Post date: Jun 2, 2023
I was elected to represent District #1 for a six-year term as a Port of Pasco Commissioner in November of 2017, after Commissioner Ron Reimann was tragically killed in an accident in July of 2017.
I had little time to get up to speed on what being a Commissioner would mean and thanks to my two fellow Commissioners, Jean Ryckman and Jim Klindworth plus an extremely talented staff, I have come to learn how important our Port is to our community and region. Who knew? Do you know?
I have developed a great appreciation for what our Port encompasses and the broad range of efforts that this Port undertakes on our behalf.
I have a much better understanding of how diverse a port can be. Our Port includes the third largest airport in the state, over 1.7 million square feet of industrial, warehouse and office space, a marine terminal, property for development, access to multimodal transportation, and rail lines and roads.
I have learned how the Port works to support agriculture, the small entrepreneur and the large corporation, industrial and manufacturing work of all kinds, the aerospace industry, along with providing space for innovation. It has given me deep appreciation for the Port’s efforts that have brought millions of dollars into the economy and countless jobs.
We are continuing to pursue additional property within the district, including in North Franklin County, to provide new development opportunities.
Importantly, I have learned through my work as a Commissioner that the residents of the District can have complete confidence we manage the nearly $70-million Port operating and capital budget wisely and judiciously.
I have come to better understand the significance of collaborations within our region. As Commissioners, we serve on a number of boards, committees and commissions both locally and statewide, as does our staff. This allows us not only a better understanding of issues, efforts, and projects that impact the Port, but how we can work together to achieve significant progress that otherwise would not be possible. Collaborations with tribes and elected officials, locally, statewide and nationally, prove vital.
I encourage you to become more familiar with our valuable Port of Pasco, and the business we conduct on behalf of the taxpayers of the Port District. Our public meetings are open to all either in person or online. We invite you to visit our webpage and follow us on social media. We invite you to take part in Port events or attend one of our VIP tours of Port properties.
We welcome your interest and your input. You, too, may want to serve as a Commissioner for the Port of Pasco. I have found it to be not just educational but fulfilling.
Vicky Gordon
President, Port of Pasco, Board of Commissioners