Thomas Albro: The Port of Seattle is a vital component of the regional economy. A stronger Port builds a stronger economy. We need to focus on building our economy and minimizing ecological footprint. We are sitting on our future, let’s steward it and leave it for our grandchildren in a way we are proud of.
Chris Cain: The Port of Seattle is out of balance. It’s not respecting and serving the people of King County. It should be answering to them but instead it’s been doing the bidding of special interests.
Rob Holland: The Port should be about jobs and the economy. 200,000 jobs and $17 billion in the local economy. Described himself as a working class guy who lives by the airport. Says we need a Port which will emphasize quality of life, jobs, and protect our environment for future generations to enjoy.
Al Yuen: Says he has time to give to the people, and experience where it matters. Has traveled extensively overseas.
John Creighton: Proud to serve as a Port commissinor. We have made progress on accountablilty and transparency. Says we are in danger of sliding backwards.
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Candidates for Port Commission were just asked if they agree that truck drivers should be able to unionize.
John Creighton: It’s the workers’ decision to make, the Port should not stand in their way.
Al Yuen: Supports the truckers right to unionize, one hundred percent.
Rob Holland: Yes! “[Unions] are a social justice issue.”
Chris Cain: Yes!
Thomas Albro: Can’t say, needs to look at it more.
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When asked about racial, religious, and ethnic profiling training all candidates were appalled that the Port of Seattle used training to profile terrorists based on ethnic and religous characteristics.
Rob Holland promised to “implement cultural competency in the Port”, while John Creighton emphasized his “clear record… against bias on the Commission”.
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Asked about growth and redevelopment, especially on property owned by the Port of Seatle, he general consensus of the candidates was that they support keeping our industrial maritime region industrial. They want to keep the jobs for posterity.
Similiarly, the candidates agreed that it is vitally important to preserve Fisherman’s terminal as the headquarters for Alaskan fisherman.
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Thomas Albro: Running for Position 4. Running because good jobs, good environment and good government matter. Is an Air Force kid who worked in a union during college. Has owned a construction firm. Involved in Municipal League of King County. Says Port must anchor our manufacturing base.
Chistopher Cain: Carpenter. Ran for Port Comission in 2001. Believes Port of Seattle is out of control, accountable to no one. The Port has been embroiled in scandal, fraud, abuse of trust. Talked about three R’s: Restitution, Rent, and Rights. Says our tax dollars subsidize unfair labor practices against Port of Seattle drivers. Does not know which position he is filing for yet.
Rob Holland: Running for Position 3. Jobs are absolutely critical. Stands for social justice, economiic justice as it relates to port and people in community. Has worked in the ports. Currently in fleetfield business. Understands what it takes to run the Port, described himself as a “nuts and bolts candidate.” Notes that in the past eight years we’ve seen political leaders recklessly abandon working people. He is running to create jobs. Added that Port has a key role to play in fulfilling our need for green infrastructure, green jobs, and good governance.
Al Yuen: Running for Position 3. Has a background in the hotel business. Worked his way up to become the first Asian general manager at Hilton. Also a former Bellevue transportation commissioner and city council advisor. Involved in the development of a nursing home for the Chinese American community.
John Creighton: Running for reelection to Position 1. Said the Port has lost its way, and should be focused on serving people. He has managed work through controversy. Transparency, accountabiility, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility are all very important to him. Two biggest priorites are economic development and bringing jobs to the community.
David Doud did not appear.
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The Port Commission candidates have been asked how much time they would spend on the job, which doesn’t pay very much.
Thomas Albro: Would devote twenty hours a week to the job.
Chris Cain: Has been interfacing with the Port for at least a decade. Already spent countless hours, will spend more.
Rob Holland: Also committed to devoting at least twenty hours a week to the Port. Critical to have person who has the time - and he does.
Al Yuen: Has time to spend on Port, sees serving on the Port Commission as his way of giving back to the community.
John Creighton: Would devote a minimum of twenty hours a week (like Rob and Thomas). Wants to continue pushing for reform.
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The candidates were asked how they feel about the Port of Seattle’s property tax levy, which is paid by the people of King County.
Thomas Albro: “I do not support the Port abandoning its property tax…that property tax is how we remain competitive in the long run.
Chris Cain: “I don’t agree with the idea of taking without asking.”
John Creighton: “We need to be fiscally responsible, reduce the tax levy, and focus it on public and private structure.”
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The sole candidate for Port Commission Position 4 (as of Wednesday evening), Thomas Albro, emphasized in his opening remarks four priorities for the Port of Seattle that are central to his campaign: getting hard look at costs, getting back into growth mode, measuring the Port according to units of production instead of money spent year over year, and staffing for future instead of past.
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Alec Fisken has decided not to run for Port Commissioner. He wanted to run for the position Lloyd Hara is vacating, but has decided he can’t because money is an issue and he doesn’t think he can give the job the time and energy it deserves.cdfd
Fisken made his announcement at a Port of Seattle Commission candidate forum at South Park, which NPI is covering this evening. (Stay tuned for additional coverage).
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