathoms O' Fun, Whaling Days, Crosby Days, and Kitsap Fair here: https://www.kitsaprepublicans.com/event-signup
Contact Lance Byrd today at lancebyrd@yahoo.com or sign up for shifts at the link above. Spots are limited and fill quickly—seize this chance to get involved and help Make Washington Great Again!
★★★★★
State news: The Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) was referenced by the Bremerton City Council, with indications that some federal funding has been cut. Some of us previously attended PSRC workshops that appeared costly (catered food and live blues band) but produced little beyond debate and good feelings, leading to concern that PSRC may be becoming a costly effort with few tangible results.
★★★★★
On May 15–16, “initiative days” at our booth drew many concerned citizens, especially about voter ID. Irene’s organization was excellent, and Patti posted a strong Kuss video from Viking Fest with great music. It is important to be ready when Democratic activists use inflammatory claims; stay informed and respond by calmly redirecting to local issues, for example, “We focus on local politics—do you know who your county commissioner or senator is?” rather than stooping to insults.
★★★★★
County news: An analysis of Oran Root’s May 4 talk surfaced some concerns, especially about the sheriff’s medical‑cost burden. Under RCW 74.09.675, inmates who request “gender‑affirming medical treatment” cannot be denied such care even when it is considered cosmetic. Critics argue that this places an unfair strain on Washington’s Medicaid system and could, at least in theory, attract individuals who want to exploit generous benefits. They also emphasize that gender‑affirming care is expensive and question whether this policy is appropriate or sustainable.
★★★★★
Many KCRP members are now using Discord. It is very easy to sign up, and there is a good schedule of events there too. Get connected and hang out with your fellow Republicans on the internet! https://discord.gg/SgDRMTaMJU
★★★★★
Puget Sound Patriots Meeting on May 18, 2026: Joel Ard gave an effective and humorous talk on behalf of Rick Kuss, explaining that Kuss is back on the ballot despite Senate Bill 5974, which would have disqualified him from running for sheriff. The group also discussed a proposed requirement for sheriff candidates to take polygraph tests, noting that courts have rejected this for now because polygraph results are generally not accepted as evidence in legal or psychiatric practice.
A citizen raised concern that the county is still exploring “battery energy storage” projects, typically linked to wind or solar power. Participants emphasized that large‑scale batteries involve hazardous chemicals, can rust and pollute, are hard to recycle at the end of their life, and carry fire or explosion risks, making them undesirable near neighborhoods. Several argued that, given the area’s nuclear experience, the county should consider nuclear power instead, since they believe nuclear waste is better understood and easier to contain than battery waste.
The main takeaway was that more residents need to attend county meetings to monitor and push back on such proposals. The group also heard that Cerina’s “Young Republicans” organization is now active, and members were encouraged to contact her for details and to celebrate this new effort.
★★★★★
National: Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is on the hot seat for “creating crisis” then profiting from it, and Moms for Liberty is on the warpath after them. If you want more info, check out: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/05/11/us/alabama-investigation-southern-poverty-law-center.html
★★★★★
Upcoming Events:
Lincoln Day Dinner will be on June 13, purchase tickets at www.KitsapRepublicans.com or email LDD@KitsapRepublicans.com for tickets and details.
Liberty and Lemonade will be on June 20th from 1pm to 4pm. Check it out at libertyandlemonade.org. Entrance is free. Bring the kids!!!
Rick Kuss has many events pending. Check out his schedule at www.VoteKuss.com
★★★★★
| | You are invited to Liberty & Lemonade! | |
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This family-friendly event includes lots of games, cotton candy, hot dogs, etc. There are also various activities to help you learn more about civics. And best of all, it is free to attend!
Local leaders and candidates have been invited. You will have an opportunity to meet them and ask questions.
This will be a fun event, and we hope you can all come. Please bring your kids or grandkids!
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