PORT TOWNSEND — John Collins received a painting with a maritime theme that is traditionally given to retiring Port of Port Townsend commissioners, but the cake at a reception in his honor had a personal message: “First reading, second reading, third reading, motion passed.”
“John changed how we did things around here,” said Port Director Larry Crockett.
“Before he came, they would just vote on stuff without discussing it.”
About 30 people — including elected officials, port personnel and well-wishers — came to the port’s office on Hudson Street for the reception Wednesday afternoon.
Collins is succeeded by Steve Tucker, who was sworn in Wednesday for the District 1 seat on the port commission.
Tucker ran unopposed and has said he would not have run if Collins had chosen to serve another term.
Collins’ deliberative attitude originated from his educational background: He had worked more than 35 years as a professor of public service at various colleges around the country, including almost a decade at Seattle University, where he headed the Institute of Public Service.
‘Dream job’
After retiring, he moved to Port Townsend in 2004 and in 2007 won election to the port commission, something that turned out to be a “dream job.”
He is leaving the commission after one term “because there are still some things that I want to do,” Collins said.
“He changed the tone of the port commission,” said Jim Pivarnik, port deputy director.
“He incorporated the citizens into the decision-making process.”
Added Crockett: “Every new commissioner brings a new toolkit to the job.
“John filled a void that we sorely needed.
“With his background in the university setting, he brought an orderliness, attention to procedures and a sense of business and budgeting that really helped us get our policies in order.
“This was something that we didn’t pay much attention to previously.”
Jefferson County Commissioner John Austin said Collins “handled this job with grace, civility and competence.
“He had almost a scholarly approach and a sense of cooperation.
“He reached out to, and got along well with, the other local governmental agencies.”
Collins holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Washington and a master’s degree and doctorate from Northwestern University, where he specialized in the study of governance processes.
He was the founding president of the Rat Island Rowing and Sculling Club.
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
