Paul Telford was elected to the Port of Olympia Commission in 2001 on a platform of openness, accountability and fiscal responsibility.     Since taking office, the port began televising meetings, adopted ethics policies, produced a positive cash flow in it’s business operations for the first time since 1995, reduced the tax levy rate by 20%, reduced the port debt, and still has ample funds banked for projects.  But there is still work to be done.

Being retired, he has the time to bring a lifetime of experience and perspective in management, engineering, contracting, construction, property development and principles of private enterprise to the port.

His experience is in both public and private sectors.

Paul’s strong advocacy for port self-sufficiency is responsible for no increase in the port property tax levy for three years.   He says that with discipline and planning, the tax levy can be eliminated in 12 years, perhaps earlier, but the port still needs greater fiscal discipline, a performance audit, a more business-like approach to decision making, and an improved budget process.

He also wants the port to focus on basic functions, creating a new comprehensive plan (the current plan is 10 years old and not maintained), citizen-friendly reporting and transparency, tighter spending controls, an end to subsidized competition with the private sector, and competition in selecting development partners.

Paul needs your vote To continue progress in reforming the Port of Olympia.