PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles’ strategic plan, airport issues and development of marine trade jobs were among the goals described by six of the seven candidates for the vacant commission seat.
Candidates for the Port Angeles-area District 2 seat vacated by Jim Hallett, who resigned effective Feb. 1, were interviewed Friday.
A seventh candidate is expected to be interviewed Tuesday.
The two sitting port commissioners plan to appoint a commissioner May 11.
Commissioners Connie Beauvais and Colleen McAleer took turns asking each of the six candidates 12 pre-published questions and three surprise questions — each of which was identical for each applicant.
Interviewed Friday were:
■ Steven Burke, part-time executive director of William Shore Memorial Pool.
■ Randall Johnson, president of the timberland and wood products company Green Crow Corp. and board chairman of the county Economic Development Corp., formerly the Economic Development Council.
■ David Sellars, who has written maritime columns for the Peninsula Daily News.
■ Marine surveyor Thomas Pope.
■ James Haguewood, owner of ONE Group Consulting and former executive director of the Clallam County Economic Development Council.
■ Melvin Rudin, a retired CEO and 20-year tenant of the port.
The time of the interview of the seventh candidate, surveyor Brent Barry, had not been scheduled as of Friday.
The questions established each candidate’s familiarity with port issues and lines of business, experience with finance, ideas on how to work with the public and with customers, and past experiences in risk-taking and how they dealt with regrettable decisions.
Each was also asked, “What do you wish to accomplish during this appointed term as a port commissioner?”
■ Burke said the port has a strong strategic plan but needs to disseminate the plan to the public. He also wants to develop strategic asset management plans.
■ Johnson said his top priority is securing commercial passenger air service at William R. Fairchild International Airport.
Kenmore Air stopped such service November 2014.
“The hot button is the airlines,” Johnson said.
Also high on Johnson’s list is waterfront development and hiring a permanent executive director.
Ken O’Hollaren left at the end of 2015. Finance Director Karen Goschen is serving as interim director.
■ Sellars said he wants to use his maritime knowledge and experience to be in service to the port.
■ Pope said, “I want to see the marine trade center come to fruition.
“I want to see 150 tradesmen working down there.
“I want to see the airport functioning as an airport rather than as a parking spot for logs.”
■ Haguewood said progress toward the port’s strategic plan is a priority, along with hiring a permanent executive director and improving interaction and engagement with the community.
■ Rudin said he would like to increase the number of tenants at the airport to improve the area and make it ready to accept tenants.
He also said he wants to make leases more “business-friendly” by eliminating items such as terms that require tenants to remove equipment or buildings at the end of their lease and instead have the port purchase the buildings from the departing business.
Candidates are expected to complete the two years left on Hallett’s term and give a verbal commitment to run for office during the next election cycle in 2017, the two commissioners have said.
The position of port commissioner pays up to $13,992 annually and offers medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance coverage.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at arice@peninsuladailynews.com.
