Here I am running for Port of Anacortes Commissioner and I am not even a bird. My friend was right when he said a public position is two jobs, one to get the position and another to carry out the work. Two different jobs, two different skill sets.

I am well experienced in carrying out the work, much better than my opponent by far, but brand new at getting the work. 

It is not all bad, however, and I am catching on rapidly. In a recent forum I pointed out where, as a program manager for NOAA, I had to coordinate activities between several government agencies, each of which saw the goals differently. This is much like I expect to find as Commissioner. It is also what is happening now. My opponent and I see the goals differently. He is looking backwards. I am looking forward. Only this time, it is the voters that will determine which path is to be taken.

It is the presence of the voters that makes the big difference. Neither my opponent nor I have control. It is the voters that must be kept satisfied or I will be a one-term commissioner. Fortunately, my number one priority is open communication. When I win the election all citizens will be kept informed, those that voted for me as well as those that didn't. Not only informed, but listened to.

The Port has a Comprehensive Plan developed with citizen input. It is a good plan that defines the direction the Port is now on. There are government and non-government organizations working on visualizing Anacortes in the future. The Port will be involved either by being a part of the visualizing or being dragged along fighting the future. As Port Commissioner I will be part of the visualizing.

Lifting ourselves up and finding new direction is kind of like flying. I guess politics is for the birds.