Candidate for
Commissioner; Port San Luis Harbor District

I am committed to keeping Port San Luis a viable working harbor with commercial and recreational boats, boat loading, unloading and maintenance facilities, fuel docks, proficient employees and effective administration. I support commercial fishing as an important Harbor industry and advocate projects which improve environmental quality, such as boat yard upgrades. I support continued efforts to develop revenue sources that are independent from property taxes.

Four important issues facing the District in the next few years require seasoned judgement and actions by experienced Harbor Commissioners.

First, there has been a turnover of senior management recently. The Harbor Manager has been in that position for less than one year although he has been at PSL for coming up on 4 years. Operations and facilities manager positions have just recently been filled and it will take some time for them to adjust how things are done at PSL and for them to make changes necessary and proper based on their past experience. This is coupled with upcoming retirements of longtime Port employees with vast experience and the breaking in of new ones in skill positions. Institutional memory such as mine can be important to insure the Port moves forward with new staff and employees rather than repeat past experiences.

Second, in the next two or so years, two longtime District leases will expire. The end of Hartford pier will need to be pier extensively rebuilt and a new building provided resulting in a significant cash expenditure in the face of significantly reduced revenue from the restaurant. I have been acutely aware of this situation for many years and stand ready with my experience to insure the best possible resolution for both Harbor patrons and visitors for this major project.

Third, is the development of Harbor Terrace, and other facilities, according to our recently certified Port Master Plan. Along with this is the continuing oversight by the District of the ongoing activities regarding public access and construction projects at the Pt. San Luis Lighthouse. Although this is primarily an activity of the Keepers, the District is the owner of the property and ultimately the responsible entity for all Lighthouse related activities.

Fourth is a fairly long time, on-going situation with Sacramento relating to raids on revenue coming into special districts. Although there is nothing on the horizon just now, there is always an uneasiness that something might happen that will affect the Districts' fair share of tax proceeds collected for District uses. The situation bears constant vigilance.

Port San Luis is the jewel of the Central Coast. My goal is to maintain the commercial and recreational services of Port San Luis, improve its economic viability and retain its unique character.