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.