TNT’s endorsement for Port of Tacoma Commission Pos. 2

Pierce County voters will decide who will win three out of the five seats on the Port of Tacoma Commission this November. The News Tribune Editorial Board weighed in on two of those contests during August’s primary election, and in both we endorsed candidates who would be new to the commission. Those were JT Wilcox and Tim Payne.

Now we have the opportunity to endorse a candidate for Position 2 that skipped straight to the general election. In that contest, the clear choice is the candidate who is tried and true.

Incumbent Dick Marzano brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge that will serve the port commission well. In addition to 30 years on the port commission, he has a background as a longshoreman and union leader. He wins our support.

Marzano, 76, showed continued passion for the complex issues at play in running the Port of Tacoma and argued his leadership will push forward the work there is left to do. He was also about as forward looking as you can ask an incumbent to be.

It could be argued that Marzano should pass the torch to new leaders after serving so long on the port commission. We’ve made that argument before. However, challenger Morgan Alexander isn’t prepared to take on the role.

The members of the port commission have their work cut out for them. They must try to keep business flowing when there’s uncertainty over shipping volumes and competition with Canadian ports. They must develop new uses for the port as the role of industrial manufacturers fades. They must find ways to reduce pollution and prepare port infrastructure for the effects of climate change, whether or not the federal government shares those goals.

Marzano brought specifics to those issues. He argued that the port has a role in advocating with lawmakers for the interests of businesses affected by tariffs, for example, making sure they have a voice.

He said the future of the port relied on the success of the new break-bulk terminal the port is working on in partnership with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians, and to the maritime skills center under construction on the tideflats.

Finally, Marzano said that habitat restoration would be crucial to future climate resiliency. Wetland habitat is indeed a first line of defense against rising tides and is a worthy addition to clean-up projects that can also make contaminated properties useful for business again.

The TNT editorial board heard fewer concrete ideas from Alexander, who is the former owner of the Tacoma Brewing Company and said he’s in his 50’s. While he expressed eagerness to learn, including about the Puyallup Tribe and their interests, it was notable that he hadn’t done so yet.

Marzano might yet have things to learn, but he’ll be building off decades of knowledge and experience. He’s got our support in taking that challenge on.

The News Tribune Editorial Board is: Laura Hautala, opinion editor; Stephanie Pedersen, TNT president and editor; Jim Walton, community representative; Justin Evans, community representative; Bart Hayes, community representative.

This story was originally published October 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.