I have often ended this column by referencing an ability to see the edge of the page.

My friends, that is where we find ourselves today.

This month will close the project which began when I told my fellow commissioners I would like to write a monthly article letting residents know a little about the things going on “Down at the Port.” The response was, “Really, why would you do that?”

So here we are, 123 editions later and this is my last such contribution to the Kingston Community News.

You may have read elsewhere how I decided to seek this office. The truth is: I was performing in Kitsap Opera’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan’s “HMS Pinafore,” a jolly spoof on British Admiralty.

Our show was performed outdoors in the gazebo at the Port Orchard Marina. In those eight performances, I stood singing on that stage each night and one matinee and wondered how we could get a performing arts venue on Kingston’s waterfront. That was my goal — and it worked.

Some other accomplishments during the past 12 years of which I am quite proud:

• The electric cars, enabling our port visitors to get around town and shop in our stores.

• Negotiation of a new lease with Washington State Ferries, while restricting them from placing commercial entities on the dock.

• Reconstruction of our storm water treatment system, which resulted in a 25 percent increase of our park area near the marina and purely treated runoff water going into the bay.

• Realignment of our parking areas.

• The Christmas lights.

• A piling replacement project, removing dozens of creosote-coated sticks from our tidelands.

• Purchase of additional upland property, which allows the port to re-create and enhance our waterfront.

• The tent.

• Dredging, opening our channels for safe access to and from the marina.

• Getting the port involved in alliances throughout the state and county, such as the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council, Washington Public Ports Association, Kitsap Economic Development Alliance. This results in Kingston being considered for funds available for capital projects in competition with other municipal governments.

• Addition of a small non-motorized watercraft facility.

• In year two of my tenure, we made the last payment on the port’s debt and have not borrowed a dime since.

• Developing a park on the former Kingston Inn property.

• Developing good and valuable relationships with our legislative and congressional representatives.

• Reconfiguring our transient moorings to allow larger vessels to visit.

• Enhancing our sewage pump out facilities for visiting boaters.

• And finally, this port has the best staff right now taking care of our administration and your facilities. They are dedicated ladies and gentlemen who love the Port of Kingston more than you can imagine.

A smart person once said, you’ll never fail at anything if you don’t try anything. Well, there are a few projects which could have gone better. I suppose the one in most people’s minds is the inability to develop passenger-only ferry service between Kingston and Seattle. Two attempts left us disappointed. We will have to see what the future brings.

I would like to have attracted a new waterfront restaurant partner for our property. We have yet been able to fill the executive director position with a permanent solution. I thought Dave Malone was the one but it wasn’t in the stars.

So, what is left undone?  There are always new projects, problems and relationships on the horizon. As the port moves forward, I believe a five-member commission will be a necessary shift. A three-member board is hamstrung in its ability to plan effectively.

And no, I do not think it would open the door to a lot of “secret” deals. It just makes sense. Ask our Village Green Metropolitan Park District; see what they accomplish.

I am truly looking forward to future development on our waterfront property. I can’t wait for a good waterfront seafood restaurant. That will be exciting!

Looking back, I have worked with some terrific people. Commissioners Coultas, Bissonnette, Elliott and MacIntyre have contributed enormously to make the port what it is today and I enjoyed working with all of them.

And, no we didn’t always agree; you’re not supposed to. Twenty-six people have occupied positions on this board since the port was chartered in 1919. I leave happy and proud to have been one of them.

Welcome aboard No. 27, Mary McClure!

What’s next for me?

1. Finish my 11-year project, a novel.

2. Travel.

3. Attend port meetings.

Now, I can see the edge of the page again so my last Nautical Term will be: I wish you all Fair Winds and Following Seas and Happiness Over the Horizon.

I sincerely thank you for allowing me to serve as your port commissioner.

—Pete DeBoer is a Port of Kingston commissioner. Contact him at pete@pete  deboer.com