A credit union president and a businessman will face off in the Nov. 3 general election for the Port of Walla Walla's District 3 commission seat.
The district includes College Place, Touchet, Lowden, Burbank, Eureka, Clyde and the western part of Walla Walla County.
Clarence Anderson and Ron Dunning want to be part of the port's efforts to promote economic development and create new jobs. They also believe the port is doing a good job.
The winner will replace retiring Commissioner Fred Bennett for a six-year term. The position pays $750 a month, and commissioners can be paid $104 a day for attending meetings and representing the port at other programs. The compensation is capped at $9,984 annually.
Anderson, 53, taught business and served as dean of the business school at Walla Walla University before recently taking over as president of Blue Mountain Credit Union in College Place.
The port has recruited several companies in the past and provided great leadership on the Highway 12 project, Anderson said. He plans to continue that and also bring an increased focus on small business.
"Promotion of family wage jobs" will be his focus, said Anderson, who lives in College Place.
Also, he said he would work to make sure air service to and from Walla Walla is maintained and expanded as a tool to promote tourism in the region, he said.
Anderson said as a certified public accountant, he'll "bring strength in financial analysis," and make sure public money is spent carefully.
Anderson serves as a commissioner on the Walla Walla Housing Authority board and previously was on the Blue Mountain Action Council Board. His website is www.
electclarenceanderson.com.
Dunning, 62, also wants to help bring jobs into the community.
"I have a lot vested in the
community. I want to help it grow," said Dunning, owner of Dunning Irrigation Supply in Lowden and an oil seed crusher in Touchet. "It's my time to give back to the community."
Dunning, a lifelong county resident, said he was a farmer until 1997 when he started a small business. His businesses have grown over the years, generating more than $6 million annually and employing more than 15 workers, said Dunning, who helped start the Touchet Educational Foundation in 2003.
He said his farm and business background will be an asset for the port, which he praised for helping bring Railex to Wallula.
He said he would make sure that economic development continues to the port's top priority.
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Port commissioners said they will invest in audio equipment to record their minutes. They also are shooting to decrease the length of their meetings and relocate all their work sessions to the port's administrative office.
The changes were agreed to during a daylong budget retreat earlier this week.
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With a water system in place, sewer system in the works and a new interchange under construction on the highway, a long-term vision to develop the Port of Walla Walla’s Burbank Business Park is coming to life one step at a time.
Port Executive Director Jim Kuntz unveiled an ambitious timeline for the next part of the project. He hopes to have a binding site plan that will allow the division of lots for commercial and industrial property at the Port’s more than 100-acre park in place by next March. The 85-lot plan needs approval from Walla Walla County before the lots can be sold and developed.
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By this time next year, a bank branch, dental office, dry cleaner and even a fast food restaurant could be staking claim on the empty lots lining Highway 12 between Humorist Road and Highway 124.
With a water system in place, sewer system in the works and a new interchange under construction on the highway, a long-term vision to develop the Port of Walla Walla's Burbank Business Park is coming to life one step at a time.
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Walla Walla Vintners continues to shine, evolve
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Walla Walla Port: Fredrickson
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The choice is clear -- Mike Fredrickson is the best and most qualified candidate for Walla Walla Port commissioner. Mike is a well-informed leader who is honest and straightforward. He has a proven track record of leadership with the port and in private business. He takes an active role in promoting new business development and protecting jobs in Walla Walla County.
Mike has a keen understanding of the issues. He will take the time to listen to input from others and have an open discussion with them about current challenges and opportunities facing Walla Walla County. Mike will not only tell you what he stands for, but he has also demonstrated it through his actions in serving the community.
Mike is not a candidate who focuses on the negative. He is the candidate who focuses on how he can best use his skills to further enhance the community now and in the future. Please cast your vote for the clear choice, Mike Fredrickson for Walla Walla Port Commissioner District 2.
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