Elected Experience: Port Commissioner Port of Bellingham 2014-2017

Other Professional Experience: Past President, Vice President, Director, Owner or Shareholder of Cost Cutter Toys, The Children’s Co., Interlube Sales, The Hama Hama Company and Party Store Co.; Past Director, Bank of Washington and Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce

Education: Bellingham High School 1962; U.S. Army 1965-1971; Western Washington University, BA Industrial Technology; 45 years in business management; Ownership in 7 businesses; Director for 9 companies

Community Service: Counselor, Chapter Chairman of S.C.O.R.E. Bellingham Chapter 591; Washington State Health Commission Small Business Advisory Committee; Whatcom County Blue Ribbon Panel; Bellingham Central Lions Club

Statement: I am a life-long resident of Whatcom County. My wife, Kathy, is a retired school teacher. We have four children and eight grandchildren, most of them live here. We love Whatcom County!

During my tenure, I’ve never missed a Commission meeting or a meeting of the Washington Public Port Association. I was elected President of the Commission twice in my four year term. 

We have achieved many positive outcomes over the past four years, including saving local taxpayers $860,000 by rewriting bonds; Securing a 300,000 square foot cold storage warehouse in Lynden; Getting the Bellingham shipping terminal working again; Creating 500+ jobs; Starting construction on the new waterfront district; Saving taxpayers $1,400,000 by moving to self-insured health insurance; and Rehabilitating multiple structures in Blaine Harbor to support a working waterfront.

I want to continue to maximize Port property to attract businesses and tourists and to provide a quality waterfront for families to be proud of and enjoy. I humbly ask that you return me to the Commission so I can continue the great work we’ve been doing for our community. I ask for your vote for Port Commissioner.