Everyone knows the Port of Centralia is essential to the economic vitality of our city. The key word is vitality. It means jobs, jobs and more jobs. The good news is the city has a comprehensive plan, including Port plans. However, we, the citizens, have a problem. We have the unrelenting blame game from the current Port leadership. The clearest example is the Centralia Station development. While the news about partnering with WinCo is terrific, it’s just a pipe dream if the stakeholders don’t work cooperatively to get the job done. There are several moving parts that have to be properly coordinated or we’re doomed to fail. Again.
Is the I-5 off ramp to be a reality? What about access through Yew Street? Where are we on the necessary utilities? Are these and other critical matters proactively under discussion across all jurisdictions? I’m a transplant from California, where economic prosperity is an undeniable reality. A key to California’s economic success is consensus building followed up with cooperative action. This is exactly what we need.
The Centralia Station project seems to be a little fiefdom of the port’s, with no other stakeholders allowed in. The consequence of “go-it-alone” thinking is failure, as has already been demonstrated by the port. For the wellbeing of the people of Centralia, it’s time this ends!
We, the voters, have the power. The next election is right around the corner. We must have a proven consensus builder as a port commissioner who can break through this cycle of failure. Bonnie Canaday has spent a lifetime as a cooperative organizer, bringing all parties together for the classic win-win. I am convinced Bonnie will get it done. That’s why I strongly suggest that you vote for Bonnie as our next Port of Centralia Commissioner. We all win if Bonnie’s in.
Kevin Gillan
Centralia
