Connie Niva
Age: 65
Residence: Everett
Education: Bachelor of arts in microbiology from Washington State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Seattle University
Occupation: Former microbiologist
Political experience: Former Everett City Council member, 12 years on the state Transportation Commission, former federal lobbyist for the Puget Sound Water Quality Authority, former member the state’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Transportation and current member of the WSU Board of Regents. Active member of Trade Development Alliance, attending multiple trade missions.
Top three issues:
1. Enhance the economic vitality of our community by bringing jobs, business and tourism to the port.
2. Foster an open and responsive Port of Everett. I think in today’s world, citizens and taxpayers expect to have an accountable and open governmental body. I think they want to be informed about what’s happening and have opportunities to be involved.
3. Ensure appropriate public access and recreational opportunities for taxpayers while championing our environment.
In her own words: “I think there are essentially two challenges for the Port of Everett. The first is how to keep the port competitive in an ever-changing world. As industries decline or grow, the ports have to stay ahead of that curve and always monitor where the direction is going. The second challenge is to create a balance between marine industries, public access and recreation and mixed-use development. Thoughtful decisions will need to be made as we move forward while keeping in mind the goal of return on investment.”
Fun fact: In the mid-1970s, I taught microbiology to Arab nurses in a Jerusalem hospital.
Fred Taucher
Age: 72
Residence: Everett
Education: High school
Occupation: Founder, chairman Corporate Computer Inc. of Seattle.
Political experience: First run for political office. Member Seattle’s World Affairs Council, which hosts visiting business and governmental leaders doing business in the United States. Also Everett representative for the Washington Trade Development Alliance.
Top three issues:
1. We need more freight going in and out of the Port of Everett. This is where I can really shine. I know I can get business going in and out, especially to Asia and to Europe. I know that a short time after I’m commissioner, I can bring business here. Better roads to the freeway would support this.
2. The Collins Building (in the north marina area being redeveloped) should be moved and used as a historical site. It’s a poor site for a business, but I have made a turnaround on this issue. An historical site shouldn’t be overlooked. I also sympathize with the people on Grand Avenue. They would definitely lose their view (with the redevelopment allowing buildings at 65 feet high). An agreement was made (for 55-foot heights) and it should be kept.
3. Establish a cruise ship terminal for Everett. Seattle makes money and produces a lot of business for the businesses around there (with cruise ships). They spend several days in port and the tourists spend money. I want to see more business going into the city of Everett.
In his own words: “I’m a businessman. You have small business right along the port and they should stay there. I know there’s a lot of talk about clearing out the areas and letting them move elsewhere. I don’t want to see that. We should help them.”
Fun fact: None submitted.
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