2017 Primary Voters' Guide

Coming Soon
Ryan Calkins

Education: M.A. International Relations, Yale University; B.A., Willamette University

Occupation: Small business owner; Nonprofit professional serving women and minority-owned businesses

Statement: With our vote, Ryan Calkins will work for transparency and ethics, environmental sustainability, and economic growth to support every member of our community. Raised in the area by a public school teacher and a small business owner, Ryan brings a needed combination of integrity, work ethic and progressive values to the Port of Seattle Commission.

 

With over a decade of experience leading importing and manufacturing businesses, Ryan worked directly with shipping operations at the Port. Under his leadership, the import company was named one of Seattle's Greenest Businesses by Seattle City Light in 2015, serving as a model for sustainable practices across the country.

 

A public school dad, civic leader, and former international human rights worker, Ryan will stand up for the rights of immigrants and refugees who pass through our airport. As a strong voice for the environment, he will modernize port equipment to reduce emissions that harm air quality in the communities around the airport and seaport.

 

Ryan worked his way through school as a member of Teamsters Local 38. As a business owner, he supported $15 Now, the statewide minimum wage, and efforts to expand paid leave. He will protect and expand family wage jobs, create opportunities for women and minority-owned small businesses at the Port, and push for increased unionization of Port workers.

 

In light of recent scandals, Ryan believes that the next Port CEO must be committed above all else to the ethical and transparent management of this important public enterprise. Taxpayers deserve to know how their resources are being invested, and need those investments to improve our economy, environment, and quality of life.

 

Ryan has earned the endorsement of the 32nd, 33rd, 34th, 36th and 46th District Democrats and over 100 elected Democratic officials, business, labor, and environmental leaders across our county.

Contact:
(206) 682-7328