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Port of Newport Commissioner Position 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: 2 years (incomplete term)

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    Curtis Bunch
    (N)

  • Candidate picture

    Bob Dziak
    (N)

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    Larry Osborne
    (N)

Biographical Information

What skills and experience would you bring to the board?

What are your priorities for the upcoming term, and how would you address them?

How would you prioritize the needs of the Port’s various users (e.g., industrial, commercial, recreational)?

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Contact Phone 5412700199
Town Where You Live SEAL ROCK
Your Experience/Qualifications Marine Scientist
County Oregon
Term 2 years
Term Expires 2027
I have lived in the Newport area since 1988, working in the field of research oceanography
If I am elected to the commission, I would work to ensure that we continue to foster a balanced and varied economy in Newport. This includes supporting our fisheries businesses and unique marine based enterprises.
To prioritize the Port’s users needs, I would engage with all stakeholders, industrial, commercial and recreational, in order to understand their unique challenges. My goal is to maintain a balance that supports each sector’s growth.
Contact Phone 775-219-9991
Town Where You Live Newport
Your Experience/Qualifications I have more than 50 years management experience in business and in government; including over 20+ years with Chambers of Commerce in Nevada and in Oregon. I have worked successfully with government agencies and officials at the local, state and federal levels.
County Lincoln
Term 2years
Term Expires 2027
I’m currently serving a second term on the Port of Newport’s Budget Committee and am familiar with the financial structure of the port. I’m a member of the Sheriff’s Department Community Advisory Group, and am an officer in the Oregon Coast Veterans Association. I’ve completed classes in Oregon’s Local Budgeting Laws, and Oregon’s Open Meetings Law. I’m retired and living in Newport. I have the time, the experience and the motivation to contribute to the Port of Newport’s continued success as an economic hub of our region.
The ports priorities are established by the management, staff and Board of Commissioners, and those priorities are flexible as conditions change and evolve. A major priority is to seek out and secure sources for grants and federal funding to continue maintaining and improving port facilities and equipment. With the current uncertainty in ongoing federal funding, this becomes essential as there are several port projects dependent on funding assistance. My background and experience in working with government in areas of funding, economic development, transportation and workforce development, can be of assistance and support in these efforts.
Each of the user groups are vitally important to the success of the port, and each has their own unique needs. The commercial fishing fleet is a $70+ million dollar industry that requires adequate and sufficient moorage, equipment and support for their continued growth. The port needs to continue upgrading our rv parks and marina to attract the growing sports fishing, recreational and tourist users. The port’s leaseholders include major businesses, facilities and marine research centers that need safe and dependable docks, and land to expand and grow. Retaining the NOAA fleet as a tenant is also essential, as their lease renewal is coming up. Commissioners must be flexible to adapt as priorities change and evolve.