The policy and political differences between Eric LaBrant and Lisa Ross — candidates for Port of Vancouver commissioner — probably couldn’t get any more glaring.
The top two vote-getters in an August primary election that swarmed with seven candidates are now competing to succeed Commissioner Nancy Baker in the November general election. Baker decided against seeking re-election to a third, six-year term on the port’s three-member board.
At stake on the Nov. 3 ballot is a shot at helping lead a powerful port that manages roughly 2,100 acres for industrial and marine development. That leadership role includes oversight of the port’s CEO, Todd Coleman, and of the port’s $80.72 million budget.
As evidenced by their joint interview last week with The Columbian’s editorial board, LaBrant and Ross offer starkly contrasting views of how they would approach the job. While they both touted their professional and civic experiences as reasons for voters to select them, the candidates’ remarks also underscored a sharp division about what needs to happen at the port.