Two of the three open Port of Toledo seats have contests this month. Port of Toledo Positions Two, Four and Five are on the May 17 ballot, which is now in voters’ hands. The four-year terms run from July 1 to June 30, 2015. Commissioner Chuck Gerttula is unopposed in Position Two, and has not yet responded to a questionnaire emailed to him April 22. Position Four candidates are Margaret Brunette and Michael Kriz. Position Five candidates are Cody Gray and Penny Ryerson. Those candidates’ responses to four questions are printed below in alphabetical order by Position.
Outline parts of your background that make you a strong candidate:
Brunette: I am a past Port of Toledo Commissioner, and considering my experience with the marine industry I feel that I can add something positive in the day-to-day running of the Port. This experience includes owning our dockside vessel repair for over 30 years, working closely with the Port of Houston and involvement with various marine-related organizations.
Kriz: What makes me a strong candidate for Port Commissioner is my experience in the marine and commercial industries. I have spent the last 35 years in the maritime industries including motor lifeboat coxswain USCG in Newport, and as skipper, & owner/operator of commercial fishing vessels. Presently, I am the skipper of the research vessel Elakha for Oregon State University. We also own and manage light industrial property in Toledo.
Gray: I have been on the Port for 18 years with two years off and would like to be involved again. I support the Port in any endeavors to get living-wage jobs to our community. It was fun, and it will be fun, to help the Port grow more. I am also a building contractor and that is an asset to the work I would do on the Commission.
Ryerson: My background has 28 years of experience in the port industry. I have worked with the most prestigious ports in the country. I have worked with the fishermen and women in the fishing industry. I worked with Fred Wahl at his Reedsport, Oregon boat yard while I was Port Manager there. I know most aspects in the port fields from the financial to the operations.
What are the biggest challenges facing the Port of Toledo in the next two years?
Brunette: The Port of Toledo’s greatest challenge is the profitability and the smooth operation of their new repair facility. The expansion of additional projects to keep the Port running and out of the red.
Kriz: Successfully managing port property and business in today’s economy is a challenge for everyone, but I believe getting the boat yard at Sturgeon Bend operational and financially sound is the biggest challenge for the Port of Toledo.
Gray: I would say definitely, the economy. That’s the challenge that the Port has, no doubt. That’s challenged every working person in the country. I believe the Wahl property will help support any economic challenges we face at the Port. The boatyard is definitely going to make the Port money.
Ryerson: The biggest challenge I see is getting the word out in the industry that we have a shipyard to begin with. Of course the economy is down right now but what people don’t realize that with NOAA moving to Newport the surrounding areas are going to benefit from it in many ways. I see that the Port of Toledo will be self sufficient in two years.
Describe the Port’s role in expanding and diversifying Toledo’s economy and creating family-wage jobs:
Brunette: Expanding and upgrading the new repair facility. I would like to see a new RV and camping park. This is a proven money-maker in a tourist area. Toledo should grab the opportunity.
Kriz: The port should be business friendly. The boat yard’s use of independent contractors for vessel maintenance and repair gives opportunities to marine businesses, and those that are not tied exclusively to the marine industry. I would try to encourage any business to look at what the Port of Toledo has to offer.
Gray: I believe the Port’s role is to get as many living wage jobs as they can for Lincoln County. The Port is one of the few government agencies that can make money. Cities can’t, Counties can’t, but the Port can. It’s good that they can do that, and I think that they should.
Ryerson: People do not realize the importance of a Port in their community. They don’t realize that for every commercial boat from out of town that comes to our docks, shipyard or Yaquina Boat yard are spending their money in the community.
Has the Port overextended itself financially with the simultaneous purchase and operation of the boatyard and the purchase of the Webster property on Depot Slough?
Brunette: Yes. However, with the right management, they can make financial gains from both.
Kriz: I believe the boat yard at Sturgeon Bend is essential and needed by the marine industries in Yaquina Bay and surrounding ports. As to the Steve Webster property, I don’t have enough information.
Gray: Yes, I believe it will probably extend the port a little, but I believe in the big picture. This property will only be an asset to the port and what they are doing in the future. I believe the Port Commissioners and Manager are doing a good job to help get more living wage jobs in our community. I like what they are doing to work with other cities and the County in our area. Thank you for your vote.
Ryerson: The old saying is that you have to spend money to make money. NO I do not believe that the Port has over extended itself. With hard work, working together as a community and advertising, I really feel the port will become self sufficient if given a chance. As an economic engine, Ports can do development that will create jobs, good jobs and help the community and families of our community.
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