Candidates discuss Port of Klickitat's future

The position is non-partisan.

The Enterprise asked both candidates several questions to give voters a better sense of who the candidates are and how they would serve if elected to the seat on the Port of Klickitat's three-member board.

Election day comes on Nov. 6.

THE ENTERPRISE:

Tell us how you make a living, and a bit about your background over the last 10 years.

MARC HARVEY:

I am employed at the Full Sail Brewery as their environmental compliance manager. Prior to my current position, I was employed by the Port of Klickitat as the maintenance supervisor. I have been a resident of Lyle for the past 20 years and am the father of two outstanding teenage boys.

RODGER FORD:

I moved to the Columbia River Gorge in 1977 and worked at Mid-Columbia Marina during the Hood River Marina development. After a back injury and need to change occupations, my parents retired and we purchased property near Lyle and opened R&M Game Birds, a family-owned recreational, state-licensed upland game bird preserve and sporting clays course. We're located nine miles north of Lyle. My passion for outdoor sports and instructing youth in shooting and hunting skills has been very rewarding in my business. I have served as chair on the Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board and as chair on the Port of Klickitat Citizens Advisory Board.

THE ENTERPRISE:

What do you see as the main problem or limitation facing the Port of Klickitat?

FORD:

One of the major problems with Port-managed properties has been the inability to attract businesses because of the lacking infrastructure. Now the infrastructure is in place at Bingen Point and soon will be completed at Dallesport. Infrastructure alone will not create jobs or attract businesses. An aggressive marketing plan to attract suitable commercial tenants is the main missing link, along with commissioners willing and able to listen to the needs of prospective tenants.

HARVEY:

Many major obstacles have just recently been overcome. In cooperation with the county and local cities, an adequate supply of water as well as sewer facilities are now guaranteed and available to the Bingen site. Wastewater treatment will be available in Dallesport next year. These infrastructure requirements have been huge hurdles to development. At this time, the limitation is purely financial, although the Port's financial picture has improved dramatically in recent years. If the Port had substantial reserves available, we would have two functioning industrial parks. However, as funding sources continue to dry up, progress will be relatively slow.

THE ENTERPRISE:

What do you see as the best opportunity for developing the Port properties?

HARVEY:

There are many opportunities available to the Port, and each should be considered. First, a marina with houseboats will bring foot and boat traffic, encouraging commercial opportunities. Second, the Dallesport Airport is underutilized. With a regional management plan and proper marketing, it will flourish. Third, I also see a tremendous opportunity to cooperate with the other Gorge counties and port districts in promoting our area. And finally, I believe a public/private approach to development should be encouraged.

FORD:

A readily available work force, a strong relationship with the Klickitat County Economic Development Department, a community-wide desire for sustained high quality of life in the Gorge, available Port-owned land with access to rail, barge, and air.

THE ENTERPRISE:

What would you like to see happen with the lake/wetlands area on Bingen Point?

FORD:

I would like to see a more user-friendly trail system and improved wildlife habitat. There are many groups that would take on this project, with no cost to the local citizens or the Port.

HARVEY:

The lake is a natural amenity that both complements and enhances the value of the adjoining property. The Port Commission has ensured, through the adopted Bingen Point Comprehensive Parks & Recreation Plan and the Bingen Point Master Plan, that the lake and wetlands will be protected from development and will remain in their natural state. There will be a hiking trail around the perimeter with wildlife viewing areas created.

THE ENTERPRISE:

Do you favor creating an area for tent or RV camping on Port property somewhere in the Bingen Point area?

HARVEY:

The Port attempted to operate a campground at the Bingen Point Marina Park, and numerous problems became apparent. Management and security were a disproportionate drain of staff's time. In addition, adequate support facilities are costly to construct. With its limited budget, the Port needs to remain focused on its goals. Finally, there were numerous complaints that we were drawing business away from the commercial campgrounds. The Port should not be competing with local businesses, but should be providing facilities and infrastructure to support economic and entrepreneurial opportunities.

FORD:

Yes. The Port has such an area already. I would like to see the existing area opened back up and maintained for local residents as well as the visiting public.

THE ENTERPRISE:

What specific types of new businesses are likely to be most likely to locate in Port properties in Bingen or Dallesport? What methods would you suggest to lure them?

FORD:

Bingen Point: Light industrial, recreation-based. With the marina development scheduled to begin soon, related businesses will be attracted to this area. Marine maintenance and repair, recreational boat sales, and windsurfing.

Dallesport: This property is extremely diverse, with highway frontage for commercial retail space. It is also an open area with rail and barge access for larger industrial businesses.

Both properties will attract businesses that will create needed jobs for our unemployed. The key method will be an aggressive marketing plan, including national advertising, and the Port body taking more of a positive approach to business needs.

HARVEY:

Bingen is ideally suited for smaller start-up firms. In the past, these have been local expanding cottage industries or visitors wishing to relocate their businesses. We have focused on area marketing to promote our existence and to advertise that land is available. The Port not only markets its properties collectively with other Gorge-area ports, through CGEDA, but has also just adopted a marketing plan and acquired a marketing brochure through financial assistance from Klickitat County. Larger industries are more appropriate to the Dallesport site. To lure them requires a cooperative effort with the state and regional economic development agencies.

THE ENTERPRISE:

What part of your background makes you the strongest candidate for the job?

HARVEY:

I think my last six years as commissioner are a tremendous asset. The existing members of the Port Commission work very well together, and respect each other's contributions and opinions. Additionally, having served as the Port's representative -- as a board member for the Mid-Columbia Economical Development District -- has given me a broad understanding of the issues facing the district. Because of my previous position as maintenance supervisor for the Port, I feel my knowledge of the Port's infrastructure has been quite helpful to the commission.

FORD:

Business and real estate investment background, knowledge of marina development; strong desire to retain a balance between job creation and environmental protection of sensitive areas; experience as chair of Port of Klickitat Citizens Advisory Board and Klickitat County Tourism Advisory Board; ability and willingness to evaluate and implement community input and the needs of new commercial and industrial businesses.

Editor's Note: Next week, The Enterprise looks at the White Salmon City Council race between Dennis Fisher and Susan Gookin.