People ask me what changes they can look for

PORT VIEW
By Bob McChesney
Executive director, Port of Edmonds

(On June 1, Bob McChesney officially took over as executive director of the Port of Edmonds. One of 74 applicants for the position, he came here after five years as executive director at the Port of Port Angeles. Prior to that he was director of properties and development at the Port of Everett. This is his first Beacon column as Port of Edmonds executive director.)

First let me say how excited I am to be here at the Port of Edmonds. Its rich history, dynamic present and breathtaking potential combine to make this, literally, a dream job.

Ill be working with an elected commission that is committed to progress and a veteran staff that knows how to make it happen. Already they are doing all they can to make my transition as smooth as possible.

People ask me what changes they can look for under my directorship. Imagine that; here I inherit a port that was the National Marina Of The Year and take over from a man who was Edmonds Citizen Of The Year. To think I might be able to improve on a record like that is a tall order indeed. Its a great opportunity.

As your new director, I am not looking to change what clearly doesnt need changing. My immediate goal is to continue to emphasize the Ports commitment to quality facilities and customer service, while addressing future plans and challenges that remain to be solved.

The Edmonds Yacht Club has cleared the last of its hurdles leading to construction of the first major new building at the marina in decades. Work on its new clubhouse will begin soon and the clubhouse should be ready to open soon after the first of the year.

My job will be to see that this major enhancement to the Port becomes one we can all point to with pride.

The Harbor Square Business Complex presents what will be the biggest opportunity and at the same time the biggest challenge for the Port and for me in the next few years. How it is developed, redeveloped or redefined will doubtless shape the future of the Port and the surrounding area.

I thrive on challenges like these and, at the same time, I am greatly impressed by the legacy of progress I have inherited. Meanwhile I am very happy to be here, to be back home.

To you, the residents of the Port District and the citizens of Edmonds, Woodway and our nearby communities, I pledge to do my best to continue to make the Port of Edmonds a recognized leader in the port industry and innovator of urban harbor-front development.