Recent NWCitizen Articles

Riley shares some thoughts, concerns, and observations on the uncommon phenomenon of mask-wearing during this pandemic. 
Riley shares some insight into the national political parties
The Herald gave us their top 10 stories, Riley gives you his top 5
Riley dives into the data with precinct maps and historical perspectives
Riley does a local political comedy show
Riley files a full report of the Tea Party debate for State Leg candidates
Riley and John share the short list of who might replace Cathy Lehman on the Bellingham city council on January 5.
Some Context for the Primary Results
Northwest Citizen has conducted a phone poll of likely voters, with some surprising results!
Riley takes a closer look at the Charter Review Commission candidates
The value of a Precinct Committee Officer …
A simple explanation of the Charter Review and analysis of District only voting
City pushes for Alabama Street improvements, residents speak out
Riley digs into the county’s plan to buy the county morgue
Riley catches State Rep. Vincent Buys for soliciting funds during session
Riley digs into an unusual hiring decision at the County Planning Dept
Riley digs through court data and discovers the real impact of privatization and legalization
The county takes two big steps forward on the new jail, while still missing the point
Riley crunches the numbers on Renata and McAuley’s races to find answers
Riley uncovers how the Coal Industry is funding conservative candidates in Whatcom County
Riley examines who is donating to which candidates
Riley whole-heartedly urges Doug Ericksen to run for Congress in 2014
After attending the public hearing on the marijuana ban, Riley breaks down the good, the bad and the ugly
Riley Sweeney examines Sen. Ericksen’s legislative methods
Riley attends Tea Party training and runs afoul of Rep. Overstreet
Riley details upcoming merger between PeaceHealth and a much more conservative entity
Riley looks into Ericksen’s legislative efforts this session
Riley examines why the new jail site was selected without public input
Here’s your shot at fame and glory as a political pundit
Riley talks about the Seattle Times, Newsweek and the future of Print Media
Riley pores through Rep. Jason Overstreet’s legislative record
Riley examines Rep. Vincent Buys’ legislative record
Riley patiently explains to the Whatcom Excavator what a flowchart should look like
Riley sits down with Matt Petryni with Power Past Coal to get the latest scoop
Riley gathers quotes, video footage and pictures from the recent tea party forum
Riley interviews judicial candidates, reviews campaign tactics, and discusses fireworks
A short plea for public involvement from Riley
Riley attended the Whatcom GOP Convention and reports back
Riley gets to the bottom of this in a NWCitizen Exclusive
Riley at The Political Junkie attends a forum of Congressional Candidates, and a town hall meeting in Lynden
Riley Sweeney

Riley Sweeney

Citizen Journalist · Lynden · Writing Since Feb 6, 2025
Riley Sweeney, raised in the Pacific Northwest, moved to Bellingham during the Bush years, worked on a cross-section of political campaigns during the Obama years, and then fled to the comfort of public service during the Trump years. Before joining the City of Ferndale as their Communication Officer, he wrote a column with Northwest Citizen and then his own blog, the Political Junkie, where he brought humor, insight and a suspicious amount of pop culture references to Whatcom County political reporting. The archives of that blog are available in the linklog at the bottom of Northwest Citizen. Currently, he lives with his wife Bryna and his two darling children, in the rolling fields of Lynden.

Total lifetime comments: 128

Recent Comments by Riley Sweeney

Mon Jan 27, 2025

Superman, an immigrant himself, who brings his native abilities from his homeland to serve in American community. His story was created by Jewish children of immigrants and implores us to help each other. A fitting reminder of what the American dream can and should be. 

Truth, Justice and the American Way