Olympia Port Commissioner George Barner announced his candidacy for re-election

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OLYMPIA (April 29, 2011) – Olympia Port Commissioner George Barner announced his candidacy for re-election today, stating that he is proud of the work the Commission and the Port have accomplished over the last few years. However, he wants to see more collaboration between the Port, local municipalities, the local tribes, and the local Chambers of Commerce to help accomplish various goals for the economic advancement of the county and Port. Examples include rethinking the plan for the Port’s North Point and East Bay properties to expand development options and bring in family-wage jobs. He would also like to work with local post-secondary institutions to create an industrial park geared towards fostering the development of green industries in Thurston County, bringing jobs and dollars into the local economy. Barner would also like to see work continue on the cleanup of Budd Inlet and resume discussion of additional dredging of Capitol Lake.

Barner has worked over the last four years to insure that the public has a voice in their port. While economic development of the Port is the main goal, Barner believes public accountability is a major issue. Barner pushed the idea of adding additional public meetings to the Port’s schedule, resulting in increased transparency, something he will continue to work towards. “We need to make sure that the citizens of Thurston County have confidence in the port,” Barner stated. “The public must be involved with the Port in order for the Port to make the best decisions for the county. Without really listening to the public, we are not doing our job.”

 Barner is a former Thurston County Commissioner, serving from 1977 until 1993. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Army. He currently serves as the Port Commissioner for District One and resides in Olympia.

For more information, please contact the campaign at (360) 229-3758, or visit www.barner4port.com

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