Port of Seattle | Many candidates call for change after scandals

Here's the buzzword for the 2007 Port of Seattle commission race: transparency.

Many of the candidates running for two seats on the five-member commission say they want to improve the "transparency" and effectiveness of the Port's decision-making following scandals that have boiled up in the past year.

The five commissioners disagree about whether they authorized — or even discussed — an extra year of pay for former chief executive Mic Dinsmore in 2006. Separately, an independent report ordered by the commission recently criticized members of the Port's executive team for what the report said was a poor investigation of pornographic e-mails sent among members of the Port's police department.

"From the recent headlines about the Port, it's apparent that things are not well-run down there," said contender Thom McCann, summarizing the position of many of the candidates.

Five candidates are challenging incumbent Commissioner Bob Edwards, while three are running against incumbent Alec Fisken.

The Port oversees Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and maritime operations along the waterfront.

Candidates will face off in a primary election Aug. 21. The two contenders with the most votes in each race will move on to the November election.

Here's a brief look at the candidates:

Position 2:

• Bob Edwards, incumbent: Edwards, 56, was first elected to the Port's commission in 1999. He supports the Port's current tax levy, which is 23.17 cents of every $1,000 of assessed property value, or about $68.8 million for 2007, but he has voted against increasing it. He also supports job creation and alternative energy at the Port.

• Wen Wu Lee: Lee ran for Port commissioner in 2005. Lee, who is a flight attendant for Northwest Airlines, wants to increase the operational efficiency of the Port, eliminate the influence of special interests and better manage the Port's holdings. She declined to give her age.

• Thom McCann: McCann, a 41-year-old independent investor, would like to reduce and ultimately eliminate the Port's tax levy and bump up the Port's use of alternative energy. He opposes demolition of the 162-unit Lora Lake apartment complex in Burien, a Port-owned property.

• Gael Tarleton: Tarleton, 48, works at the University of Washington as special assistant for global strategies, dealing with trade, security and environmental-stewardship issues. Tarleton wants to focus on environmental leadership and creating and sustaining jobs at the Port. She also supports the tax levy, as long as it's used effectively.

• Jack Block Jr.: Block, 44, is a member of the Burien City Council and is a longshoreman at the Port. His father served on the Port's commission for 28 years, and Block said he "grew up with the Port." He said he wants to restore credibility to the commission.

• The-Anh Nguyen: Nguyen, 24, owns a small information-technology business and works as a recreation attendant at the International District/Chinatown Community Center.

Position 5:

• Alec Fisken, incumbent: Fisken, 59, a strategic policy adviser to the city of Seattle, says the Port commission is "making progress toward accountability and openness." He'd like to phase out the tax levy.

• Bill Bryant: Bryant, 46, is chairman and founder of Bryant Christie, an international-trade consulting firm. Bryant wants to make the Port more competitive for international trade. He thinks the Port should get involved in lessening highway congestion and supports prudent use of the tax levy.

• Stephen Symms: Retired after 20 years as a U.S. Customs special agent, Symms, 63, would like to increase the safety of cargo passing through the Port with stronger screening programs. He also favors the Port's tax levy, as long as it's used properly.

A late entry to the race is Catherine J. Perkins, of Seattle, who could not be reached for comment.

Kirsten Orsini-Meinhard: 425-745-7807 or kmeinhard@seattletimes.com