In 2003, I ran for the Port of Seattle to make a difference on three key issues: creating jobs by expanding the Port's business base; reducing the burden on King County taxpayers; and being a champion for strong environmental policies.

I ran to move the Port toward principled reform and real accountability. I defeated an entrenched incumbent who represented the old ways of doing business.

Now, as I finish my first term, I am happy to report that we are indeed making real progress in achieving critical reforms, but I have found the pace of change to be frustrating in a Port culture accustomed to making decisions behind closed doors and more concerned with helping wealthy special interests than serving the people.

I am running for re-election because I believe I have been an effective advocate for change, and I am genuinely excited about the future. Recently the Port hired an experienced, competent new Executive Director. The port is seeing steady growth in airport activity, and an rapid increase in demand for seaport facilities.

Working with my peers, I am proud to be taking a leadership role in drafting strong new clean air standards for cruise ships, and wastewater standards that will help clean Puget Sound.

The challenge in the next two to three years will be how to manage this success. And there's a lot we can do to become a real asset for our owners - the people of King County.

1. The residents of King County can have a port that does not rely on any tax revenue, but instead makes money that would go to transportation projects in the county. It can make money while it grows, increasing the number of good jobs created by port activity.
2. Our port can dramatically reduce air emissions from the airport and seaport, and, in the process, lead a North American initiative to reduce emissions from seaport activities. The Port of Seattle is in the right position to bring other ports together in development of common emission standards. In reducing emissions at our own port we will significantly reduce their impact on Puget Sound water quality.
3. We can implement exciting new transit solutions. How will Sound Transit work at Sea-Tac? Can we keep (and promote) the existing bus service? Can we move toward a more rational taxi/bus service to the airport? Can we develop remote terminals that reduce traffic and get passengers to the airport more efficiently? Can we engage in airport planning that includes a comprehensive look at rail options for regional passengers?
4. We can have a port that is a consistent advocate for maritime/industrial jobs. It's not only open space that is critical to the future of our region, it's also space available for those manufacturing and maritime jobs that are critical to our economy. As the region grows, we need a port that is a watchdog for the maritime business on the Lake Washington Ship Canal, for the industries and warehouses in the Duwamish area, for the rail and other transportation infrastructure that serves the entire region, and the related business sectors that are critical to the diverse economy of the region.

We don't need a port that is focused turning scarce industrial property into redundant office parks, or port docks into condos.

There's a lot to do, and the Port of Seattle has the staff and resources to do it. With trans-Pacific trade at unprecedented levels, we have great opportunities. We need to policy direction to make sure we accomplish our goal of a truly world-class public Port.

I appreciate the opportunity to serve. As a voice for positive reform. A voice for common sense policies. A voice to protect jobs, taxpayers, and the environment.

Acting as a voice of principled reform is not easy, and sometimes it is frustrating. But with your help, we will continue to make real progress.