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Port Commissioner, District 4

3-year or 1-year first term. The candidates in their own words.

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In the candidates' own words, exactly as they submitted them to the voters' pamphlet. Neither the County, the state nor The Tally checks them for spelling, grammar or accuracy.

Paul Burrill

Elected Experience

First-time candidate, with decades of leadership in maritime business and Whatcom county public advisory service.

Other Professional Experience

30+ years as a commercial fisherman, shareholder in a Washington based seafood company and owner of a small interstate trucking company specializing in seafood and local agricultural products.

Education

High school graduate with additional collage education.

Community Service

Current chairman: Port of Bellingham Marine Advisory Committee; Current board member: Business and commerce committee, Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association, Whatcom Family Farmers; Served on: the Food Systems Committee, Whale Entanglement Task Force, Coastal Crab Advisory Committee and Tri-state Crab Management Committee; Lacrosse coach.

Statement

As a dedicated husband of 23 years and proud father of two, I am committed to listening to the community and balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship. I believe port industries can create family-wage jobs while supporting broader community priorities like affordable housing and childcare. I support protecting longshore jobs by limiting the use of AI in port operations and advancing a community first economy.

As current Chairman of the Port of Bellingham Marine Advisory Committee since 2018, a lifelong commercial fisherman, seafood company shareholder, and owner of an interstate trucking company, I can bring visionary leadership and decades of hands on port experience to ensure its strength for future generations. I am committed to improving public access and upland storage for recreational users, strengthening workforce development in marine trades, aviation and first responder services, and expanding marine and aviation opportunities. The Port of Bellingham is a powerful economic engine that impacts every community in Whatcom County, including our Tribal communities. A commissioner’s duty is to bring historical perspective, practical experience, and economic understanding needed to keep that engine strong, ensuring the Port serves the entire county and that the community knows the Port of Bellingham is open for business.

Contact

(360) 325-5073; burrillforport@gmail.com; burrillforport.com

Source: Local voters' pamphlet, page 12

Tor Benson

Elected Experience

Elected-Petersburg Alaska Planning and Zoning: Appointed- SE Alaska Power Agency providing clean renewable energy

Other Professional Experience

I bring extensive experience as an owner-operator running commercial fishing boats, budgeting and financial experience as a Certified Financial Planner, and logistics expertise coordinating 800’ cargo vessels from around the world, which have prepared me well to be an effective Port Commissioner. I founded Streamline Advisory, a local small business, to help individuals and small businesses make informed financial decisions and will assist the Port in doing the same.

Education

Bachelors, Oregon State University; Certified Financial Planner

Community Service

Bellingham Bay Rotary Club Treasurer, Whatcom Working Waterfront member

Statement

Creating and protecting family-wage jobs that support our local communities will be my top priority as Port Commissioner. At a time when local families are being economically squeezed with rising costs, we need jobs and opportunities for everyone in Whatcom County. The Bellingham Airport and Shipping Terminal are budgeted to run at a loss for the third year in a row and there is lack of trust by the community that the Ports assets are being run effectively. The loss of flights at the airport is troubling – we shouldn’t have to travel to Seattle or Canada for business or pleasure. I come prepared to complete the hard work necessary to reverse these trends and ensure that your tax dollars are spent responsibly and with transparency.

As our community crafts the vision for our shared waterfront on the bay, I bring experience in planning and zoning to ensure that we plan for a variety of uses, including housing, industry, agriculture, recreation, commerce, and Lummi/ Nooksack fishermen along our shores. I look forward to the opportunity to use my practical experience and financial discipline to serve as the first Port Commissioner for District 4. Learn more: Torforport.com

Contact

(360) 510-2877; Torforport@gmail.com; Torforport.com

Source: Local voters' pamphlet, page 12

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