Seeking healthier relationship

I’m writing on behalf of the Port Reform Coalition, an organization created this past summer to pursue the cause of necessary fundamental changes at the Port of Everett. We believe the time has come to establish a five-member commission, with two elected at large; reduce the terms of office from six years to four; make public access to the shorelines a matter of primary rather than secondary significance; and put the issue of property taxes to a public vote much like the school district tax levies.

While these reforms in and of themselves do not guarantee a better functioning commission, they will go a long way to re-establish a healthier relationship between the port and the public. For too long the port has operated under the public radar screen and has been the least accessible and accountable of local public agencies. It is time we changed that.

Jeff Gibson

Port Reform Coalition

Everett