The News Tribune endorsements: Our picks for Port of Tacoma Commission

We’ve all heard the saying: The Port of Tacoma is Pierce County’s economic engine. But even if we readily acknowledge the truth of the statement, few voters understand just how important it is, or exactly what it contributes to our local way of life.

The same largely holds true for the value of the Port of Tacoma’s role in the Northwest Seaport Alliance. Launched in 2014, the alliance created a powerful marriage with the Port of Seattle, with the goal of helping both ports compete with the likes of British Columbia and beyond.

In a state where a staggering number of jobs are tied to the export and import of goods, we’re all impacted when the Port of Tacoma is successful. When it struggles, everyone feels it.

Still, none of this makes it any easier for many Pierce County residents when it comes time to cast ballots in Port of Tacoma commission races — which can feel like throwing darts in the dark.

The good news for voters is that both of this year’s Port of Tacoma races will proceed directly to the general election — so there’s ample time to think it over.

In the opinion of The News Tribune Editorial Board, the incumbents in the race both have strong track records and credentials. They deserve to be re-elected.

Port of Tacoma Pos. 3

In the race for Port of Tacoma Pos. 3, Deanna Keller, 66, who was first elected in 2019 and currently serves as the commission’s president, faces a challenge from Jeanette Twitty, who will be 63 in September and launched an unsuccessful bid for the Port of Tacoma commission two years ago.

While we admire Twitty’s desire to serve her community, the local business owner has a limited background that makes us wary of her readiness to take on such an important role. Even given the benefit of the incumbency advantage working against her, at times during The News Tribune’s endorsement interview, it was clear Twitty would face a steep learning curve if elected — and, as always, the issues facing the Port of Tacoma in the coming years are urgent.

In addition to her role as Port of Tacoma Commission president, Keller serves as co-chair of the Northwest Seaport Alliance. She has successfully transitioned from a 20-year career in education into port leadership roles, and her ascension demonstrates a mastery of complex shipping and trade issues and her effectiveness as a leader.

Admittedly, at times during The News Tribune Editorial Board’s endorsement interview, members of the board grew frustrated by Keller’s tendency to focus on the Port’s past accomplishments. We would have liked to hear a more forward-looking perspective, and one that does justice to the many challenges ahead, from climate change to bubbling labor disputes. If re-elected, we’d challenge Keller — just like we’d challenge every successful incumbent — to avoid resting on laurels and past accolades.

Still, Keller is the clear choice in this race, and she certainly deserves credit for the Port of Tacoma’s recent successes. Through the decisions of the commission she serves on, the Port of Tacoma has taken important steps into the future, whether it’s planning for a greener, more sustainable future or establishing its commitment to improving diversity and equity.

Ultimately, Twitty brings important and sometimes unheard perspectives to the table, and we encourage her to find other ways to stay engaged and learn.

Keller deserves your vote this fall.

Port of Tacoma Pos. 5

Kristin Ang, 44, was elected to the Port of Tacoma Commission in 2019. After an unsuccessful bid for the commission two years prior, Ang’s focus on environmental concerns — and specifically the highly contentious Puget Sound Energy liquefied natural gas project – won over young and old voters alike.

In the process, the Filipino American brought much-needed diversity to a commission that has historically lacked it. Ang was the first person of color elected to the commission in its 101-year history.

Four years later, Ang is running again. And in some ways, the world is a much different place now: we’re emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic and focuses have changed.

At the same time, the larger forces that pushed Ang to victory last time around — like the need for a diverse Port of Tacoma Commission that reflects the community it serves, and the need for a commission capable of actively addressing the continued threat of climate change — are just as pressing.

Voters would be wise to give Ang another term. She has brought important perspective and crucial insight to the Port of Tacoma Commission, and there’s little doubt that the body has benefited from her presence.

Ang has been an engaged member of the Port’s environmental and diversity, equity and inclusion committees. She also serves on the Port’s Tribal liaison committee, allowing her to help build and strengthen a critical relationship with the Puyallup Tribe of Indians and other local native and indigenous populations. She serves on the executive board of the Central Puget Sound Economic Development District and the Washington Council on International Trade.

“I’ve accomplished some of the things that I said I would four years ago in the campaign, and that’s what I’m most proud of, especially rebuilding the trust with the community and creating partnerships with our schools and the Puyallup Tribe,” Ang told The News Tribune Editorial Board. “I think people voted for me because of the environment, and that’s exactly what I did as soon as I got on (the commission).”

Ang’s challenger is Dave Bryant, a 73-year-old retired Navy pilot and deep draft ship captain who spent 26 years in the military before transitioning to a career at Boeing. A resident of unincorporated Pierce County, Bryant told The News Tribune he’s running because he believes his “experience and expertise” would benefit the Port of Tacoma Commission.

Throughout our endorsement interview with Bryant, he provided a number of thoughtful responses. Most notably, Bryant’s background as a captain on large vessels navigating foreign ports and experience working with developing technologies, are appealing. There’s little doubt in our mind that he’s a qualified candidate, and we’re sure he’d be a capable member of the commission if elected.

But Ang is the clear choice. We believe she deserves another term.