King County Local Voters Pamphlet September 14, 1999 PRIMARY ELECTION PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 02 Note to Voters: The statements below are written by the candidates, who are solely responsible for the contents therein. List of Candidates for PORT OF SEATTLE COMMISSIONER DISTRICT NO. 02: Mark L. Ufkes Ernie Ludwick Bob Edwards Al Yuen Betty Jane Narver Larry Weldon Richard Pope Laurie McDonald Jonsson Fletch Waller

Mark L. UFKES (pronounced UFF-KISS)
Reduce Port Semi-trucks on our Highways:  A dedicated train track to keep shipping containers off trucks, like the Alameda Corridor at the Port of Los Angeles, will reduce highway congestion and make our roads safer.     A Safer Sea-Tac Parking Garage: Safety and crime prevention at public facilities is not negotiable.  Our Port's Sea-Tac parking garage should be the safest in the nation.  Period.     Review our Port's Tax on Homeowners: Taxes are necessary in a civilized society, but require restraint and ongoing public review.  Our Port collects $50 from every King County homeowner each year, worth $35 million in 1998.  Mark's remarkable wife Lois is a public health nurse for at-risk moms and kids.  King County tax dollars that fund services like these, decrease each year; while we contiue to subsidize our Port!  Other Ports pay their own way.  Why can't our Port?      Ufkes has the experience:  Directed $6 million trade and private sector investment in the former Soviet Union.  Coordinated American trade delegation to Japan.  Worked in Asia, and Africa to expand economic opportunity, market American goods, and promote democratic societies.     Ufkes has the education:  Eagle Scout; Washington State University (W.S.U.) graduate; Business and Agricultural Economics; Harvard University graduate; Public Administration.  University of Washington courses; (Mark roots for the Huskies, except when they play the Cougars!)     Ufkes will reconnect our Port to the Public: Our Port is becoming a villain because of a disconnect with the public and community groups.  As a public entity, our Port must do more outreach. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  6523 California AV SW, PMB 135, Seattle, WA 98136  TELEPHONE:  (206) 244-8777  E-MAIL:  UFKESMARKL@MSN.COM  INTERNET:  www.ufkes.com		Mark L. Ufkes

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Ernie LUDWICK
What do YOU gain from the millions we pay in taxes to support the Port of Seattle??     Any businessperson would envy the Port's real estate and commercial empire.  Worth billions, it includes Sea-Tac Airport, Shilshole Marina, the World Trade Center, Fishermen's Terminal, and a vast complex of waterfront offices, shops, piers, etc.  Yet, the Port doesn't make any money.  Instead, we pay millions to subsidize  the Port's shortfall each year.  Meanwhile, corporations using these facilities enjoy the lowest fees on the West Coast.  At the very least, the Port should be held to good business standards.  Better still, the assets of the Port should belong to private industry, removing this tax burden and forcing their operation to become profitable.  Do you want to continue to pay to support a losing enterprise?     Our country's founders had ideals I share.  One of the things they came here to escape was the use of government force to enrich special interests like wealthy traders and manufacturers.  I believe in both individual liberty and economic freedom:  the right of a person to keep the fruits of their labor and spend as they see fit.  It is not the job of government to run a business empire, much less an unprofitable one.     I will work to reshape the Port of Seattle to reflect more libertarian values, such as:     1) Government that governs least governs best.     2) Taxes should be used for necessities, not for the redistribution of wealth to large corporations or privileged groups.  (Check the large campaign donors for the current Port Commissioners at "webpdc.wa.gov".  Why are most of them big shipping companies and cruise lines?)     3) Economic freedom encourages trade and produces more wealth for all.  Economic restriction does not.     Contact us for a copy of the Port budget.     Elect Ernie!     Thank you. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  15100 SE 38, PMB 793, Bellevue, WA  98006  TELEPHONE:  (425) 641-5933		Ernie Ludwick

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Bob EDWARDS
Bob Edwards is the only Port Commission candidate who brings experience as both an elected official and a business person to the race.     An investment analyst with broad experience in the dollars and cents issues facing the Port, Bob has been fighting for sensible solutions to the region's transportation, environment and growth management problems for more than a decade.  His goal is to keep our local economy strong, save the taxpayers' money and keep a clean, healthy Puget Sound.     Bob believes that Port Commissioners must be leaders in finding solutions to our region's transportation troubles, including reducing traffic congestion and moving freight.  He opposes I-695 because it is unsound policy.  But the Port can and should trim its property tax levy whenever possible.  Bob also believes the Port must remain on the cutting edge of critical environmental issues such as invasive species that could irreparably harm Puget Sound.     With one out of every five jobs in the Puget Sound region and Washington State dependent on trade, an experienced hand must be at the Port's helm.     Bob has that experience.  The voters of Renton elected him to the City Council three times.  His colleagues in suburban King County cities appointed him to the Puget Sound Regional Council, where he is now vice president.  He is past President of the Association of Washington Cities, where Bob dealt with statewide issues involving taxes, the environment, and jobs.  He has served on the important Puget Sound Water Quality Authority.  Last year, Gov. Gary Locke appointed Bob to the vital Freight Mobility Strategic Investment Board.     That's why you should vote for Bob Edwards:  He wants to keep our local economy strong, save the taxpayers' money, and keep a healthy, clean Puget Sound. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  1600 Financial Center, 1215 4 AV, Seattle, WA  98161  TELEPHONE:  (206) 695-7124		Bob Edwards

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Al YUEN
My name is Al Yuen.  I want to become your Seattle Port Commissioner.  I am not a professional politician or fund raiser, or part of any special interest group.  I am an American born Chinese, and a resident of King County for more than 40 years.  I have a BA in Law Administration and a Master in Business.  As a business owner and real estate broker for 25 years, I understand property management and the value of diversifying your base to respond to changing economics.     While the State of Washington is a leader in exports to Asia -- our largest trading customer -- the majority of those dollars are related to a single industry, Airplane manufacturing.     I have visited many Asian cities and have inspected their port facilities.  While there, I visited with Importers/Exporters and other business owners who are wanting and needing to do business with the U.S.  Being an American with an Asian heritage and a business background, I have the knowledge to understand their culture, their customs and their way of doing business.  This knowledge can help increase our port business.     I have seen the growth of the Greater Seattle, King County area for the past 40 years and know how the port facilities play a significant role in our economy.  How we need to evaluate our air and sea port facilities, our retail and business developments.  Work with our businesses to develop new jobs.  How our port can be self-supportive.  No taxes to subsidize the port.  Expenses charged to the users.  Apprentice program to help the unskilled to be productive.  Elect Al Yuen for Seattle Port Commissioner. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  PO Box 94287, Seattle, WA  98124  TELEPHONE:  (206) 521-8399  FAX:  (206) 521-0950		Al Yuen

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Betty Jane NARVER
As Port Commissioner (Position 2),  Betty Jane Narver will work for the creation of living wage jobs through wise economic development, further protection of the environment, and more open and accountable government.     Good Jobs:   Betty Jane has worked for several years to create good, living wage jobs for King County residents.  Three governors have appointed her to lead Washington's efforts to create high-skill, high-wage jobs, especially for our young people.  Betty Jane can help the Port create more good jobs.     Clean Water:  She helped start People for Puget Sound as a watchdog to protect Puget Sound's water quality.  The Port  makes many decisions that directly affect our water quality.  Betty Jane will be a strong advocate for clean water.     Open Process:  As former Chair of the Municipal League of King County and current Seattle Library Board President, Betty Jane has worked to make government open and accountable to real people.  Taxpayers of King County deserve to know how their tax dollars to the Port are being spent.     Betty Jane Narver is Director of the Institute for Public Policy and Management at the University of Washington.  In her professional life, she has worked for school reform and has focused much of her work on welfare reform, workforce and economic development and environmental policy.  This work has had an influence on local, state and national policies.  As a volunteer, Betty Jane has worked for years to improve schools in Seattle and Washington State and has served on many volunteer boards.  She has two children, Gregory and Allison, both of whom attended Seattle Public Schools. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  1915 E Crescent DR, Seattle, WA  98112  TELEPHONE:  (206) 709-8845  E-MAIL:  bjnarver@yahoo.com  INTERNET:  http://members.xoom.com/bjnarver/campaign.htm		Betty Jane Narver

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Larry WELDON
Larry Weldon is the administrator of freight mobility with the Washington State Department of Transportation.  He served as a State Transportation Commissioner appointed by former Governor Mike Lowry.  He clearly understands that industry and jobs from aerospace to agriculture depend upon international trade and the Port of Seattle.  Larry's goal as a Port Commissioner is to take a leadership role in issues that affect the economic development of our region.     He strongly feels with the Commission's leadership, the Port can achieve it's mission of efficiently transporting people and goods without destroying the integrity of fragile neighborhoods.  Larry firmly believes that our Port must play a significant role in improving access and reducing congestion for people and freight in our region.  As a former union official, Larry understands that by respecting the rights of working people and placing a high value on ethnic diversity we add strength and stability to economic growth.  With 30 years in transportation, freight and organized labor, Larry is experienced and committed to working with citizens, unions, private industry and public agencies.  He understands that by working together we will ensure that our port continues the outstanding service to our customers worldwide, and together we will also ensure outstanding service to the local and statewide industry that we depend on everyday for our economic survival.     Larry has a Masters Degree in Public Administration - Seattle University.  He is a member of the Puget Sound Regional Council Freight Mobility Roundtable and serves as a 37th Legislative District Precinct Committee Officer.  Larry is a U.S. Navy veteran and is married with two children. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  12445 84 AV S, Seattle, WA  98178  TELEPHONE:  (206) 772-1352  E-MAIL:  LNWeldon@aol.com		Larry Weldon

List of Candidates | Local Voters Pamphlet

Richard POPE
THIS IS A KING COUNTY-WIDE ELECTION! IT'S YOUR PORT!  IT'S OUR FUTURE!     Three very important issues are facing our Port:     1)  Should our Port reduce its $35.4 Million King County Property Tax Levy?  Absolutely!  The Port of Seattle receives the largest taxpayer subsidy among North American ports.  However, our Port has run surpluses of $63.9 to $82.0 million the last three years.  Our Port doesn't need this taxpayer giveaway!     RICHARD POPE proposes to ELIMINATE this unnecessary levy and make our Port financially accountable.     2)  How should Sea-Tac Airport expansion be managed?  Obviously we need more airport capacity in the Puget Sound region.  But the third runway is now 31% over budget and won't be completed until 2006, two years behind schedule.  Total costs could be several billion, including noise mitigation.     RICHARD POPE will carefully review this project to ensure taxpayer dollars are wisely spent.  There should not be endless delays, but Sea-Tac's neighbors must be respected and fairly compensated.     3)  How can our Port's maritime business remain competitive?  Our Port's biggest container customers, HYUNDAI and SUNMAR, left because of high costs and obsolete facilities.  Vancouver and Los Angeles are capturing most new Pacific Rim commerce.  Meanwhile, the Port builds itself fancy new offices and a cruise ship terminal three times over budget.  Port land goes to developers for luxury waterfront hotels.     RICHARD POPE will redirect Port dollars to modernize cargo terminals and improve technology.  Industrial and warehouse land must be preserved for vital maritime needs.     RICHARD POPE has a law degree from the University of Washington, with an Economics BA and graduate studies in international trade.  Richard has been a teacher, researcher, and an attorney.  Richard will work for your interests at the Port of Seattle.     IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE!  PLEASE VOTE RICHARD POPE FOR YOUR NEXT PORT COMMISSIONER. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  2001 NE 177 ST, Seattle, WA  98155  TELEPHONE:  (206) 365-3463  E-MAIL:  RPope98155@aol.com  INTERNET:  http://hometown.aol.com/RPope98155		Richard Pope

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Laurie McDONALD JONSSON
The Port of Seattle, the Cruise Ship industry and tourism are all in my blood.  I'll never forget how spectacular the Port looked to me at age 12 when my father brought the first cruise ship to Seattle for the World's Fair.  My family owned the Love Boat, and I co-founded the Seattle-based Sundance Cruises and Tours.     I know ships, tours and tourism.  I was the first woman to direct an entire shipbuilding project, negotiating contracts from Asia to Europe.     Experience does count.     While the attention of today's Port is centered around the airport, no one is concentrated on expanding the cruise ship and tourism business.     That's my goal.     Many cruise ship and tourism businesses are based here, yet not one cruise ship docks here.  Every docking here has the potential of leaving over one million dollars in retail and tourism revenue each day.     I'm a successful businesswoman.  I bring capital projects in on-line, on-time and within budget.  I'm committed to increasing the public's confidence in the Port by listening.  When we deal with noise, for instance, I'll insist we have the best science, the most equitable mitigation and the fairest resolutions.     Background:  • Born here; lifelong resident.  • Graduate, University of Washington; Masters, University of Michigan; graduate of Stanford University's Executive Program.  • Owner, Stellar Travel, Stellar International.  • Director, Commerce Bank.  • Chair, Governor Locke's Executive Woman's Council which is sponsoring the first all-woman's trade and study mission to Central Europe.  • Named one of the leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World by IBM, Fortune Magazine and Lucent Technologies (1999).  • Reside on the Eastside with husband Lars, and three children:  Jonas, Marcus and Jenny.  • Endorsers include Sen. Patty Murray, Seattle Mayor Paul Schell and former King County Prosecuting Attorney Chris Bayley.     Visit my website at www.friendsoflaurie.com. CAMPAIGN ADDRESS:  1809 7 AV, #1610, Seattle, WA  98101  TELEPHONE:  (206) 852-4565  FAX:  (206) 382-1338  E-MAIL:  laurie@friendsoflaurie.com		Laurie Jonsson

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Fletch WALLER
In 40 years of international business, consulting and teaching, I've worked to help hotel and travel managers better serve their customers.  The Port must be customer-centered, too.  The Port's customers?  That's us, all of us -- not airlines and ships that use Port facilities.  I've been involved with the Port for years, appointed to the Port Ethics Board at its creation, recently its chair.  Now it's time for me to seek the more active role of Commissioner.  My entire career -- Harvard MBA, senior executive of three Fortune 500 companies, teacher and travel entrepreneur -- prepares me to work effectively with the other commissioners to set priorities for the 21st Century.  I will devote the thousands of hours it takes to master Port's issues.  What issues?     • A Sea-Tac that works. Sea-Tac is scrambling to keep up with demand.  Over the next several years, we'll spend some $6 billion bringing Sea-Tac into the 21st Century.  I'll help make that process as painless, effective and customer-oriented as possible.      • Wise trade-offs between job creation and our Northwest quality of life.  The Port's mission is to stimulate our economy, but I'll seek ways to do so while repairing our damaged environment and smoothing our interactions with the rest of the world.     • Better use of precious land.  King County's geography hampers our ability to absorb a growing economy and population.  Land productivity is the key; I'll help seek ways to efficiently move more passengers and more freight through the same limited spaces.     • Development of our Pacific-rim world-view.  Seattle is on the threshold of an Asian/American century.  I'll help the Port promote understanding and appreciation of visitors from everywhere, and increasingly those from Asia.     Please mark your primary ballot -- absentee or in the booth -- to Put Fletch to Work on Our Ports.		Fletch Waller

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Updated: 08-27-1999