PORT ANGELES — Incumbent commissioners in the ports of Port Angeles and Port Townsend kept their seats after securing solid leads in Tuesday’s general election.
In the race for Position 1 on the Port of Port Angeles board, Colleen McAleer defeated Nate Adkisson, who dropped out of the race in June, 88.01 percent (10,127 votes) to 11.25 percent (1,294 votes).
Although without a challenger, McAleer said she was still nervous waiting for the election results to be posted. She added that her reelection in addition to Steve Burke’s indicated the port’s messaging about its projects and initiatives has connected with voters.
“Like Honda Aircraft coming and our Marine Trade Center is being developed, and we’re working closely with Citizen Air so we can eventually, hopefully, schedule air service,” said McAleer, who has served as a port commissioner since 2014 and who is also executive director of the Clallam Economic Development Council.
Burke defeated Allen Sawyer 84.89 percent (9,750 votes) to 14.64 percent (1,681 votes) in the District 2 race.
Burke has served as a commissioner since 2016 and also is the executive director of the Shore Metro Park District.
Although well ahead of his challenger, Burke said in a text that he was “happy with the results so far, but this is not over until all the votes are in.”
The third commissioner, Connie Beauvais, was not up for reelection.
Meanwhile, Port of Port Townsend commissioners Pete Hanke and board president Carol Hasse each will serve another four-year term.
Hanke received 97.85 percent of the vote (5,958 votes) in an unopposed race for the District 3 seat, while Hasse won the District 2 seat with 88.2 percent of the vote (7,189 votes) over challenger Clayborn Burleson, who garnered 11.3 percent (924 votes).
Hasse said she believes the port’s work has resonated with voters.
“I’m just so relieved and grateful,” Hasse said. “We have a great port staff and team that works to protect our working waterfront, environment and our business economy.”
Hanke wasn’t going to seek another term, but he said he changed his mind with the positive changes that have come about since Executive Director Eron Berg was hired in 2020.
“He’s added a lot of movement in terms of projects, our debt being completely eradicated, improvements in infrastructure and the new breakwater at Point Hudson,” said Hanke, who has served on the board for 12 years.
Hanke added that the chemistry on the board among commissioners Hasse and Pam Petranek was another consideration in deciding to run again.
“I’ve enjoyed what we’re getting done,” he said.
Port of Port Angeles and Port of Port Townsend commissioners earn $4,320 a year and receive reimbursement for travel and other expenses.
________
Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@ peninsuladailynews.com.
