Incumbent Mike Ahrenius faces FridayHarbor antique merchant Daniel Miller is challenging incumbent Mike Ahrenius in the race for a position on the Friday Harbor Port Commission.

The Port operates the Friday Harbor marina and airport, as well as public property and facilities at Jacksons Beach. The Port is governed by a three-person commission elected to staggered six-year terms; commissioners receive $95 pay for each meeting, oversee and approve the yearly port budget, and are responsible for hiring a port director.

Journal: Why do you want to be port commissioner?

Miller: Well, I am running for port commissioner position No. 1 to work help keep down property taxes, as well as careful spending at the port.

I am also running to work to help build jobs and a good local economy.

I am also running for port commissioner to help with great publicity for port events and to help provide ideas of good festivals that the port could put on. I am also running because I love the water.

Several years ago I did what you call long-line fishing. That was lots of fun.

J: What is your plan for waterfront bulkhead repair or replacement? Would you support a boardwalk along the waterfront from the Port to the ferry?

Miller: I think that before we repair the bulkhead, we should start the rebuilding of the Downriggers building. The Downriggers building is home to several businesses and over 50 jobs. A boardwalk along the water front would be nice, but before we consider a project like that I think we should finish building the Downriggers building and work to get it done quickly.

J: What can the port do to maximize port income from the marina? From the airport?

Miller: One way to increase revenue is encourage more business development on port property. But, it should not just be about maximizing income.

The port is supposed to be for the community as well as tourists. So, fees and such should be reasonable.