Port citizen advisory committee reviews potential members

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The Port of Olympia Citizens Advisory Committee (POCAC) reviewed five candidates applying as committee members during a meeting held yesterday, October 18.

·         Harry Branch from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

·         Don Krug from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources

·         Sue Patnude, who worked for multiple state agencies

·         Shannon Glenn who is employed by Puget Sound Energy

·         Quentin Phillips, who was a healthcare executive.

All five candidates expressed wanting to work on environmental issues. Krug, Branch and Patnude are retired public-sector employees,

“Probably my number one [interest] would end up being climate mitigation because that was a pretty large focus of my career,” Krug said. “I understand things like carbon taxes, how they work, so I would imagine that would probably be the most likely place to focus.”

 “I would like to see a number of changes such as systemic changes in the way we think things like piecing developments into restoration rather than trying to piece restorations into developments,” said Branch.

Other candidates mentioned the role of economic development.

“I really want to focus on making sure that economic development and the environment are working hand in hand,” Patnude said.

Glenn commented, “I'm also really excited about looking at economic development opportunities. I think the destination waterfront and then 2050 plans are really exciting.”

POCAC will continue to accept applicants, especially candidates from the second district, as it remains unrepresented. Committee member Cameron Wilson said they hope to get applicants from the private sector as most of the candidates worked in the public sector.

“If I'm making my wish list, I'd like to see maybe a business owner — just a person who's responsible for employing people in our community,” said Wilson. “Two, I would like a stay-at-home parent or a homemaker… someone who isn't in the public or the private sector.”

POCAC Chair Deborah Pattin added that she wants to see a representative from the labor sector or someone from the south area of the county.

POCAC is currently looking for additional committee members as they only have four members. They require at least nine members and can have up to 12 members.

 

      

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