Port of Astoria 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
Astoria, Oregon
Your Experience/Qualifications
Over 10 years of civil service in Oregon, retired military with service in both U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy (Specifically focused on coordinating safe operations for airports & seaports), current Chief Steward in union and previously elected to serve as Union Vice President
County
Clatsop
What skills and experience would you bring to the board?
My skills are focused on collaboration, strong public administration with transparency & access as key areas to focus on. My career background from the military, which is grounded in being a science professional, would also help me analyze the economic, environmental, and social relationships that the Port of Astoria has and may form with the broader region. My current occupation in emergency preparedness & response would help build resilience at the port, and leverage it to be a critical partner when major emergencies threaten the Lower Columbia River region.
What are your priorities for the upcoming term, and how would you address them?
My top priority would be integrating the repairs needed to restore the East Mooring Basin as part of the wider Waterfront Master Plan, as it has been over 3 1/2 years since the main pier collapsed. This singular priority aligns with the three lines of effort I want to oversee when elected: Sustainable development at the port that brings living-wage jobs to our region, protecting the natural environment the port occupies, and building stronger connections & collaboration with the communities the Port of Astoria serves. The East Mooring Basin, in its current state, does not help support businesses nor create additional jobs, broken infrastructure threatens to further clutter the river, and it is an embarrassing sight for visitors to Astoria.
How would you prioritize the needs of the Port’s various users (e.g., industrial, commercial, recreational)?
Honest, curious conversation to understand their needs, how we can support them, and what known & unknown interdependencies they have upon one another. This would involve both individual meetings, as well as working to convene shared dialogue where appropriate, to keep communications clear and transparent. All tenants, users, and visitors to the Port of Astoria seek out its facilities and resources for greatest benefit, and a focus on maintaining balanced access and opportunities can foster mutual cooperation as well as avoid a "Tragedy of the Commons" scenario where any one party's use of shared resources diminishes the potential for others to achieve success.
Biographical Information
What skills and experience would you bring to the board?
Candidate has not yet responded.
What are your priorities for the upcoming term, and how would you address them?
Candidate has not yet responded.
How would you prioritize the needs of the Port’s various users (e.g., industrial, commercial, recreational)?
Candidate has not yet responded.