KINGSTON — A Kingston resident who led the Port of Kingston’s passenger ferry advisory team filed his candidacy Monday for port commission.

Jerry Kirschner will challenge District 3 representative Tom Coultas, who has filed for reelection. Commissioners serve six years terms and are paid $2,400 a year.

Kirschner said he wants to help the port continue its facility improvements while looking for new ways to boost economic growth in the town.

“Tom’s done very well but I’d bring a different set of eyes, a different set of ears and business skills,” Kirschner said.

Kirschner worked in research and quality control for drug maker Eli Lilly and Company before retiring and moving to Kingston a year and a half ago.  His wife Nancy Langwith also serves on the passenger ferry advisory committee, which helped the port plan the relaunch of SoundRunner service to Seattle.

Tom Coultas, a retired school teacher, served on the port commission from 1980 to 1992. He was elected again in 1999 and ran unopposed in 2005.

Coultas said he’s excited to continue work on developing the port’s upland properties. He also said he’s proud to have helped the port build its cash reserves and improve its campus.

“It is, if not the finest, one of the finest ports in Puget Sound,” Coultas said.