Port Commissioner vote coming up?

Kathy Watson · Since 13 May 2009 3 Posts Hood River New Member

Great to read through the comments on the Port and upcoming election. As a candidate, I'll try to answer some of the questions I read in the posts, and offer some of my views on the waterfront and recreation.

I was elected four years ago to the Port, after being appointed to an open seat about six months before that. The first year was agony ... lots of antagonism between the Port, kiters, windsurfers, residents ... well, just about everybody. I worked hard for a year to move us toward a new executive director. Michael McElwee is exactly who we needed. He shares my view about the importance of recreation to the Gorge community, and is not afraid to make investments in same. He is right on when he says the Port runs a large regional park, in addition to the airport, and our responsibilities around job creation.

Recreation in general: Its obvious that recreation has a huge impact on this community, both in terms of quality of life and the economy. As part of the Corps of Engineers study of the delta (soon to be completed), it is doing an economic analysis of recreation, as it relates to the delta, and that, as you know, is primarily kiting. I am looking forward to this analysis, because I think it will give us the hard economic rationale for continued investments in improving the spit, hook, and other launch sites for kiting and windsurfing.

Kiting: I think the current way the Port approaches kiting and windsurfing, and the conflicts that will inevitably crop up, is a good one. The Waterfront Recreation Committee, with members from both sports, as well as Port staff and a Port commissioner, is a very collaborative effort. The Port's role, I think, is to create this opportunity for sailors and boarders work out compromises, rather than have the Port dictate. The decision to allow a year's test of pumping and drying on the east end of the event site is perfect example. I know my kiteborder friends will self-police and make this a very successful test that came become permanent.

And yes, I too think the delta is a nice gift from the Real Estate Gods. I took a walk out there last week all around the perimeter, the day after a drawdown, and the landscape still looks good, thanks to a lot of volunteer efforts last year. The Port will be improving the Spit road over the next few weeks. Would I like water and bathrooms out there? Yeah. I'd like them at the Hook too. The cost of getting that infrastructure out there is huge. But as I look ahead, I don't think it's impossible. Kiteboarding is going to grow as a sport. I also think there will be a resurgence of windsurfing. That puts added (and welcome) pressure on the Port to keep improving facilities for both.

I am not a watersports person, but my husband Stu is on the CGWA board, and I am constantly aware of the need for balance on the waterfront. Recreation and job creation can co-exist, and in fact, thrive together. That's what brought DaKine, Promotion, Airtime, etc, etc, here, right?

Waterfront development: I think it was Jonah who was somewhat dazed to read we're starting our first new building on the waterfront in 25 years. Before I joined the port, even before I moved to Hood River, there was years and years of conflict over what should happen there. When I took my seat, the Port was way down the road on yet ANOTHER plan that had no community acceptance. It took about a year to back us down from that one, and I think we are finally heading the right direction. But you gotta know what had NOT been done prior to my arrival: no subdivision plan, no lot lines. When we donated the land for the Waterfront Park, we had to have the darn thing surveyed to even know what we were conveying. And the list goes on: the sewer plant stunk, the roads were substandard, and we had no PLAN. Today, the subdivision is done. We have raised the money for the sewer plant improvements, road improvements, a walking trail, and are designing the first building, complete with substantial green technologies, and plan to break ground this fall. We have a plan that has been very collaborative, we have tenants in the Expo Center and Western Power, and staged development ready to go in the years ahead. In the next year, I think you'll see about $4 million in improvements.

Bottom line, the waterfront is the single most precious piece of real estate in the Gorge, and I'm glad we took the time to do it right.

The bridge, airport, etc: Want more on this? Come to the candidate's forum on Thursday night, May 14 at 7:00 at the Waucoma building.

forrest · Wed May 13, 09 9:17 am

Thanks, I'm going to get my wife and I's ballots and fill them out now.

I'd love to see the Delta Economic Analysis as well. Do you know if this is public domain knowledge and where we can find it once it's done?

genek · Since 21 Jul 2006 2165 Posts East Po KGB

Thanks for the info.

One question I had is who is responsible for the spit "improvements"? It seems like every year the spit parking lot gets worse from a user's perspective. I think the spit was at its best several years ago before we started getting charged for it. Now there's ropes blocking the path where cars are parked so people will need to walk around the sides of the parking lot where cars have a tight enough space to drive through. Pardon the ignorance, but is the kiting community consulted before these changes are made? Maybe I'm totally outta the loop on this but it'd be nice to know.

Kathy Watson · Since 13 May 2009 3 Posts Hood River New Member

Corps of Engineers delta study will be a public document. Once it's released you can see it one of three ways: Come by the Port office and ask to read a copy; buy a photocopy (.25 a page) or ask for an electronic copy, which is free, if we have one to send.

JonnyDavies · Since 13 May 2009 1 Posts Hood River New Member

Hello all! I not very good about checking chat rooms regularly but I'm going to give this one a shot anyway. Just make sure that if you really need me, send me a PM, or e-mail to Jonny(at)Davies-family.com.

I thought I would give you just a little bit more background to help you make the correct choice on the ballot. I've been here for 14 years. Spent most of my life in the windsurf industry working for Neil Pryde, F2,and Northwave, back in "the day." I owned Windsurfing Hawaii with my brother for 7 years and we were involved in some early kite bar production, so I'm kind of familiar with the sport. The last kite I used was a two line Naish, if that gives you an idea. I don't kite but I do still like to sail, just not nearly as much as I used to. When I do sail I often use the Event site if I'm going out on Race gear and I am pretty familiar with the crowded nature of the launch. CGWA and CGKA have done a good job making peace between the kiters and sailors but there will be more work to be done. What's encouraging to me is to see the CGKA really step up and have a positive attitude when approaching problems. I think that will go a long way and I'm certainly looking forward to working with them as commissioner, and I have already started to work with them as Chairmen of the Hook Advisory Committee.

Most of the issue have been pretty well covered on the radio or the HR News. I won't bother with the details right now except to tell you how I feel about Recreation in general on Port Properties. The waterfront is a unique asset to the community and I would like to see it used and enjoyed by as many people as possible. The Port does have a mandate to provide for recreation and I think they should continue to support all the different user groups across the waterfront. I'm on the Port budget committee and I can tell you that the Port spends a lot of money (almost $400k) on the maintenance and upkeep of the different waterfront areas. Of course Kiters care about kite board launches but it's important to look at the whole picture, from the Lacross players on the Marina green to the kids sailing program, bass fishermen, dog walkers, SUP guys, HRYC, CGYRA, CGWA, CGKA,... you get the idea.

So, with all these rec. interests, who's projects get advanced? My feeling is that the Port can and should partner with the user groups to leverage the available dollars. If we have groups that are organized, creative, and willing to work with a positive and collaborative attitude, then their projects will float to the top. I want to work with people to find ways to do things and not reasons why we can't.

As Kathy mentioned, you should see some nice projects at the waterfront this year. Bathrooms at the Spit or Hook are probably a long way off, but there is an allocation to improve the Split road, a waterfront trail and the possibility of dredging sand this fall is really a exciting opportunity. If possible (read big IF) moving Delta sand might open up more launching area and free up some congestion. It's realistic that the Port continue to upgrade their sites on a ongoing basis, and where possible look for alternative funding opportunities to take on larger projects.

OK... Lastly, I have to put as a large footnote that Recreation is job #2 for the Port. First they have to work on job creation, development opportunities in the area. That's priority #1, but we can do both at the same time.

I hope this isn't too long. I'd be happy to address any questions, and let's keep this dialog open after the election!

Jonny

Kathy Watson · Since 13 May 2009 3 Posts Hood River New Member

Some more details on the spit: We've got $185,000 in the '09-'10 budget to improve the spit road. We have an engineer looking at it right now to give us an estimate. The road bed needs to be rebuilt, because grading it as it's currently laid down is not working....each rain, and traffic, just ruts it out. The commission will have to look at the engineer's recommendations and decide whether to proceed. I'm hopeful that the estimate is reasonable and fits in the budget.

Parking: No fun paying the fee, I know, but last year parking fees raised about $15,000, which is a fraction of what it costs to maintain the spit. As to the ropes, I think our maintenance guys are simply trying to make it easier for a large number of cars, users and gear to co-exist. If it's creating problems to have the ropes up, please bring the issue to an upcoming waterfront recreation committee meeting. You can call the port office to see if one is scheduled, or ask to be notified when one is coming up.

forrest · Thu May 14, 09 7:29 am

Thanks Jonny and Kathy.

If you have any recommendations for the spit, such as a different layout for the ropes, you should come through the CGKA first. The Port and the CGKA have been working well together. Since the CGKA knows the ins/outs of how to work with the Port, the CGKA can help you get the most traction with your idea.

jonah · Since 20 Jul 2006 169 Posts Hood River Stoked

jonah · Since 20 Jul 2006 169 Posts Hood River Stoked

A HUGE thanks to:

Jeff Nicol
Kathy Watson
Jon Davies

I started this discussion with no expectation that Port candidates would actually take the time to join the thread. It speaks volumes to me that these candidates are willing to go through the effort of joining the forum and explaining their positions. It shows that they understand that kiteboarders (as well as windsurfers, swimmers, SUPers, beachgoers, etc etc) are all important constituents who care about what happens on the waterfront.

These candidates have certainly earned my vote.

Thanks,
Jonah

forrest · Thu May 14, 09 10:23 am

Yea, that's what I meant, if you're a member of the kiteboarding community that has a suggestion for the Port, the CGKA should be your first stop.

JPNicol · Since 01 May 2009 3 Posts New Member

The unofficial results are in. Just under 25% of registered voters actually voted in this election. The two incumbents retained their seat and Jon Davies wins seat #2.

Congratulations to the winners and I want to thank you (NWKite) for having given me the opportunity to engage you regarding the issues. Make sure you stay engaged with the CGKA so the Hood River Port hears from the kiting community with a clear, amplified voice.

While I didn't win this round, I'll be back Very Happy

-Jeff Nicol

Commissioner, Position 1 PORT OF HOOD RIVER
Fred Duckwall . . . . . 1,567 66.12%
Jeff Nicol . . . . . . . . . . .794 33.50%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . . 9 .38%

Commissioner, Position 2 PORT OF HOOD RIVER
Jon Davies . . . . . . . 1,453 67.93%
Rich McBride . . . . . . . . 677 31.65%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . . .9 .42%

Commissioner, Position 3 PORT OF HOOD RIVER
Scott Parsons . . . . . . 815 39.03%
Kathy Watson . . . . .1,263 60.49%
WRITE-IN. . . . . . . . . . . 10 .48%

forrest · Wed May 20, 09 8:42 am

Thanks Jeff!