Two very strong candidates are on the primary ballot for the District 1 seat on the Everett Port Commission: Phil Bannan, the incumbent, and Valerie Steel. They will offer voters a pair of good choices in the Nov. 4 general election.
Steel, a residential real estate agent, has done her homework on port issues. Among her priorities for the port are improving public access to the waterfront and increasing the number of port commissioners from three to five while reducing their terms from six years to four. She believes the latter moves would make commissioners more accountable and allow for fuller discussions of issues.
Bannan, who served as the port’s executive director from 1986-1993, is seeking a second six-year term. His familiarity with port issues and history is obvious, and his years as a waterfront-business manager and owner bolster his credentials further. He does not favor changing the structure of the commission.
Both candidates favor eliminating the property tax the port collects, but Bannan points out that the tax must remain in place until existing bonds it funds are retired.
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