Weekly’s Q&A: Port Commissioner candidates position 3

Port Commissioners will hold office for four years. Ballots will be mailed Oct. 18. Election day is Nov. 5 The Weekly asks Port Commissioner candidates two questions:

October 2, 2013 9:30 am

Q&A with Bob Porter

WEEKLY: Can you give readers a brief bio?

Bob Porter: Former Commissioner, Port of Lopez. Active current member consultant, Washington Public Ports Association and former member Board of Trustees. Retired Lopez Island Representative, San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee. Charter member, past service San Juan Economic Development Council. SJC Land Bank Steward. Army Veteran, Korea. Lopez Island High School Accreditation Committee, Northwest Schools and Colleges Association. College Entrance Examination Board.  President, Rotary International. Board of Directors, Washington Interscholastic Activities Association. Retired high school teacher, coach, counselor and principal.  Staff instructor, Baylor University. Undergraduate degree biochemistry, Western Washington University. Graduate degrees, University of Washington.

WEEKLY: Why are you running for the port?

BP: I am entering this election at the request and urging of many members of the community.  I have a long and successful proven record in public service and an extensive background in management and as a facilitator.

As a recipient of the Washington Public Ports Association Award for significant and meaningful contributions to the Port Industry, I bring a positive balance to the Board. I do not represent any special interest group or Political Action Committee and have represented the entire diverse community fairly, impartially and  honestly.

My wife, Barbara, and I have owned property on Lopez since the mid 60’s and there is no place that we would rather live.

I believe that because of  my background, training and experience I can contribute meaningfully to this community and continue to build a Port District that will be successful and provide a needed service to the community.  Airport safety, security, and promotion of Island businesses, volunteer and youth organizations and cooperation with  the Lopez Island Solid waste Disposal District, where legal and appropriate, as well as the location of a marine facility that has the support of the community are reasonable and attainable goals that I support.  Your confidence and vote is appreciated.

Q&A with Dan Post

WEEKLY: Can you give readers a brief bio?

Dan Post: I was born and raised here.  I went to Lopez School for 12 years and then served in the military for several years.

I raised my children here, and owned and operated Lopez Island Freight for 25 years.

As a small business owner, I want Lopez to maintain a healthy and diverse economy.  Lopez Island is my home, always has been and always will be.

WEEKLY: Why are you running for the port?

DP: I am currently one of your Port Commissioners and have been for almost 20 years. When I was first appointed one of my goals was to make the Port self supporting financially and not just dependant on Property Tax revenue.  When I started, the Port had only a few thousand dollars in the bank and had very little income other than the tax revenue. Now the Port has income from hanger rents, hanger ground leases, storage rents, and cell tower rents, and has close to a half million dollars in its savings accounts.

I am running to be your Port Commissioner because I believe that transparency is needed for honest and open government.  The Port must continue to keep a safe and well maintained airport. And, Ports have the authority to do many other things like assist in job creation, develop parks, and expand into marine activities.  I am asking for your vote to help move the Port of Lopez ahead to benefit all of the people of Lopez Island.