*UPDATE* - This post has been updated with new information.
More than $10,000 this campaign season has been contributed by one Bellingham couple to the local Democratic Party and progressive candidates.
Martin and Sheila Nickerson have given $10,090 to the No on I-1033 campaign, Planned Parenthood Votes Washington PAC, the Whatcom County Democratic Party and several candidates.
It’s the first year that the Nickersons have given to local campaigns or parties, according to the state Public Disclosure Commission’s contributions database. *UPDATE* - According to the PDC database search on Nickerson, it’s the first year as noted before … but that’s wrong. Thanks to an e-mailer I’ve been made aware that Nickerson contributed $1,350 to Dan McShane’s Bellingham mayoral bid in 2007. It only shows up by going directly to McShane’s contributions, however. I apologize for the earlier inaccuracy. This leaves the potential, of course, that he’s contributed other years, too, that don’t show up when you do an individual search for him.
*UPDATE 2* - I’ve been able to sleuth out what I hope are all of Nickerson’s contributions. Since 2002, he and his wife have contributed $23,273 to local and state campaigns. All Democrats and liberal/progressive causes it appears.
The largest recipient of candidate campaign cash was Bellingham City Council Ward 6 candidate Michael Lilliquist, who told me today that he met Martin Nickerson at a Democratic Party fundraiser about halfway through this year’s campaign season. Lilliquist has received $4,000 overall from the Nickersons.
The Democratic Party has received $6,000 from Nickerson this campaign season, most recently with a large $5,000 sum on Friday, Oct. 23, according to records.
I have an e-mail in to Nickerson as well as Democratic Party chairwoman Natalie McClendon for more information.
*UPDATE* - From McClendon:
Mr. Nickerson is not an active volunteer or leader in the party, but is one of many people who cares a lot about our success at promoting our goals of protecting farmland, fighting sprawl, ensuring clean drinking water, and developing a sustainable local economy.
Martin Nickerson’s name is attached to the bulk of the donations. I did my best to seek background on him.
From what I can tell, Nickerson is a 69-year-old retired engineer who last lived in Juneau, Alaska. He and Shiela purchased their Edgemoor Neighborhood home in 1998 and at least Martin has been active in the neighborhood, helping to coordinate their neighborhood plan update. He also golfs, according to our archives. The only two mentions I found were about golf tournaments.
The information was obtained through records from the PDC, the Federal Elections Commission, our archives, the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office, Assessor’s Office and the Secretary of State’s Office.
Nickerson previously contributed far more money to federal elections and national organizations. Since 1997, the Nickersons have given $92,540 to Democratic candidates and organizations nationwide, include to U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen, D-Everett, as well as President Obama’s campaign.
Nickerson also has contributed money to the Whatcom Land Trust and is opposed to the controversial Fairhaven Highlands project on Bellingham’s Chuckanut Ridge, according to a 2005 open letter signed by members of the community and posted on the Internet.
October 27th, 2009 at 3:44 PM
I think the Nickerson’s (can’t be that bad, they play golf!! don’t you know!) like everyone else has the right to contribute to who ever they like but what I am waiting to see are the complaints from those who criticize giving large amounts from the other side if those same people will also criticize giving large amounts from their side?
May be a long wait!
AFY!!thesheepdog!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 4:33 PM
The Nickerson’s contributions do not seem out of place, considering their contribution history ($92,540) over the last 12 years.
The Vanwerven’s contribution sticks out because Larry and LuAnne have never contributed that kind of money to local or national campaigns. I suppose it will be common place from this point on, and no one will think anything about it when they do it next year.
Party contributions are a bit different than candidate contributions. Parties must maintain offices, phones, websites and computers for volunteers and paid staff. They also provide some support for endoresed candidates, like mailers and newspaper ads.
October 27th, 2009 at 4:53 PM
I’s reckon that in some people’s minds there is always a double standard!
AFY!!thesheepdog!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 5:34 PM
AFY - the Nickerson’s interest seems to be in good planning. What financial interest do the Nickerson’s have in good planning? As compared to say….Trillium? With the gigantic, crazy profitable Blaine expansion?
It’s not the money, it’s the intent to swing an election so that you can profit regardless of the impact to others. And sometimes at their expense.
Like when Blaine decides “Hey! No impact fees!” That means someone else (other property owners) have the priviledge of paying.
October 27th, 2009 at 5:48 PM
I’d love to hear from the citizens of Blaine about how they feel to have their sparse tax funds being spent to subsidize a builder’s profits.
October 27th, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Sam, how in the world did you find the Open Letter to Horizon Bank on docstoc.com? What a horrible website. I can’t hardly read the letter; but I appreciate you clearing the dust off of it. It recently celebrated its fourth birthday. Here’s a better link:
http://www.rdnow.org/Documents/Horizon%20Bank%20-%20Open%20Letter.pdf
Yes, Martin & Sheila signed that letter, along with about 800 or so others who also oppose Fairhaven Highlands, including a college-aged kid named Oso who has no last name. Some people thought we allowed people to add pets to the list. Get real!
I know Martin & Sheila and think the world of them. They keep a very low profile but have LOTS of people who respect them. I’m certain they never expected to be written about in a blog.
October 27th, 2009 at 8:00 PM
Sam, have you considered simply calling Martin & Sheila? It might save some of your sleuthing time, and I’m sure you’d enjoy meeting them.