Kalama, WA – During yesterday’s regular scheduled meeting, the Port’s Board of Commissioners selected local resident and Cowlitz County Utilities Manager, Patrick Harbison, to fill the vacant District 2 Commission seat. Harbison was selected from a pool of six local residents, each of whom participated in one-on-one interviews during a special commission meeting held earlier in February.
“We were fortunate to have a slate of outstanding residents who showed interest,” said Commission President, Randy Sweet. “In the end, we felt Patrick’s education, business acumen, and experience in the public sector would be of great value–particularly with the number of projects the Port has ongoing.”
Regarding his selection, Harbison said, “I want to thank the Commissioners for the confidence they have placed in me for the next 10 months. I have much to learn and hope to earn the trust and support of voters along the way. Commissioner Basso left a hole in the hearts of many, and I can only hope to fill a portion of what he meant to us all. I’m very grateful and look forward to the challenge.”
Harbison’s appointment comes during a year that will see continued growth at the Port, including the development and construction of the American Cruise Lines dock, the guest dock expansion in the Marina and continued planning for the new public market facility.
The Board of Commissioners sets policy and provides direction for the Port. Regular meetings are held at 5:30pm on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month.
