WASHINGTON: Port of Seattle Commission President Tom Albro confirms he will not seek re-election. It comes just a couple of days after the SODO arena critic acknowledged his financial ties to Seattle Center, and in the wake of the controversial resignation of Port CEO Ted Fick. Albro and the commission approved raises for Fick and hundreds of other port employees. Albro, in a letter to supporters, says he made the decision in January and wants to announce now to allow others to consider their candidacy before the filing deadline. He says in the letter he’s proud of multiple things during his term, including the creation of the Northwest SeaPort Alliance with the Port of Tacoma to “ensure that Washington State’s economy continues to grow through a strong a direct connection to the global marketplace.”
It has been my privilege to serve the people of King County over the last seven years as an elected port commissioner. Thank you for supporting me in this role. As my second term entered its final year this past January, I decided I would not seek another. I am announcing this now to provide adequate time for qualified contenders to consider their candidacy before the filing deadline in May. I will be considering other ways to contribute. I believe each of us has a duty to make the world we know a better place by fostering stronger and more vibrant communities through our work. I want to focus my future efforts on two looming challenges – accelerating economic inequality and entrenched political divides. These issues rise to the top for me because every success we have in addressing them improves our collective ability to take on every other issue. My time as a commissioner has been engaging, challenging, and most of all rewarding.
Early in my tenure the Commission focused the Port on creating 100,000 more port-related jobs by adopting the Century Agenda, which set out the Port’s strategic objectives. As a result, the Port re-established its Economic Development Division, which is driving economic growth through property development, workforce development and internships, tourism growth, and new initiatives. The Port is creating opportunities for disadvantaged communities and locally owned small businesses, by thoughtfully soliciting airport concessionaires, construction project contractors, ongoing suppliers, and high school interns.
The Commission has asserted its leadership of the institution during my tenure. We reformed the delegation to the executive, specifically retaining responsibility and control as representatives of the Port to the public and other governments. We called out for the development and annual Commission adoption of rolling five-year long-range plans that focus the entire organization on the strategic work of the Port. We strengthened the Commission with a more able Commission office and through direct oversight of public affairs. We reformed internal audit so it is independent of management and overseen by the Commission Audit Committee.
Of all the accomplishments during my time at the Port, none will have a more lasting effect than the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma setting aside 100 years of bitter rivalry and forming the Northwest Seaport Alliance. This endeavor will succeed and ensure that Washington State’s economy continues to grow through a strong and direct connection to the global marketplace. No one commissioner acting alone can get anything done – progress requires collaboration and a collective effort of all commissioners and port staff. I thank my colleagues for their leadership in making this Commission and Port impactful. Each brings a sincere commitment to the public good, a willingness to work together, and the energy to persistently engage. At the end of the day, it’s the many dedicated Port employees that deliver value to our community…there is no finer group of people anywhere. Thank you all for your public service. It has been my pleasure to serve with you.
As a port commissioner, I can honestly say I’ve tried my best everyday to think strategically, make good decisions, treat others with respect and kindness, honor the public I’m elected to serve, provide accountability, bring my energy to the work, and do all of this with integrity. Through my service on the Commission, I have received more than I have given and am a better person for having served. I will be focusing on my duties for the remainder of my term and leaving any decision as to what comes next until after. Whatever that is, I look forward to maintaining the many relationships we’ve built and continuing our work together to strengthen the civic and economic fabric of our region and state.
