Commissioner John Creighton Solicits Ideas for the Port of Seattle Century Agenda

As a port commissioner since 2006, John Creighton has been intimately involved in helping the Port of Seattle to grow and thrive, adding jobs to the community while at the same time working to reduce the environmental footprint of the port. During his time on the commission, Commissioner Creighton has served as the co-chair of the committee working on the commission's Century Agenda: an ambitious plan that will add 100,000 new jobs to the region within the next 25 years. It will take a strong partnership between the port commission, local government, academic and nonprofit organizations and private industry to make this plan a reality.  Commissioner Creighton notes that particularly with respect to the Century Agenda’s regional initiatives, these are goals and objectives that the port cannot accomplish alone.  Creighton is soliciting any and all ideas that business, government and other regional leaders have that will help strengthen and support the Century Agenda as 2013 begins.

Asking for input from the community isn't new, as Commissioner John Creighton Seattle is quick to point out.

"The commission has a long history of reaching out to regional stakeholders, asking for their input on important decisions and planning projects," says Commissioner Creighton. "We hold public meetings and discussion groups on issues that impact us, and we've also sent letters and other documents to leaders within the community, asking for their input. But as 2013 begins, I thought it might be a good time to once again reiterate the need for public input. Perhaps we'll get some good ideas we've not yet heard before."

The goals of the Century Agenda are extensive and ambitious, and it's easy to see how the public might be able to add to the conversation in a meaningful way.

"One of the main goals of the agenda involves the environment, making sure that the jobs we add don't come at the expense of the health of our planet," says Commissioner Creighton. "Private business leaders might have excellent ideas about how we can reduce our footprint and use smart technologies to help us streamline and recycle, without polluting the environment."

The Port also hopes to advance tourism within the region, and help people across the world think of the Puget Sound region as both an ideal business gateway and vacation spot.  Once again, leaders within the community might have excellent suggestions on how this goal might be achieved.

"Business leaders might have national or even international contacts that need to hear more about our region, and why they should hold their next conference here," says Commissioner Creighton. "We'd also like to know more about how our local leaders choose their own business destinations, and perhaps we can use that information in order to strengthen our own plans."

Port Commissioner John Creighton says interested parties can call 206.787.4371, or they can send an email message to CenturyAgenda@portseattle.org.

Seattle Port Commission Announces Open Position

Ports hold a key position within the state of Washington. There are 75 port districts throughout the state (see the Washington Ports report), and most of what residents eat, wear and use come through these ports. Ports do more than just facilitate the distribution of goods, however, as ports also help to move people in and out of the state, and bring vital tourism dollars into the community. Getting involved in the ports industry is intensely rewarding, says Seattle Port Commissioner John Creighton, and King County residents have the opportunity to do just that, as a member of the Seattle port commission is resigning at the end of January of 2013.

Port Commissioner John Creighton is hoping that the selection process for the port commission opening will be quite competitive, attracting many good candidates. The candidate selected will have to stand for election this year in a special election and then again in 2015.  Commissioner Creighton encourages those who are interested in serving the public to apply, even though the hurdles to running for election county-wide may be daunting, as the region needs qualified, dedicated people serving in public office.

Interested parties have until February 1 to submit applications. The commission will review those applications carefully, and select 4-6 finalists for the open seat.  On February 26 and 27, the commission will hold town hall meetings to allow those finalists to introduce themselves to the community and answer questions. A final vote will be held sometime after these meetings, and the new commissioner will take office in March.

Commissioner Creighton holds one of four votes in the selection process, and he's open to applicants of all backgrounds and political affiliations. He's committed to the community and wants to ensure that the right person is found for the job, so a commitment to hard work and personal integrity will rank higher with Commissioner Creighton than almost any other attribute an applicant might possess.

"The commission is currently working on an ambitious 25-year strategic plan that will add some 100,000 new jobs to the region," says Commissioner Creighton. "It's vital that we add the right person to our team, someone who can help us put in place the policies and initiate the projects necessary to meet all of the goals that we have set out for the port. I am confident that many qualified people will apply for the position and that the commission will be able to come to a consensus in choosing the new commissioner.  We look forward to getting to work in 2013 with our new colleague."