For what is typically an under-the-radar political race, the contest for Port of Vancouver Commissioner, Position No. 2, is certain to generate plenty of attention this time around.
A proposed oil terminal project at the port, which would be the nation’s largest oil-by-rail facility, has created unprecedented public interest in the port and its dealings. So, too, has scrutiny over how commissioners conduct their business and a widespread perception of obfuscation on the part of port leadership. With that in mind, and with our opinion that vast changes are required to break a culture of secrecy within the Port of Vancouver, The Columbian recommends Eric LaBrant and Nick Ande in the primary race for port commissioner.
As always, this is merely a recommendation. The Columbian suggests that voters study the issues, including video of the Editorial Board’s meeting with candidates for the position.
With current commissioner Nancy Baker choosing to not run for another six-year term, a crowded field has congregated to seek the position, and the top two vote-getters in the Aug. 4 primary will advance to the Nov. 3 general election. LaBrant and Ande — both of whom oppose the proposed oil terminal — stand out in a race that also includes Bill Hughes, Scott Dalesandro, Peter Harrison, Lisa Ross and Bob Durgan. Compared with the other candidates, LaBrant and Ande embrace a big-picture vision of the port and the role it can play in the community.
LaBrant is chair of the Fruit Valley Neighborhood Association, an area that abuts the port, and has been active in publicly raising questions about the proposed terminal and about the commission. He told The Columbian: “It seems like there’s a lot happening behind closed doors there. … We have a right to know what we’re on the hook for. We also need to have a big community discussion about what the next 10, 20, 30 years look like for the port.”
LaBrant has demonstrated a strong concern for environmental issues involving the port, but he also has experience working in oil fields and currently works for an international freight-forwarding company. He would bring a well-rounded perspective to the commission that allows him to accurately weigh all factors involving port business.
Ande is managing director of The Couve Group, Inc., a marketing firm specializing in work for Clark County nonprofits and small businesses. In spelling out reasons for opposing the terminal, he effectively articulated how it would represent a step backward for the community: “I look at the innovators, the people who are really going to drive our economy in the future, who are creating great products, who are creating new inventions. Those businesses want to be in a place that has clean water, clean air, great schools, great transportation. They don’t want to be in the industrial armpit of the Northwest.”
Ande’s concern is that an oil terminal would attract like-minded industry to the area, rather than place Clark County at the forefront of clean energy and clean industry.
That points out the issue of the oil terminal as it relates to this year’s election for port commissioner. While the proposal now is in the hands of state regulators, the question is how port officials will react to the next proposal, and what they envision for the future of the Port of Vancouver and for the future of Clark County.
LaBrant and Ande have the clearest vision among the candidates for Port of Vancouver Commissioner.
