priorities

My top priorities are economic development and jobs, focusing on the expansion of our deep-water shipping terminals and waterfront properties. Our terminals include 8 ship berths and 125 acres - the third largest container port in the state. The former Scott Paper/Kimberly Clark site is a good example of a contaminated area recently developed to support 800 direct jobs, including the highly skilled ILUW workforce, generating millions in state and local taxes each year. The international terminals generate 70% of port revenue. The port lands represent 3300 acres including Jetty Island. 

Mukilteo citizens have a lot at stake in this election. Working with a group of stakeholders, we have developed a plan with the City of Mukilteo to improve the waterfront from Lighthouse Park to Edgewater Beach in including the old tank farm, the NOAA site and Japanese Gulch. Recent port projects have included the Parklet and parking adjacent to Ivar's, the removal of the NOAA building and the public fishing pier. 

Another priority is completion of the next phase of Waterfront Central, including the largest public marina on the west coast. The Millwright District will be a public-private partnership including commercial, retail, office and residential spaces. the 10-acre site will be adjacent to 266 unit waterfront apartments, 142 room Hotel Indigo and the recently renovated historic Weyerhaeuser building. the 100-year-old building will double as a whiskey/coffee bar and museum, as well as host to community and boating clubs. Improvements continue to be made to the marina and our 13 lane public boat launch, including new fuel tanks and dock, increased security with new security gates and roof over the south marina covered slips. 

The port budget for 2023 is 67 million dollars and includes three lines of business: International Shipping, Marina Facilities, and Real Estate Development. The port has one of the lowest property tax levies in the state. Our millage rate has been reduced to .188% of assesses valuation and represents 8% of the budget. I pledge to put a "cap" on your port property taxes. Taxes are used for environmental restoration, public access and debt service. They are not used for operating costs, including salaries and benefits. For more than 25 years the port has received a "clean audit" from the state auditor.