Posted: May 6, 2021
It is with great enthusiasm I announce my intention to seek another term as Port of Anacortes Commissioner, Position 5. I am seeking re-election to continue to advocate for the Port’s core mission: to create and retain family-wage jobs and encourage economic development. I have seen first-hand and have the experience on how you balance economics with a healthy environment. I am immensely proud to have been a part of the process and the outcome of amazing initiatives throughout my 21-year career as a port employee and now as your Port Commissioner.
During these almost 3 and a half years serving as Commissioner, I have formed new relationships, brought new initiatives forward and worked tirelessly on behalf of the Port of Anacortes. I am representing us this year as the President of the Washington Public Ports Association (WPPA). Some of this representation has come with new “firsts” for the Port of Anacortes. I am honored to be the first Commissioner for our port to serve on the Executive Board for WPPA and in that role have had opportunity to introduce and pass decades old by-laws, chair and co-chair statewide committees, hire a new Executive Director and served on the Governor’s Southern Resident Orca Task Force. I would like to continue to give Anacortes a seat at the table on the WPPA Executive Committee as this term would follow me, if re-elected, until the end of 2023.
The Port of Anacortes has been uniquely positioned and has a track record of leading on the environmental front, in my opinion, no other port has done so much environmental work in relation to its revenues, overseeing $64 million dollars in environmental cleanups over the past 12 years. Again, having been a part of this process and outcome when it comes to environmental work has been an immensely rewarding journey that I plan on continuing, as there is more to come.
On the job creation and economic side, this past year of Covid has highlighted how committed the Commission and staff are to economic development at a time of crisis. I am proud to have played a part in awarding $11 million in contracts that employed approximately 40 contractors/consultants last year. Additionally, $1 million in maintenance and repair dollars were spent in 2020 that benefited approximately 50 contractors, suppliers and vendors. I was resolved to not pull back but to inject real dollars into our community, our tax base, and businesses in order to play a major role in our local economic recovery. Additionally, I was delighted to have been a part of authorizing the purchase of approximately 4 acres on March’s Point in October of 2019. We now have 6 tenants and their associated jobs, the site is full, and more family-wage jobs are coming to that site. There is much more to do and much more to come when it comes to job creation and economic development.
With your vote, I would be honored to continue to champion job creation, economic development and environmental initiatives with openness and accountability for all Port of Anacortes residents.
Kathy first took office in 2018. Advocating for youth is a core value for Kathy, a long-time volunteer to the Anacortes Parks & Recreation Department and a variety of Anacortes youth sports. She was elected to the Anacortes School Board and served from 2001 – 2005. Kathy was also an Anacortes Chamber of Commerce Board Representative, Northwest Marine Terminal Association Trustee & Alternate, an original member of the Anacortes Youth Sailing program, South Harbor Park Advisory Board Chair, Seafarers’ Memorial Committee Chair, Waterfront Festival & Dinner Committee Member and Youth Activities Co-Chair and worked extensively on the original Port Strategic Plan and Mission Statement. She is the current President of the Washington Public Ports Association and presently serves on the Northwest Career & Technical Academy General Advisory Committee.
My history of advocating for the Port of Anacortes, its tenants and customers over the years demonstrates my commitment to our community.
I am the only candidate who has had a career dedicated to the Port industry and who also has served in an elected position. I will be loyal to the Port’s Mission Statement and will serve with enthusiasm. Expanding economic opportunities, supporting existing port tenants and maintaining the rights of individuals with transparency and accountability are my goals and vision for the Port. I will balance good business and serve the needs of the community while protecting a healthy environment. With your vote, I would be honored to continue to champion job creation, economic development and environmental initiatives with openness and accountability for all Port of Anacortes residents.
2021 ENDORSEMENTS:
Alyeska Ocean, Inc., Anacortes Professional Firefighters-IAFF, Local 1537, Auriga and Aurora General Partnership, Congressman Rick Larsen, Highliner Charters, ILWU Local 25 Longshore Division and Port Maintenance Division, Lake Erie Trucking, Northwest Washington Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, Seattle Yachts, Transpac Marinas, Inc., Quantum Construction
2017 ENDORSEMENTS:
State Representative Kristine Lytton, State Representative Jeff Morris, Port of Anacortes Commissioners Ray Niver, John Pope and Keith Rubin, ILWU Local 25 Longshore Division and Port Maintenance Division, IAFF Local 1537 (Anacortes Professional Firefighters), Northwest Washington Central Labor Council AFL-CIO, City of Anacortes Council Members Eric Johnson and Erica Pickett, Alyeska Ocean, Inc., Auriga Aurora General Partnership, Barrett Financial, Ltd., Elsa and Company, Lake Erie Trucking, Lakeside Industries, Inc./Anacortes, Paraclete Charters, Inc., Seattle Yachts, Transpac Marinas, Inc., Quantum Construction, Inc.