Pivotal time for Port

I’d like your vote for Port of Astoria commissioner, Position 2. The Port of Astoria has always stood at a global crossroads, as a gathering place for trade and travel down our Columbia River, as well as the gateway to the nearby Pacific Ocean.

With the joint adoption of the Waterfront Master Plan alongside the city of Astoria, we now also sit at a pivotal point looking ahead at changes across the Lower Columbia River region. With your vote, I intend to be your advocate on the waterfront, focusing in three key aspects: Sustainable development that brings more living-wage jobs to Astoria, promoting stewardship of the natural environment surrounding the port, and encouraging greater connection and collaboration between the port and the communities it serves.

I grew up in a coastal community with a deep maritime history, and I’ve seen what happens when the community becomes less involved in having a working waterfront. Astoria’s history was built around people’s relationship between the forests, the rivers and access to the nearby ocean. The stories we have heard, taken to heart, and passed on to new generations echo this heritage, and the many industries that arose along Astoria’s waterfront.

“Many hands from many lands” built the Astoria we know today, and a thriving port will carry that tradition forward into the new century. Vote for me this spring to keep our working waterfront working for you!

THOMAS JENKINS

Astoria