Three candidates will face off for the District 3 seat on the three-member Port of Bellingham Commission during the Aug. 4 primary election.
The top two vote-getters will move on to the Nov. 3 general election.
District 3 covers most of Whatcom County west of Guide meridian, stretching from northwest Bellingham to the Canadian border.
Port commissioner is a nonpartisan office with four-year terms.
The Bellingham Herald asked the candidates a series of questions about their qualifications and key issues for the port. Responses below are verbatim as submitted. Find the answers submitted by other candidates at bellinghamherald.com/politics-blog.
Candidate: Lloyd Zimmerman, 58
Education: University of Puget Sound 1979, Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. Major. Blaine High 1975. Pertinent classes for Port leadership: Marine Biology, Chemistry, Law and society, Psychology, Accounting, World History, Humanities, Micro and Macro Economics. Abnormal Psychology. Kinesiology, Toastmasters, communication and leadership. Public Speaking and Debate. Geology, Ornithology, Environmental Science. Survival Training, Eagle scout.
Work experience/Previous Public Offices Held:
Ferndale City Council, 6 years
City Councilor, City Planning, Public Utilities, Parks and Trails. Real Estate Sales and Management, Insurance Sales, Health, Life. Solar Energy, Sales, Design and install. Water Purification Company, Owner, Technical Sales and Mgt. Home repair, Wood Carved Signs, Sales, Design, fabricate, and install. Pub owner, Time share salesman, Farm Worker, Cow Milker, Berry Picker, tractor driver. Health Care worker, Kinesiologist, Psychoneural Immunologist.
Why are you running for Port Commissioner?
I have deep and profound reasons. The Port plays a pivotal role in this place we all call home. The future of our waters, our livelihoods, our relationship with the Lummi nation and the economic potential of a redeveloped waterfront are all issues that demand an active, informed and engaged citizenry. I heard the call once again and decided to step forward and help my Community and the Coast Salish Tribes in these very turbulent and troubling times. Protecting our legacy, encouraging the people of Bellingham to become active participants in the redevelopment of their waterfront and creating a team based approach to resolving the issues facing all of us are the cornerstones of my vison and our mission.
How many port meetings have you attended and/or watched online?
I’m happy to say that I have attended at least 20 meetings.
Do you think the Port Commission should meet in the evening or in the afternoon? Why?
The business of the Port Property is the utmost of importance and should start every Monday morning at 7 am. Done by 8:30 am then everyone get back to work. Coffee and hot oatmeal is served at 6:30 am to reward early risers. Friday morning staff progress reports due and agenda set for the upcoming Monday meeting.
What specifically would you like to see done at Bellingham International Airport?
(Editor: No answer submitted.)
What do you think of the waterfront development deal with Harcourt Developments?
I will reserve judgement since any deal is negotiable. There is plenty of room to improve the position and performance of both parties.
What should the port’s role be in an industrial or working waterfront?
The fishing fleet and associated support industries need to be protected from being squeezed out or priced out. The Port has the power of the purse strings to help or hurt these historic tenants. As a former fisheries worker, I speak the language. There is enough space in my opinion for expansion of future water dependent industries. I support small business incubation and alliance of the Western Wash. University brain power. The Port is a powerhouse and lead player in making things happen by finding the money and resources and making sure it all comes together for our collective endeavor. The concept of “Experiential Economics,” I feel, is where the heart of our community health, wealth and happiness will be found.
What is the most important issue the Port of Bellingham will need to tackle in the next four years?
Stewardship and restoration of Bellingham Bay. Mitigating the negative impacts of Bakken Oil Trains and Coal Trains. They are monopolizing the railroad right of ways and risking everything for profits over the people of the Salish Sea. Point Elliott Treaty Violations by corporate interests must be dealt with firmly. We must come together and stand together or risk all we hold most sacred.