Mary Lou Block, vice president of the Edmonds Port Commission, has announced she will seek an additional term as an at-large commissioner on the ballot for the Aug. 18 primary election.
“During this difficult financial period, I am firmly committed to running a fiscally responsible operation and keeping moorage rates and taxes as low as possible, while maintaining the Port’s quality service for all our users,” Block said in a press release. “To this end, I voted to limit an increase in moorage rates for 2009 and maintain the 2008 tax levy for 2009.”
Recent waterfront improvements of which Block is particularly proud are construction of the public plaza west of the Marine Services building and development of the port’s weather station.
“The plaza is a wonderful addition to the waterfront,” said Bill Anderson, a Woodway councilman and port resident. “Our adult family members have enjoyed eating at the Beach Café, while our grandchildren played in the plaza sandbox.”
Block is working to improve business through participation in the regional Prosperity Partnership, a group of more than 300 government, business and other groups focused on improving the Puget Sound-area economy. She is concerned with the health of the business community.
“Mary Lou takes her commitment to the Edmonds business community personally and really cares about it,” said Ruth Arista, owner of Arista Wine Cellars. “She patronizes Edmonds restaurants and shops.”
Block is a 35-year resident of the Port District, with 27 years of planning experience. She served many years as Edmonds planning director, as assistant planning director for the city of Everett and as an analyst in the Snohomish County Executive’s office.
“Mary Lou has long been a force for improving the community through her planning work and now, as port commissioner, brings this interest and enthusiasm to her maritime role,” said John McGibbon, son of a former Edmonds mayor, former Planning Commissioner and currently a member of the Edmonds Public Facilities District Board. “She has helped craft the port into a model for others to emulate.”
Block and her husband are boaters; they have two grown children and two grandchildren living in the area.
“Let there be no question: I want Edmonds to remain the exemplary port named ‘2006 Marina of the Year’ by Marina Dock Age magazine in March 2007,” Block said. “I want us to continue to be financially prudent, while striving to reach the port’s full potential.”
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