Despite a fairly decent summer, the tough-to-please downtown business owners weren’t happy with at least one facet with Poulsbo tourism — the port. It seems no matter what the port does, the Historic Downtown Poulsbo Association is up in arms about it. Often justifiably so.

Indeed, the waterbound commissioners’ meetings on Liberty Bay play host to some interesting problems and even more interesting solutions. However, the gap between the port and the landlubbers remains in place — which is more than locals can say for the sloughing rock wall at Waterfront Park.

Can the HDPA’s Gary Hoskins build a bridge between the boating community and those who rely on its attraction to feed their families? We think so.

Hoskins has been a proven leader downtown — where turnover has been constant — for years.

When he proffered the concept of adding pie baking and chili cook-off contests at the annual boat rendezvous, many scoffed. With the event coming down to the wire, contestants were virtually non-existent. The day of the competition, Kvelstad Pavilion was awash with recipes.

We’re sure that Hoskins has some good ideas cooking for the port, too.

Port of Poulsbo needs something different. Ed Erhardt has been a true boon to the business and runs a pretty tight ship there but it seems the commission could use a bit of a jump start.

The Herald feels that Hoskins definitely has the “cables” to do just this and supports his bid as Port of Poulsbo Commissioner.