Davis leads; Hara, Creighton are winners

Patricia Davis appeared headed for a fifth term as Port of Seattle commissioner, topping challenger Jack Jolley by a slim margin.

But voters ousted labor-backed incumbent Lawrence Molloy in favor of lawyer John Creighton, and picked former Seattle treasurer Lloyd Hara over Richard Berkowitz, a former union organizer who also had labor backing.

The results suggested the five-member Port commission likely would see some of the shake-up that challengers sought.

Creighton, Hara and commissioner Alec Fisken have questioned plans to spend Port funds to ready a patch of industrial land near Magnolia for development. They also have supported altering leases with companies that operate seaport cargo terminals, in order to make the port profitable.

"I'm a huge fan of the port," said Creighton, who reached out to business and labor. "I just think it can and should be doing better."

All candidates except Davis said the Port needed to change course, either to generate more revenue, cut costs, reduce reliance on property taxes or focus on moving cargo and passengers.

Davis insisted the Port shouldn't alter course since it is due to reap higher returns in coming years.

Her opponent, Jolley, a former Microsoft money manager, campaigned against excessive Port spending, its financial losses and its declining share of the West Coast market.

Hara vowed to use performance audits to bring national standards to staffing and accounting at the Port and ensure it was operating with proper controls.

Berkowitz showed deep understanding of maritime issues and said oil drilling in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge would bring jobs to Seattle's maritime industry. Both said they would lower the property tax.

While both wanted to lower the port's tax on King County property owners, Creighton said he would seek higher rents from terminal tenants, as did Hara.

Commissioners serve in part-time positions for $500 a month and up to $8,400 a year in per-diems. They have purview over Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the crane-rimmed cargo docks that handle busy trade with Asia, terminals where the fishing fleets tie up and marinas for pleasure boats.

The special-purpose government collects a tax of 25 cents for every $1,000 of property valuation, or $75 for a house valued at $300,000.

Alwyn Scott 206-464-3329 or ascott@seattletimes.com