Published in the July 24, 2007, edition of the Post-Record
Port commission race heats up
Waterfront development and attracting jobs to the area are among the top issues
By Dawn Feldhaus
Post-Record staff
Port of Camas-Washougal District 2 Candidates
Both candidates for the Port of Camas-Washougal District 2 seat seem to agree that the proposed RiverWalk on the Columbia development is the most predominant port-related topic in the area.
The $300 million waterfront development — which could extend 65 acres from the Parkersville historic site upriver to the vacant property east of Hambleton Lumber Co. — has certainly been receiving the most attention, of late.
Bill Ward, vice president of the Concerned Citizens in Action, said the RiverWalk project inspired him to run for the port commission seat currently occupied by Rich Gunderson.
“Finding out that the waterfront area was under jeopardy from development, and it wasn’t until I really got my information all pulled together and had a chance to look at all the sides of the situation that I realized that yes, development of the waterfront is highly desirable but it’s got to be appropriate,” Ward said. “It’s got to be beneficial to the entire community rather than a handful of people.”
Gunderson is not seeking re-election to a second four-year term. In addition to Ward, Jim Gray is vying for the port commission position.
Gray said he is in favor of a “RiverWalk-type of project.”
“The RiverWalk is a big, big issue,” he said. “It needs to be watched very carefully and guided very carefully.
“I see the job of the port commissioners as managing and providing guidance for the port, so watching the development and guiding the development is crucial at this time,” Gray added. “I believe I have the breadth of background and experience to consider all the aspects of it and to make decisions that will be in the best interest of the people.”
Gray, 65, retired five years ago as a captain with American Airlines. The former Air Force and Army National Guard officer is a flight instructor at Grove Field Airport, in Camas.
Ward — who includes in his goals if elected, a demand for a public vote on the RiverWalk proposition — favors instead the development of a science and technology campus along the waterfront. He said it could serve as a “model home” and attract additional tenants to the port industrial park.
“That’s what we should be thinking about — creating something there that has street appeal that is going to help attract other industries,” Ward said. “When we look at the industrial park currently, it really does not give these types of businesses the impression that ‘hey, we’re going into a park, we’re going into a place where creativity is going to be nurtured and inspired.’”
As the managing principal of Management Engineering Associates, LLC, in Camas, Ward was responsible for master planning the redevelopment of a 700-acre site in Granite City, Ill. The project, named “River’s Edge,” includes a business campus, golf course, industrial park and residences. It was completed in 2002.
Ward, who declined to provide his age, is a father and grandfather.
“I’m interested in leaving a legacy to those kids — and particularly grandchildren — of having a waterfront that they can enjoy that is not controlled by a few people,” he said. “It’s controlled by the public and is not a ghetto for the privileged.”
Ward favors maintaining or expanding the current boat launching facilities and trailer parking at the port marina, as well as the preservation of Parkers Landing Park.
Gray said the marina, launch ramp and park should be maintained.
“They are very essential to our community,” he said. “I would expect that the RiverWalk project would perhaps upgrade or improve the facilities, but I can't foresee a port without those aspects of its waterfront. As the community grows, I would hope the port will keep its facilities up to the needs of the area.
“I was a history major in college,” Gray added. “I am very aware of the heritage of the local waterfront area. I am committed to ensuring that tributes to our pioneers be preserved. Parkers Landing Park has been a labor of love, and I think that effort should be honored.”
He said his goals, if elected, would be to create additional jobs in the port’s industrial park.
“The cutbacks at the [Georgia Pacific] mill have resulted in the loss of a great many jobs, and we need to generate new jobs for those displaced workers,” Gray said.
Gray, who applauded the recent hiring of Scot Walstra as the port’s director of planning and development, said he wants to see aggressive marketing of the industrial park. That could involve Walstra and a port commissioner flying to meet with chief executive officers at their headquarters.
In addition to his more than 30 years in the military, Gray has attended law school, managed a law office, and owned and managed small businesses.
Ward and Gray will face off in the Nov. 6 General Election. District 2 includes the west part of downtown Camas and all of Prune Hill. For more information, call the port office at 835-2196.
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