By DANNIE OLIVEAUX

doliveaux@soundpublishing.com

Port of Bremerton Commissioner Roger Zabinski announced in a press release that he would not seek re-election when his term ends in December.

“I will finish my term; however I think it is only fair that I let you know of my plans so that others may consider filing and running for the position,” stated Zabinski in the statement.

Candidates can file for election in May.

“With a background in economics and science, it has been very rewarding for me to participate in community economic development at the port,” said Zabinski, who is also the board of commissioner president, who had previously served on boards in Idaho, New York City and on the Central Kitsap Community Council in Silverdale.

Zabinski stated that he had accepted a new position which will make it impossible for him to contribute the time necessary to do a quality job as commissioner.

“My new job will involve about 40-50 percent foreign travel, interfacing with manufacturing companies, foreign trade counterparts and diplomats,” he said. “Also, I want to spend more time with my wife and help raise our two teenage daughters.”

Zabinskis said it’s been a busy time at the port and the commitment has been substantial. He represented the port on the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC), Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) and SKIA Subarea Planning Committee.

“I am proud of our accomplishments at the Port of Bremerton during my term as commissioner,” he said.

While serving as commissioner, he added that the Port:

• Secured grant funding for Phase 1 and Phase 2-1 of the Airport Industrial Way.

• Obtained state appropriations grant to build pad ready sites in the industrial park.

• Completed Airport Master plan, and airport modernization upgrades.

• Secured a long-term lease with Safe Boats.

• Increased tenancy in the industrial park and airport.

• Improved the success of the Bremerton Marina and community festivals at both marinas

• Built new community amenities: Port Orchard boat ramp, Port Orchard waterfront park expansion and the Harper Pier reconstruction (90 percent grant funded).

• Managed port in fiscally responsible way, paid down debt and increased cash reserves.

“I am proud of our initiative to facilitate greater partnership between the Port and local universities  — we’ve partnered with Olympic College, Washington State University engineering program, other schools,” Zabinski said. “Along with the KADA aerospace/defense/marine coalitions, and local STEM education. The goal is to attract hi-tech companies to the region — we’ve added new companies such as Supercritical Technologies.

He said it is important that the Port continue to forge ahead and add more hi-tech, high-value manufacturing companies.

“The port is in good hands with CEO Jim Rothlin and we have a great team of highly professional and dedicated port employees” he added.