Port of Port Orford Commissioner Position 2 Choose 1
Special districts in Oregon are formed to provide specific local government needs. They are created by a vote of the people in the local area being served. Examples include people’s utility districts, library districts, water districts, fire protection districts, and more. They are governed by a board of directors, which is responsible for management and financial accountability. Special districts are empowered to levy any necessary taxes and fees to fulfill their mandate. Board members are not paid but may receive a per diem reimbursement.Port District boards manage the infrastructure of local ports and their development for recreational, economic, and environmental purposes.Qualifications: Candidate must be a registered voter in the district. ORS 777.135(1)Term: 4 years
Biographical Information
Town Where You Live
Port Orford
Your Experience/Qualifications
10 working in Special Districta and 10 as an elected official
County
OR
What skills and experience would you bring to the board?
I have close to a decade in managing Special Districts. I was elected as both City Councilor and Mayor for the City of Port Orford and served for 10 years. I have lived in Port Orford since 1978 when my family moved here. I am very familiar with the fleet and the Port. Most importantly, their challenges and needs.
What are your priorities for the upcoming term, and how would you address them?
My priorities would be to finish up the existing projects that are already funded in order to Segway into a much broader infrastructure needs, as while looking into the future with all stakeholders to realize the full potential of the Port and how it could not only affect our District but region in ways that conincide with our traditional Oregon values.
How would you prioritize the needs of the Port’s various users (e.g., industrial, commercial, recreational)?
I feel that the Ports main function is to provide access to the open ocean access to anyone who has met the parameters to do it in a safe fashion. The priority is to any and all.
Biographical Information
What skills and experience would you bring to the board?
I bring with me 22 years of public service experience, including 15 years as a professional firefighter and 7 years as a police officer. In addition, I have volunteered over 10 years in various roles with multiple rural fire protection districts and I was part of the last budget committee for the port. I also own and operate a commercial fishing and sport guiding business. My experience gives me a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities our port faces.
What are your priorities for the upcoming term, and how would you address them?
As your Port Commissioner, I will prioritize fiscal responsibility, accountability, and forward-thinking leadership. I believe in transparent decision-making, listening to the voices of our community, and ensuring that our port thrives for generations to come.
While I value our port’s rich history, I believe our focus must be on the present and future. My goal is to protect the port from the mistakes of the past and ensure its growth as we move forward. Achieving this requires two key elements:
1. Committed individuals dedicated to the success of our port.
2. A fresh approach, avoiding the same decision-makers whose actions have contributed to the current situation.
How would you prioritize the needs of the Port’s various users (e.g., industrial, commercial, recreational)?
Our port is first and foremost a working commercial fishing port. Our community relies on the jobs created by both our resident and non resident fleets. For this reason, the first priority to users must go to the commercial fisherman. The port must find a way to bridge the financial deficit without punishing the commercial fishing community.