CANDIDATES FOR PORT OF FRIDAY HARBOR
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List of news stories about 2001 election in San Juan County
Anderson blasts Ahrenius
posted 10/26/01
Port of Friday Harbor Candidate Lee Anderson used the League of Women Voters Oct. 24 candidate forum to express his frustration with the local political process. Citing endorsements Mike Ahrenius has received, Anderson said Ahrenius was only inches away from victory. "You're not at the meetings and then you're endorsed, " he said. "Here's a tip, if you get elected go to the meetings." (EDITOR'S NOTE: both of the candidates have been at some but not all of the port meetings)
As he paced back and forth, he said, "You're endorsed by both Port Commissioners. I don't like Brian (Calvert) much. I don't need his endorsement." He warned Ahrenius that Port Commission Chair Greg Hertel would accuse Ahrenius of politicizing an issue if he didn't agree with him. "Greg knows I won't agree with him," he said.
Anderson who has lived in the county for three years said, "You know what bothered me the most. It shouldn't come down to how long you've lived in a place. What should matter is what you do once you are there." He noted his work creating the local Dollars for Scholars scholarship program. At the end of his speech he told Ahrenius, "You're almost there and after this last five minutes you're closer."
Ahrenius acknowledged he was taken aback by his opponent's remarks and then proceeded to talk about his qualifications for office. His experience managing real estate income property would be an asset he said. For the past 13 years he has run Jensen's Shipyard.
Asked if the port should go into debt to create such projects as the building for Skagit Community College, Anderson said he would only go into debt for maintenance. He believes the port should concentrate on its core mission -- the port and airport. "Jacksons Beach is wonderful," he said, " but it brought in no money."
Ahrenius felt the port's current debt was a small percentage of its market value. He said, "The port is a public entity which is out to better the community. There is no way to run it debt free."
Asked about airport noise, Ahrenius thought the problem would be reduced as piston planes are replaced. He suggested the questioner call the port's noise abatement hotline.
Anderson said, "Call all you like it won't make it any quieter. The pilots have an agreement (not to take off during certain hours) but they do. People come and go at will. There's no revenue in that. The port does not benefit financially."
Primary election coverage
Port of Friday Harbor
In their own words
Candidates in the primary election were asked to respond to three questions. The responses we received from Port of Friday Harbor candidates are posted below. More responses will be posted when we receive them.
Mike Ahrenius
- Why are you running for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner?
To ensure we maintain a healthy and vibrant Port environment for all Islanders and visitors for another fifty years.
- What are the top two issues facing the port?
Plan for growth through public involvement and manage the economic and visual impact of our decisions.
- What are your qualifications?
Eight years of managing income-producing real estate, twelve years managing a locally-owned boatyard and marina with accumulative years working with municipal, county and state agencies.
Lee Anderson
- Why are you running for Port of Friday Harbor Commissioner?
I am running because I am concerned about the priorities the Port has. As a Commissioner, I would work to reorder the Port's current priorities with the following changes.
First, I would consider the impact of Port expansion on the environment, placing the protection of the island ahead of dollars and cents. We will have an excellent economic future as long as we have a unspoiled island.
Secondly, the Port should obey the will of the people. If there is little or no popular support for development, then that development has little or no benefit to the people the Port serves. Then, when a project has an acceptable environmental impact and has public support, the projects should at least be able to pay for themselves. Sustainable economic growth needs to be able to make dollars and sense. I am running because I believe that growth for growth sake is wrong and that we can maintain a healthy economy and still protect our environment.
- What are the top two issues facing the port?
The number one issue that the Port faces is the current battle over the development of the Unocal property. The proposed hotel expansion has created a large pool of bad will. Both sides should be able to agree that we should ascertain the extent of the damage and the options for remediation first. There appear to be few who support this project, I know I do not. I support the American Legion's point of view about their view. It's the wrong thing in the wrong place and the port should kill it and start over.
The second most important issue to me is the strength of the Port finances. I would prefer that the Port reduce its debts and build its reserves rather than try to support unsound, unsafe and unwanted projects. The cycle of spend and tax should be broken. At some point, tax relief should become an option.
- What are your qualifications?
I've been married for 23 years. We have three kids. I'm a successful business person, having started a company in 1985 and retiring in 1997 at age 41. I started San Juan Island Dollars for Scholars. I am the President-elect of Friday Harbor Kiwanis and am a member of the San Juan Public Schools Foundation ( the Knowledge Bowl group) .
My best qualification is that I am hard working and honest. I try to listen to all points of view and I work to find common ground. I may not agree with your opinion, but I respect it. I was successful as a businessperson because I am straight forward and am more interested in doing the right thing than that which is easy or more profitable. I believe that what goes around comes around and that your word is your bond. I'd like to think I have a good sense of humor and I try not to take things too personally.
Sharon Kivisto
and
Matt Pranger
can be reached:
phone:
360.378.3748
fax:
360.378.9748
by e-mail:
news@sanjuanislander.com
by mail:
San Juan Islander
PO Box 1118
Friday Harbor, WA 98250 USA