Typically, I am not inclined to write to the newspaper in support of a candidate. However, a local race has caught my eye. It is not a flashy race, but it is a race that is vital for the future and success of Centralia and Lewis County. Julie Shaffley is running for commissioner for the Port of Centralia.
This letter is not to talk about the kind of person Julie is. Frankly, I have only met her a handful of times. This letter is not to talk about commitment to community. Except for rare circumstances, anyone running for office is committed to their community, regardless of politics.
I am prompted to write because of what Julie has done, not for what is being said she will do. Julie has shown this community her presence on the port’s board is an economic driver. Julie helped bring a $100 million facility and an estimated 350 jobs to Centralia. In fact, the port continues to attract more new businesses. With WinCo and Stihl slated to join the port’s 30-plus businesses, the port will account for nearly 25 percent of Centralia’s tax base and employee nearly 2,000 people. How is this done? Through the hard work of Julie and the port. This is the same reason the port was named the 2018 business of the year, the same reason the legislature awarded the port over $7,000,000 for construction.
Julie has been, and continues to be, the visionary the port needs. Some can say what they “will do” if elected. We don’t need to ask Julie what she will do. Julie has already shown us what she is capable of and what she will continue to do as our port commissioner.
It has been suggested that a change is needed at the port. Really? Change what? Do we want fewer job? Fewer businesses? Less tax revenue forcing our taxes to go up to make up the difference? Is that the change we want or need at the port? Probably not. What we need is Julie. A successful port is vital to a successful Centralia and a successful Lewis County.
As a local business owner for nearly 30 years, Julie knows, firsthand, what is needed to operate a successful business. That success translates into knowing what is actually needed to attract other successful businesses. A strong supporter of the Centralia downtown, Julie knows that a strong port is vital to a successful historic downtown area and has shown that through her actions, not just through her words.
This race is not for a symbolic position held while others do the work. This race is to do the work, make the tough decisions, bring millions of dollars to our community, and to maintain thousands of jobs that are vital to our community. A vote for Julie is a vote for progress, a vote for economic growth and a vote for a stronger Centralia. Julie has the experience, the knowledge, the ability and the track record to continue to be a successful commissioner. For Julie Shaffley for commissioner.
Jonathan Meyer
Centralia
Lewis County Prosecutor
