In the next general election, the Port will introduce a proposition to extend commission term limits. This will not apply to current board members, but to all subsequently elected officials.
Washington’s 75 port districts are independent government entities run by elected commissioners. The number of commissioners and the length of their term can differ from port to port. The majority of ports in the state of Washington are run by three commissioners serving six-year terms. Six-year terms provide stability for the port, with only one commissioner up for re-election each election cycle. This helps maintain the port’s institutional knowledge while significantly reducing the overall election cost.
The Port of Lopez is one of seven port districts statewide that have three commissioners serving four-year terms. The four-year term results in two-thirds of commission positions up for re-election every other election cycle, which undermines the stability of port management while doubling the election cost on that cycle. Help us save money and reduce the election congestion by voting yes on proposition 1 and changing Port of Lopez commissioner terms to six years.
Again, please note that the terms of current commissioners would be unchanged if this proposition is approved. The six-year terms would apply only to subsequently elected commissioners.
Please reach out to us if you have an opposing viewpoint or questions about the proposition.