Port of Seattle Commission candidates pitch different routes on how to reach objectives

Port of Seattle Commission candidates, who win next month’s general election, face major challenges, including moving cargo stranded aboard cargo ships in Puget Sound, strengthening the port against the effects of climate change, and working on the bridge the growing gap between the region’s haves and not have.

In the election – in which the ballot papers have to be stamped by November 2nd or deposited in the district’s mailboxes by 8 p.m. on that day – three challengers face three incumbents of the commission. By and large, everyone agrees on the goals: sustainability, strengthening the resilience of the port’s supply chains, increasing opportunities for underserved communities, and embedding diversity and inclusion in every step.

They couldn’t be more unanimous on some matters, such as upgrading shore-side infrastructure to provide ships with electricity instead of motor fuel.

However, the candidates also have different views on which policies and projects will help the port achieve its goals, which initiatives are feasible and which have priority.

Position # 1: Sigler vs. Calkins

Norman Sigler, an executive search recruiter who previously worked in finance for three airlines, positions himself as an “Aviation Commissioner” with an intimate understanding of airlines. The port’s aviation division was estimated to generate more than 80% of port-wide operating income of $ 680 million in 2021. Sigler ran for mayor in 2009 and port commissioner in 2015.

Ryan Calkins previously ran his family’s import business, which he says has given him a strong understanding of international shipping and the supply chain. Today he advises a non-profit organization that supports low-income entrepreneurs. Calkins has been port commissioner since 2018.

Sigler has raised more than $ 3,000 for his campaign to date but has spent nothing. Calkins has raised more than $ 120,000 and spent about half. Calkins received contributions from Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which together held about two-thirds of the market share at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as of August 2021.

Both candidates prioritize fair opportunities and sound environmental agendas. Sigler would like to make more budget available to support the neighborhoods around Sea-Tac Airport and to combat noise pollution and fine dust from airplanes.

One of Calkins’ first-semester achievements was leading the effort to establish Maritime High School, which welcomed its first freshman class last month. It was built to pave the way for the maritime industry, especially for women and young colored people.

Sigler hopes to accelerate the port’s CO2-neutral goal by 2030. He recognizes the ambitious goal. Sigler said he will seek to join the Washington Clean Tech Alliance, which promotes research, education and job creation related to clean technologies.

Calkins’ “next big project” will focus on offshore renewable energies, which includes marine turbines. He has spoken out loudly in favor of including research and evaluations on the subject in next year’s budget, he says. He continues to advocate accelerating the environmental targets for 2050 to 2040.

As for air pollution, Sigler suggests having fewer flights but bigger planes for closer destinations like Portland. Calkins is a strong proponent of electric aviation. He helped the port set its target of achieving a sustainable aviation fuel mix of 10% by 2028 and 50% by 2050.

Position # 3: Mohamed vs. Bowman

Hamdi Mohamed and Stephanie Bowman both have careers serving underserved communities. Mohamed is a Justice and Economic Development Policy Advisor to King County Executive Dow Constantine, having previously worked for the district office of US Democratic MP Pramila Jayapal. Bowman has been a commissioner since 2013. In her professional capacity, she leads Washington ABC, a social organization that creates opportunities for low-income residents.

Mohamed has raised more than $ 183,000. Bowman raised more than $ 211,000.

Both candidates have raised most of their money from individuals. Bowman has raised more money from companies including Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Mohamed has its roots in South King County. As the daughter of a trucker and Sea-Tac airport worker, she hopes to be one of the region’s first port commissioners. “The port’s management should reflect King County’s diverse community,” said Mohamed. “The voices and perspectives of cities like South King County should be at the table.” Mohamed hopes to improve air quality and noise levels for airport communities with more detailed local monitoring, environmental audits of route changes and alternative noise readings.

Bowman says she spent a lot of time asking small minority businesses how the port can support them. She has helped create hundreds of paid internships for underserved youth over the years, including nearly 300 jobs during the pandemic through the Opportunity Youth Initiative. Bowman highlights her work in reducing insurance requirements and ensuring bills are paid faster for port entrepreneurs, which she believes has helped women and minority owned businesses gain access to opportunity.

Mohamed is a strong supporter of the Northwest Seaport Alliance, which Bowman led as port president in 2014 and 2015, renegotiated.

Bowman has tried to make the Port of Seattle more competitive with their oversight of Terminal 5 modernization. She said she was working to set a goal of creating 5,000 new green jobs in the port over the next 10 years. “I think King Counties think the port is working well,” Bowman said.

Position No. 4: Hasegawa vs. Steinbrück

Toshiko Grace Hasegawa and Peter Steinbrück come from well-known Seattle families. Hasegawa’s father is a senator and Steinbrück’s father was in charge of maintaining the Pike Place Market.

Both candidates have their own government careers. Hasegawa advises the governor and the legislature as executive director of the Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. Steinbrück is a licensed architect, has been port commissioner since 2018 and was commission president in 2020. Steinbrück was a member of the Seattle City Council from 1997-2007.

Hasegawa raised more than $ 172,000. Steinbrück has raised more than $ 125,000 and received donations from Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines.

Hasegawa’s top priority is promoting a fluid supply chain. She attributes the congestion in the ports to “executives who did not feel the urgency to cope with the forecast growth that we knew would come to our region”. One of their proposed solutions: the modernization of Terminal 46 and the search for a new tenant for cargo shipping.

Steinbrück claims the port has been looking for a new cargo lease for two years, but says it could all be for free as the U.S. Coast Guard is considering acquiring more than half of the terminal.

Hasegawa is keen to bring its equity focus to the port. Their ideas: On-site childcare for employees at Sea-Tac Airport and an expanded Small Works Roster to make more small businesses competitive with port contracts.

In his first tenure, Steinbrück helped found the South King County Fund, a four-year $ 10 million program to create opportunity and support for underserved communities near the airport. Toshiko claims this is “a drop in the ocean”.

Steinbrück acknowledges that the numbers “are not where they need to be” but cites his work on port police reform and noted that 12 of the 52 recommendations in a report on port police were aimed at diversity. He seeks to expand Priority Hire, which helps workers from economically troubled neighborhoods gain access to port employment opportunities beyond King County.

Both candidates agree that transit to and from the airport needs to be improved. Hasegawa suggests obtaining ORCA passports for the port workers. Steinbrück says that the light rail times need to be extended and he wants express trains to go to the airport.

“This choice boils down to one thing,” says Hasegawa. “It’s about whether the voters want more of the same or whether they want to do something different.”

Candidate profiles

Position No. 1

Surname: Norman Sigler
Age: 54
Job: Recruiter in executive search
Endorsements: Democrats of the 34th Legislative District

Surname: Ryan Calkins
Age: 44
Job: Consultant for non-profit organizations
Endorsements: Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Adam Smith, Executive Dow Constantine, conservation groups, local elected officials, port unions, The Stranger, The Seattle Times Editorial Board

Position No. 3

Surname: Hamdi Mohamed
Age: 31
Job: Adviser to the King County Executive
Endorsements: Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Adam Smith, King County Executive Dow Constantine, conservation groups, local elected officials, port unions, The Stranger

Surname: Stephanie Bowman
Age: 53
Job: Nonprofit Director
Endorsements: Former Governor Christine Gregoire, Former Governor Gary Locke, King County Executive Dow Constantine, Port Unions, Local Elected Officials, The Seattle Times Editorial Board

Position No. 4

Surname: Toshiko Grace Hasegawa
Age: 33
Job: Adviser to the state government
Endorsements: Gov. Jay Inslee, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Adam Smith, port unions, local elected officials, conservation groups, The Stranger

Surname: Peter Steinbrück
Age: 64
Job: Consultant for architecture and urban planning
Endorsements: Local elected officials, port unions, The Seattle Times Editorial Board

Resources for voting in the 2021 general election

For more information on voting, ballot boxes, accessible voting and online voting slips, please contact your district election office. The ballot papers are due on November 2nd at 8 p.m.

For more information on your voting slip, visit each district at: myvote.wa.gov