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
Town Where You Live
PORT ORFORD
Your Experience/Qualifications
4 Years as Commissioner, Retired Business Owner of 50 Years, 60 Years Community Involvement
County
United States (+1)
In the last 4 years and since becoming President in January this commission has accomplished more major problem fixing at the port than the last 20 years. Due to prior mismanagement, we found the port to be in a dire financial and very tenuous situation with various govt agencies. Due to above the port has suffered from deferred and no maintenance in nearly all infrastructure. Under this administration we hired a qualified temporary port administrator who helped slow major issues and finally the new and permanent Port Administrator who has already done more in 90 days that previous management did in 3 1/2 years. I've led the fight to the first raise of rent in over 7 years and have been leading the way for change on the commission
First and foremost is to continue with administrative improvements and getting the port inline to meet strategic reporting deadlines. Major priority is to get our installation of the newly purchased and soon to be delivered new 50 ton cranes. This is a major construction project for the port in which I'm heavily involved. We are about to award a contract to begin demolition, site prep and installation of those cranes as well as a supplemental water system that will meet the needs of the port and its tenants. This involves a nearly complete relocation of every space on the dock. In June the port will enter new lease contracts and agreements that will allow the port to help collect serious delinquent accounts. Continue to rebuild our infrastr
We are a Commercial fishing port. The need of that industry is what the port is here to serve. Its the foundation of Port Orford, the community it serves and the citizens who live here and pay taxes to the port. For the first time the port commission is not in control by fishermen and is now not only able to continue to support our tenants and fishermen but now bring community involvement by doing fish market days on the dock, working on reducing launch rates for residents, seniors, responders. Its imperative we develop additional revenue sources and continue with the enhancement of the entire port. Its important to continue being supportive to OSU to continue research and gaining information on our most valuable resource as well as promote
Town Where You Live
Port Orford
County
Curry
I was born and raised in Port Orford, where my dad built his life as a commercial fisherman. I started working as a deckhand at a young age, learning the industry firsthand and earning my place through hard work. Those years on the boat shaped who I am today. Now I work as a seafood buyer, building on everything I learned from the people who spent their lives on the water. My experience gives me a strong understanding of what the port needs to be successful. I bring hands-on knowledge, a calm and steady approach to problem solving, and a way of working with people that builds trust. I believe real experience on the working side of the port is what it takes to make smart decisions and get real results for the people who depend on our port.
My priorities are protecting working space for fishermen and seafood businesses, improving safety across the port, and making sure major infrastructure projects, like the new cranes and dock upgrades, are done right. These projects and decisions need to support the people who work at the port every day, not just check a box. I believe some changes, like raising rents, were necessary, but the way they were handled showed poor communication and little consideration for how they would impact our fleet and tenants. I will address these priorities by staying involved daily, listening to the people who rely on the port, and making decisions that keep the port strong, fair, and built to last.
The port was built and kept alive by working people. The fishermen and buyers who showed up through every storm are the reason it is still standing today. Their hard work and commitment are the foundation of the port and the community around it. My first priority is protecting the people who rely on the port to make a living. I believe the port should stay rooted in work, but there is room for new opportunities and users who respect what the port stands for. The best way to grow the port is by supporting the people already here and giving them the tools to succeed. A strong working port will naturally attract a wide range of new users, businesses, and opportunities for all.
