PORT TOWNSEND — Both Port of Port Townsend commission candidates believe the port should find ways to generate new avenues of economic development and either sell non-performing assets or put them to some other use.
“We need to diversify our portfolio,” Steve Tucker, the incumbent in the District 1 seat, told about 80 people at a forum Monday at a Jefferson County Chamber of Commerce luncheon.
“We can start with our airport, developing the industrial park and do something with 25 acres out there which are doing nothing and are covered with Scotch Broom,” said Tucker, 66, who is seeking a second-four-year term.
Tucker’s challenger, Diana Talley, said she is “a firm believer in diversity.”
“You cannot put all of your eggs in one basket because if that basket crumbles then you are screwed,” said Talley, 63.
“It’s really important to look at strong revenue streams that could support the port,” she said.
“Agriculture is a great idea because this community has become the poster child about how to raise awareness about gardening and local food,” Talley said.
Talley said that the port lacks money for economic development.
“Until we have a steadier revenue stream, we are going to have to deal with economic development in smaller ways,” she said.
Both candidates said the port will need to raise moorage rates to support port operations.
Tucker said that as he seeks to diversify, he picks up ideas from other ports in the state, “even those in eastern Washington that aren’t near water, and don’t have any boats.”
Candidates spoke about their endorsements. Tucker has received support from a variety of elected and former elected officials while Talley is endorsed by the tenants’ union, the marine trades and the Sierra Club.
“Most former electeds and present electeds are supporting Steve because I represent the people and not the electeds,” Talley said.
Tucker said that he is supported by elected officials “because they seem to think that the port needs a little bit of diversity.
“I want to represent all of the people of Jefferson County and not just a special interest group,” Tucker said.
“The port is such a driver in economic development and it’s important to not put all of your eggs in one basket.”
Tucker said he represents a broader spectrum and is not obligated to any particular group.
Talley works in the marine trades. Current commissioners Brad Clinefelter and Pete Hanke both make a living in that area.
“We need stakeholder groups to figure out what’s going in the port but the problem is having too many commissioners from one group,” Tucker said.
“When you have a majority of one group on the commission, we run the risk of a single group controlling the entire port.”
“Probably 85 percent of the marine trades are endorsing me because they think I will do a good job in keeping their businesses strong,” Talley said.
“I don’t see that as a detriment since I work in the port and know the port.
“It’s really a matter of voting for someone who has management skills that will enhance the entire picture.”
The forum was moderated by Scott Wilson, the editor and publisher of the weekly Port Townsend/Jefferson County Leader.
The next port commission candidate forum will be from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday at the Port Townsend Yacht Club, 2503 Washington St.
It is sponsored by the Marine Trades Association.
Ballots for the Nov. 3 election will be mailed to voters on Oct. 14.
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.