The two candidates answered questions submitted to them by the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce. Their answers are presented one by one, with the candidates in alphabetical order.
1. What is your #1 priority in the coming term? Why are you running?
Roger Born:
My priorities are four; an attractive and inviting waterfront, expanded employment opportunity, ecological stewardship, and open communication. As a sailor, and now working summers on the waterfront, I am excited about what is being accomplished by the Port of Anacortes. With my business background I can make a significant contribution to the successes of the Port.
Ray Niver
The greatest "public" priority should be on intergovernmental cooperation between the Port, the City, and other related government agencies in planning, strategy, and finally joint development projects. The Pier I Dakota Creek shipyard development is a good example. The Port worked with the City to reroute existing infrastructure, the County to obtain $1 million for development, the State receiving $5.6 million for job development, and with the Dept ofEcology to plan and fund the cleanup. The mentality of independent and unilateral action must be a thing of the past. My "business" priority for the Port is to become self sufficient. That is to adapt business practices that support development without using Port taxes. The Port hardly supports local business by taxing them. The two concepts of "public" and "business" were successfully combined in the previous example because they integrated all public agencies needs and funding to create additional jobs and Port revenues.
I originally ran for office to change a Port plagued with internal staff problems, continually fighting the Department ofEcology, and deadlocked in law suits with the City. Today Port/City relations are the best in a decade. The Port staff has been changed from the top down with quality professionals and our new legal team has partnered with the Department ofEcology in the #1 cleanup program in the State called "Focus Fidalgo." I believe my efforts to achieve these results were the most productive of the Commissions and I intend to continue these efforts.
2. In your opinion, what are Anacortes’ main issues going forward?
Roger Born
Anacortes is a waterfront city, a major asset. Managed wisely, the waterfront can provide for working citizens as well as retirees. Done well, it can also capture the attention of those that just pass through on their way to some ware else. Getting there is the main issue.
Ray Niver
The Anacortes Futures Project presents these issues in the most comprehensive, objective, and detailed way I have seen. It addresses both the "public" and "business" aspects of these issues, possible conflicts, and possible outcomes of decisions. It also demonstrates the need for long term intergovernmental planning with the forum for final decisions made at the City. The most critical areas for the Port to participate are the development around the marina and Guemes channel.
3. What is your vision for Anacortes and how might that be best achieved?
Roger Born
My vision is a multifaceted city of retirees, working families, and tourists. Further action is not required to draw retirees. Affordable housing is required to maintain and grow working families, not junk housing, but attractive affordable housing. Brightening up the commercial district and connecting with the waterfront will draw outsider’s attention and motivate spending.
Ray Niver
The development of Anacortes must be determined By the City through joint planning with private business and developers, the Port, the Tribes, and the community. The Port must not develop independently. I personally would like to see the downtown more integrated with the waterfront and the preservation and enhancement of our unique quality of life and small town atmosphere. Critical areas for the City will include the MJB properties. Those involving the Port are the area around the marina and Guemes channel properties including the current Port office location. The success of any decision will be determined on analysis similar to the Futures Project with a clear idea of where these decisions may lead.
4. How do you feel that local business interests, especially those of small business, have been represented by local government? What would you change?
Roger Born
Small businesses leasing Port of Anacortes properties are well represented by the Port in my observations. As a commissioner they will continue to be well represented.
Ray Niver
I believe most local business feel they are not represented by local government and prefer it that way. Taxing local business to aid them would fall into this category. In general Governments role should be to plan for and provide an environment for consistent sustainable business operations. As far as the Port, its enhancement ofPier I with DCI, increased use ofPier II, and accommodation of the many tenants from NCASI to whale watching has been beneficial to these business as well as the community. However, this support must be self sufficient and ecologically acceptable. Indirectly development at the marina and other cleanup projects enhance both the attractiveness for business location and the character of the community.
5. Have you read the Chamber’s Futures Report? Did you reach any conclusions? How might this information be used in your next term?
Roger Born
I have read the report and have heard it well presented at a Planning Commission meeting. The Futures Project has done an admirable job over the last two years gathering, analyzing, and presenting demographic data of the area. The hard work is about to begin. Developing a plan for the future, bringing together diverse groups, and obtaining consensus will take double the energy. The Port of Anacortes must be part of the effort.
Ray Niver
Yes, yes, see Q2. I especially appreciate the unbiased and analytical approach not only to identify problems but to identify a variety of outcomes to decisions and their associated impact. When this was presented to the Port I recommended this approach to both Port staff and the Commission as our basis for long term strategic planning based on facts not opinions.
6. What other comments relevant to your candidacy would you like to offer?
Roger Born
The Port of Anacortes is an important player in actions affecting the City of Anacortes. It is responsible for Cap Sante marina with both recreational and fishing fleets, and adjoining properties with park, small boats, and maritime education. The Guemes channel properties support shipbuilding, rope manufacture, and other businesses. It also has the only building big enough to hold large gatherings and sports a restaurant as well. The Washington State ferries arrive and leave from Port property. The Anacortes Airport is a Port operation for business and private flying. There are several aviation and other small businesses at the airport. All areas of Port operation need the attention of a Port Commissioner, including the Commissioner representing District 1. This I will do!
Ray Niver did not respond to Question 6.