The Port of Kingston has fewer than 20 employees and brings in about $1 million in revenue a year, netting about $300,000 a year.

We have gone from an atmosphere of disinterest (maybe one or two people attending meetings) to an overflow crowd and constant attention in a few years. We are proud of our last Master Plan, in that it was completely created by the citizens of the district. We completed most of the projects (except one) in that plan in record time, as well as completely rebuilding the infrastructure and services in the marina and commenced SoundRunner service (five months and going).

There seemed to be an opinion among those present that the county had basically no role in Kingston, being unincorporated, left out of KRCC, the Kitsap Transit board, etc. I applaud Commissioner Rob Gelder for his attendance at our meetings and assistance with SoundRunner and other issues. He assured me that there would be outreach from the county in our community. Many of the concerns brought up by citizens were traditionally handled by the county. This was genuinely the first time that the port commissioners were aware that many of these concerns were port business.

I travel to the south every three weeks, where there is a total suspicion of government at all levels. To come back to Kingston where so much is demanded of a small local government is an eye-opener. We will try our best to accommodate the wishes of stakeholders.

Despite what recent election materials by a Port Commission candidate may have asserted, we have not raised taxes since 2008 and recently voted not to increase taxes in 2012. The average tax increase for a $200,000 house in the Port District for the last five years is less than $1. The reason for increased total tax intake is new construction.

Do not believe anyone who says they will lower your taxes. It’s not going to happen. Despite what you may read and hear, the port is alive and well.

Marc Bissonnette
Commissioner
Port of Kingston