Port Commissioner, District 5

Chris Elder

Elected Experience

First-time Candidate

Other Professional Experience

For over twelve years I’ve worked with counties supporting farmland preservation, climate resilience, forest management and stewardship, floodplain planning and watershed management. Owner (6 years) of natural resource consulting firm, Rivershed SPC

Education

BA Environmental Biology, Western Colorado University; MS Agriculture, Washington State University

Community Service

Co-founded and Chaired Twin Sisters Market; Co-founded and Chaired Coastal Farmland Trust; Member and Administrative Chair of Washington State Food Policy Forum; Vice President of Northwest Chapter of River Management Society; Volunteer supporting flood response after Nooksack River floods; Member of Community Food Coop Farm Fund Committee

Statement

I moved to the South Fork Valley to start a farm and raise my two daughters. Since then I have had the privilege to work with Whatcom’s farmers, fishers and foresters who care for our natural resources and provide jobs in our community. I’ve helped new farmers gain access to land, increased market access for local farmers and worked across ideological lines on habitat restoration, flood mitigation, and protecting working farms and forests from development.

I’m asking for your vote because I love this community. We grow our economy by investing in working land industries, restoring salmon habitat, and creating good jobs. Environmental stewardship is essential to that work. I'll continue supporting cleanup of legacy contamination and hold new development to the highest standards as we face rising seas and weather extremes. I’ll continue the Port’s work of creating welcoming and vibrant community spaces that complement our natural resources. These are the things that make our community great.

Trade, strategic airport opportunities, defending our working waterfronts — I'll push for these priorities with transparency and accountability. I'm proud to be endorsed by State Senator Sharon Shewmake, Representative Alex Ramel, Councilmember Jessica Rienstra, and more. Let’s invest in Whatcom for all.

Contact

(360) 840-3064; votechriselder@gmail.com; votechriselder.com

Source: Local voters' pamphlet, page 13

Shawn Ensley

Elected Experience

First time Candidate

Other Professional Experience

I bring over two decades of hands-on experience working in industrial maintenance and safety-critical environments where reliability and getting the job done right matter every day. I spent 21 years in the Air Force Reserve in airport logistics while building a career in the instrumentation and electrical trade. Since 2004, I have worked at Cherry Point helping maintain complex systems, supporting field work, and keeping operations running safely and consistently.

Education

Airman leadership school, Noncommissioned Officer Academy, Bellingham Technical College AAS Instrumentation and Control, Mount Baker High School

Community Service

Served on the Bellingham Technical College Instrumentation Advisory Board.

Statement

The Port should be the economic backbone of Whatcom County, prioritizing people over politics by supporting living-wage jobs, balanced economic growth, and investments that strengthen long-term stability and prosperity throughout all of Whatcom County, not just a few areas influenced by special interests.

My career in instrumentation and logistics is built on hard work, accountability, safety, and solving real problems - values I will bring to this position. I will lead with transparency, common sense, and a commitment to restoring trust, representation, and public confidence to the Port.

My priorities are creating living wage jobs, investing in projects with clear purpose, and ensuring the Port stays focused on its mission statement: To promote sustainable economic development, optimize transportation gateways, and manage publicly owned land and facilities to benefit Whatcom County. We have the foundation to build on for a thriving Port.

The Port of Bellingham belongs to the people of Whatcom County, and every community deserves to be heard, respected, and represented. A vote for me is a vote for leadership focused on people, practical solutions, and results that benefit our entire county. I would be honored to earn your vote.

Contact

(360) 592-3434; EnsleyforPort@gmail.com; EnsleyforPort.com

Source: Local voters' pamphlet, page 13