2026 Election
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Earlier this year C2C created the 2026 Primary Election Candidate Zine, to serve as a resource for voter education. From that resource, we’ve pulled out the responses of candidates who have advanced to the General Election 2026. Candidates who are not listed below did not respond to our questionnaire.
We asked candidates questions related to our work! Here are their unedited responses. This zine is intended as a resource to voters to learn more about candidates’ positions on issues important to C2C. We highly recommend looking into candidates further; read their campaign websites and check out their endorsements, organizational affiliations, and funders.
Words are easy, but actions and relationships speak louder.
Colleen Melody | WA State Supreme Court Justice Position 1
How do you interpret the State Constitution's restrictions on income tax?
I interpret constitutional provisions by trying to give effect to the goal of the provision, taking into account the drafters’ stated intent, text, history, and related provisions in order to determine the meaning that best gives effect to the intent of the drafters. My judicial philosophy considers the law’s real-world impacts to everyday people when judges decide cases and when overseeing the administration of justice in our state courts.
Do you agree with the WA Supreme Court dicta in Portugal v. Franklin where they affirmed that a wide variety of systems like proportional representation are viable remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act?
Under the Code of Judicial Conduct, I am not allowed to develop a position on the effect of Portugal v. Franklin on a case not before the court. As a lawyer, though, I worked on the WVRA for years when it was being debated in the legislature and advised legislative clients on how to make it robust and protective of voting rights in Washington. And I testified in favor of its passage.
How do you interpret Title IX, and Washington State’s Constitution Article IX Education, Sec. 1. as it pertains to trans youth in school sports and school sanctioned activities?
Same as above re: future cases. In terms of past cases, I worked on several matters to advance the rights of trans and non-binary youth to participate fully in their educations, including through access to extracurricular activities. As a civil rights lawyer, I did this work in school districts across the state, as well as with our colleges and universities.
How will you defend and expand access to justice amid ongoing attacks on immigrant community members by federal immigration officers at local courts throughout Washington state? How will you use your power as a Supreme Court Justice to hold federal agents accountable for violations of court rules and state law?
This continues to be a major problem, particularly in Bellingham and Yakima. I serve on a task force of state judges and court staff that work on this issue. And when I was in the Attorney General's Office, I brought a lawsuit during the first Trump Administration to challenge ICE and CBP's practice of arresting non-citizens at courthouses. The law has changed in a way that makes a renewed lawsuit challenging, but we continue to look at every option. As a judge, we continue to train judges on what to do if immigration officials show up, and I am in regular contact with judges and witnesses to these events. I review every report of ICE/CBP activity at a state courthouse that comes in. People must be able to trust that they'll be safe at the courthouse that serves their community.
How will you protect the voting rights of historically and presently disenfranchised WA voters?
My court has a unique role in upholding and protecting state law, including early and automatic voter registration, our state district boundaries, construction of the the WVRA including its recently passed preclearance requirements, and more. I will focus on my obligations to carefully review claims brought under state law, even if federal law has become less protective of individual rights in that same space.
Ian Birk | WA State Supreme Court Justice Position 4
How do you interpret the State Constitution's restrictions on income tax?
As with most of your questions, a judicial candidate can’t answer this question. Our responsibility is to decide cases that come to us, based on the record and the arguments that the parties present. And to do that fairly and with an open mind, it is important that we neither form, nor make public statements describing, opinions or attitudes about cases before litigants have had a fair chance to make their case. This is why, when a question asks about a matter that could come before the court, as this one does, a judicial candidate cannot attempt to answer.
Do you agree with the WA Supreme Court dicta in Portugal v. Franklin where they affirmed that a wide variety of systems like proportional representation are viable remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act?
See above.
How do you interpret Title IX, and Washington State’s Constitution Article IX Education, Sec. 1. as it pertains to trans youth in school sports and school sanctioned activities?
See above.
On this question, I can make an observation. Title IX is a federal law that was written by Congress and is ultimately interpreted by the United States Supreme Court.
In contrast, the Washington constitution is a matter of state law, and the final say on the meaning of the Washington constitution belongs to the Washington Supreme Court–meaning, the United States Supreme Court or any other federal court cannot second guess the Washington Supreme Court on a question of Washington law.
State law still cannot violate federal law, but it is important for Washington Supreme Court justices to understand the interplay between state and federal law. This is especially important as the United States Supreme Court revisits many of its decisions on federal law, and state law becomes more important. The subject of state and federal interaction featured significantly in my 20 year law practice, about half of which was in federal court.
How will you defend and expand access to justice amid ongoing attacks on immigrant community members by federal immigration officers at local courts throughout Washington state? How will you use your power as a Supreme Court Justice to hold federal agents accountable for violations of court rules and state law?
It is important that the state judiciary defend the integrity of its processes, including with regard to federal law enforcement acting in ways that deter witnesses, litigants, or others coming to court–which directly impacts our ability to issue reliable rulings. While states and state officers do not have direct authority over federal officers, Washington law requires that matters be documented and tracked, so that we have a record of the manner of federal presence at Washington courthouses. Also, so far, the judiciary has been able to require federal law enforcement to identify themselves and go through security. This must be preserved. Moreover, the state judiciary must be alert to ways in which the presence of any law enforcement could undermine the court’s ability to do its job. This does depend on litigants and witnesses being able to attend court.
How will you protect the voting rights of historically and presently disenfranchised WA voters?
Beyond helping to educate the public that judges are subject to election in Washington, the judiciary’s role in this subject comes through its decisions concerning voting rights under federal and state law. As a result, I believe this again is a question that I cannot answer.
Sean O’Donnell | WA State Supreme Court Justice Position 4
How do you interpret the State Constitution's restrictions on income tax?
As a candidate for the Washington State Supreme Court, I need to be careful not to prejudge issues that could come before the Court. Doing so could compromise my impartiality and would be improper under Washington's Judicial Code of Conduct. My approach to any case is the same: I begin with the Constitution, the laws enacted by the Legislature, and legal precedent, and I will always maintain impartiality in reaching my decisions. Washington's Constitution provides civil rights and individual freedoms broader than their federal counterparts. I take its language with the utmost respect and seriousness and apply it faithfully in every case before me.
Do you agree with the WA Supreme Court dicta in Portugal v. Franklin where they affirmed that a wide variety of systems like proportional representation are viable remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act?
As a candidate for the Washington State Supreme Court, I need to be careful not to prejudge issues or cases that could come before the Court. I can say that Washington's Voting Rights Act represents an important legislative commitment to ensuring that every Washingtonian's vote counts. I believe the legislature's intent in enacting the WVRA deserves faithful and full application by the courts. I have spent 25 years in public service committed to the principle that access to our democratic system must not depend on your background, zip code, or the language you speak. I will bring that same commitment to the Supreme Court.
How do you interpret Title IX, and Washington State’s Constitution Article IX Education, Sec. 1. as it pertains to trans youth in school sports and school sanctioned activities?
As a candidate for the Washington State Supreme Court, I must be careful not to prejudge issues that could come before the Court. What I can say is that Washington's Constitution guarantees civil rights and individual freedoms for all Washingtonians, and I am committed to upholding and defending those protections. I will apply Washington law faithfully in every case, and I will ensure that every person who comes before the Court is treated with dignity and respect. The Judicial Code of Conduct makes clear that judges may not impose their personal views -- and I will honor that obligation while faithfully applying the law.
How will you defend and expand access to justice amid ongoing attacks on immigrant community members by federal immigration officers at local courts throughout Washington state? How will you use your power as a Supreme Court Justice to hold federal agents accountable for violations of court rules and state law?
In my view, it is a mistake for federal agents to enter Washington State courthouses without express permission to be on the property. Courthouses must be safe spaces where everyone, regardless of immigration status, can access justice without fear. When people are afraid to come to court, justice fails. I have dedicated significant effort to ensuring that non-English speakers can safely and fully participate in our legal system, through interpreter funding, language access advocacy, and courthouse safety initiatives. Among the most significant legal challenges we face today is the current stress our federal system is experiencing and the preservation of civil rights guaranteed by Washington's Constitution. I will use every tool available to me to ensure our courts remain safe and accessible to all.
How will you protect the voting rights of historically and presently disenfranchised WA voters?
Protecting voting rights and democratic participation is fundamental to what I believe a strong, vibrant democracy needs to survive. Washington's Constitution guarantees our fundamental democratic rights, and I will defend them. Voters' rights here are also protected under Washington's Voting Rights Act, which affords robust protections against discrimination. This year, Governor Ferguson signed legislation strengthening voter protections and discouraging political subdivisions from diluting minority representation, though this bill has not yet been considered alongside the U.S. Supreme Court's Callais decision. This election cycle, I encouraged King County's Director of Elections to coordinate with the Presiding Judge to ensure a judge and courtroom are available should a legal challenge arise on election night or after.
Dave Larson | WA State Supreme Court Justice Position 4
How do you interpret the State Constitution's restrictions on income tax?
We are not allowed under judicial ethics rules to comment on pending or impending litigation.
Do you agree with the WA Supreme Court dicta in Portugal v. Franklin where they affirmed that a wide variety of systems like proportional representation are viable remedies under the Washington Voting Rights Act?
I would agree with the 9-0 decision in Portugal v. Franklin, but certainly there could be a factual situation where proportional representation is implicated. However, I can only commit to approach every voting-rights matter with careful attention to the statutory text, the factual record, binding precedent, and to applying the law impartially to the parties before me.
How do you interpret Title IX, and Washington State’s Constitution Article IX Education, Sec. 1. as it pertains to trans youth in school sports and school sanctioned activities?
There will likely be litigation on this issue and we are not allowed under judicial ethics rules to comment on pending or impending litigation.
How will you defend and expand access to justice amid ongoing attacks on immigrant community members by federal immigration officers at local courts throughout Washington state? How will you use your power as a Supreme Court Justice to hold federal agents accountable for violations of court rules and state law?
General Rule 41 addresses this issue, but it would be a violation of the Code of Judicial Conduct to comment on how I would treat future cases.
How will you protect the voting rights of historically and presently disenfranchised WA voters?
My oath as a justice will include the obligation to protect voting rights under the federal and state constitutions.
Alex Ramel | 40th Legislative District State Representative Position 2
Do you oppose the H-2A worker visa program? Please elaborate why or why not. How will you ensure that locally-based farmworkers earn living wages and don’t get displaced by the H2A program?
I oppose H-2A because it creates a group of workers who don't have the protections and responsibilities of citizenship, are totally dependent on their employers, and circumnavigates our labor protections and wage laws.
Will you commit to supporting legislation that grants regulatory and enforcement measures to the Agricultural and Seasonal Workforce Services Advisory Committee, which is the only state level oversight body of the H-2A visa program in the country?
Unfortunately, this is a federal program and as a state government official I have limited tools to fix this injustice. But I agree we should be using all of those tools to ensure that there is as much oversight as we can create.
Will you commit to supporting legislation brought by Familias Unidas por la Justicia to grant collective bargaining rights to farmworkers in the next 2027 legislative session?
Probably! All workers deserve collective bargaining rights. I'm not certain what the gap is for farmworkers, but I look forward to learning more.
How will you support housing affordability and habitability protections for renters?
I've been champion for rent stabilization and helped to build the movement for this critical protection that we finally got enacted in 2025. I suspect that in the next few years, we will need to tackle the problem of junk fees that landlords are using to get around these protections.
How will you protect precarious/vulnerable (young, PoC, first time, or elder) homeowners?
I've been working to increase support for community land trusts which make homeownership possible for many people who would otherwise be priced out of our market. I'm also a strong advocate for missing middle housing, think townhomes or rowhouses, that are often a more affordable alternative for homeowners, but are prevented by exclusionary zoning laws.
How will you protect low-wage workers?
Every year that I've been in the legislature, we've built on the protections that we have for workers. That's included extending overtime protection for farmworkers, strengthening workplace safety standards for industrial facilities, protecting pensions and unemployment insurance, even just ensuring bathroom access for truck drivers. Throughout that time, I've maintained a 100% lifetime voting record with the Washington State Labor Council.
How will you encourage land acquisition for farmworkers and other underserved farmers who face systemic barriers to land, capital, and markets?
I'd love to partner with C2C to support a local option for conservation funding that can be used to increase protections for farmland and encourage more farmers.
How will you defend overtime protections for farmworkers?
There will be a republican attack on farmworkers' protections next year. There is every year. We will stop it, like we have every year since we got those overtime protections passed.
What are your plans to support community development and economic justice in historically and presently impoverished communities? How will you support community- and worker-centered economic development?
The top priority for economic justice has to be continuing to create a more fair tax code. The Millionaires Tax and the Working Families Tax Credit are critical steps in the right direction. We have to protect these gains and continue to live into the future were the wealthy pay what they own for schools, healthcare and community development.
How will you support the implementation of a climate-resilient, economically just, labor-protective, and sustainable local Food Systems Plan in your legislative district?
I don't think that it's my role to create that plan - I don't have all the answers, and it really should be community led. I'm eager to hear more about what C2C has in mind, and how we can work together to build a coalition that could do it. And then I'm excited to help with implementation.
How will you ensure that impacts from climate crises and disasters are fairly distributed - so that those who have contributed the most also contribute the most to recovery and to transitioning away from fossil fueled climate change? How will you ensure that resources for recovery reach the most vulnerable and communities who contributed the least to climate change?
In our current economic system, there is no way to make sure that climate impacts and disasters will be fairly distributed. They will not be. The worse the climate crisis gets, the more vulnerable will suffer and the greater the disparity will be. We can, and should, strive to make sure that recovery funding is accessible to disadvantaged communities, but that's far too little, way too late. The only way to achieve any real justice is to prevent climate disasters in the first place by cutting fossil fuel use, implementing climate solutions, and holding fossil fuel companies accountable. Most of my career has been spent in this pursuit, punctuated by work on the Climate Commitment Act, Clean Buildings Act, the most climate friendly energy code in the county, nation-leading regulation of the gas industry, creating a Transmission Development Authority to move clean electricity, and major investments in local clean energy projects.
What strategies would you support to collaborate across city, county, and state to manage our organic waste (sewage sludge, animal manure, and ag waste) in a more economical and sustainable manner?
I'm open to suggestion here. PFAS pollution in municipal sewage has really made this very difficult for municipal sewage. There are good solutions for manure and ag waste, but they are often not economical.
Jesse Corkern | Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney
How will you enforce the Courts Open to All Act in Whatcom County? Are you willing to prosecute ICE/CBP agents as private citizens for violating COTA?
The actions of ICE agents in this country and in our community are unconscionable. No one is above the law, including law enforcement officers from any agency. I will not hesitate to prosecute any law enforcement officer who violates our laws and endangers our community. Federal, State or local, law enforcement must be held accountable just like everyone else. Individuals need access to the courts for many reasons. Some may access the courts to address infractions and criminal citations but many access the courthouse for reasons unrelated to the criminal justice system. In my current role I am part of the county’s safety committee, the courthouse safety committee and the county-wide risk management committee. Enforcing the Courts Open to All Act means being proactive in ensuring members of your community know they will not face civil arrest by accessing the courthouse and ensuring that federal law enforcement agencies like ICE know they will be held accountable for violating our state and local laws. Additionally, may administration will be supportive of technologies that allow for correspondence with the courthouse and its various departments without having to physically appear.
What would you do to hold local officials accountable for violating terms of their interlocal agreement related to the 2023 Public Health and Safety Tax?
Generally, this falls outside of the purview of the position I am seeking. There is no mechanism for my office to hold local officials accountable to this agreement either civilly or criminally. However, the Prosecutor’s Office is the county’s law firm. We act in an advisory capacity to all of our county departments including the county council. This advice includes statutory compliance, contractual compliance and legal interpretations. Our advice guides local officials regarding compliance with many legal documents including the interlocal agreement related to the 2023 Public Health and Safety Tax.
Do you support abolishing cash bail?
Yes. Our bail system is clearly inequitable and overdue for reform. Unless someone is a clear danger to their community or a definitive flight risk, they should be allowed to be free of custody while their case is pending. Judges can release individuals on their own recognizance and impose conditions of release that directly address the conduct. The current use of bail results in sentences that are disproportionate to the offense merely because the accused cannot afford to post bail which is inequitable on its face
Tor Benson | Port of Bellingham District 4 Commissioner
What policies will you instate to preserve, protect, and restore the environment in and around Bellingham? How will you utilize Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and HEAL Act towards the economic development of historically and presently impoverished communities in our City? How do you intend to address climate change recognizing that climate models indicate that the current waterfront construction will be inundated in the coming years?
Education is the strongest antidote to many of these issues but they are very complex and nuanced. The role of the port is provide economic opportunity to all of the citizen of whatcom county and the addition of 2 new commission seats to the farmland (district 4) and foothills (district 5) will bring a diverse voice to these conversations.
What strategies will you use to balance the Port’s commitment to equitable economic development, affordable housing, and environmental stewardship?
Everything in life is trade offs and I will approach decision at the port with the same collaborative mindset with the other commissioners and the voters that elect us but continuing to be involved in my community in many different capacities to get a full spectrum of perspectives.
Do you have a strategy for agriculture? How will you incorporate land access for agricultural workers to start and run their own businesses? What can the port do to support small worker-centered businesses that produce and distribute food in Whatcom County?
Currently only around 2% of our food consumed in Whatcom County is grow in the county. A good friend of mind Anna Chotzen has worked at Viva Farms for the past 8 years which is a farm incubator that is on Port of Skagit property and I would like to explore the opportunity in Whatcom County as well.
What can the port do to keep ICE and CBP from developing immigration processing and detention facilities?
The Port Commission adopted a resolution in June that addresses this directly as the Bellingham Airport was a point of concert.
How can we ensure that our wastewater/sewage sludge treatment is aligned with our climate commitment goals? Who is accountable for making that happen?
The Port of Bellingham was an engineering and waste water department whose entire mission is exactly this. Water from industrial sites is samples and levels of substances are monitored with remediation action taken when necessary. There are many federal and state regulations the port abides by.
How will you support the implementation of the Whatcom County Food Systems Plan?
I know Riley Sweeney and have chatted with him in the past but we did not touch on this topic but I would be happy to have the conversation. I think the farm tours that are put on each summer are a great way to promote interaction between farms and the consumer. Understanding and seeing where you food comes from will help people make informed purchases.
Paul Burrill | Port of Bellingham District 4 Commissioner
What policies will you instate to preserve, protect, and restore the environment in and around Bellingham? How will you utilize Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and HEAL Act towards the economic development of historically and presently impoverished communities in our City? How do you intend to address climate change recognizing that climate models indicate that the current waterfront construction will be inundated in the coming years?
We can protect the environment and support good jobs at the same time. I support practical investments in habitat restoration, cleaner, stormwater systems, and maintaining a healthy working waterfront. Climate commitment act funding should be used to improve infrastructure and create family wage jobs, especially in communities that have been left behind. As we redevelop the waterfront, we need to plan for future sea level rise, and build infrastructure that is durable, adaptive, and based on the best available science.
What strategies will you use to balance the Port’s commitment to equitable economic development, affordable housing, and environmental stewardship?
The Port works best when it focuses on what it does best, creating opportunity. I will support economic development that brings family wage jobs, encourage partnerships that help address housing needs for our workforce, and make sure growth is done responsibly. We don’t have to choose between a strong economy and protecting the environment. With thoughtful planning and collaboration, we can do both and leave our port stronger for the next generation.
Do you have a strategy for agriculture? How will you incorporate land access for agricultural workers to start and run their own businesses? What can the port do to support small worker-centered businesses that produce and distribute food in Whatcom County?
Agriculture is one of Whatcom counties, economic strengths, and the Port should be a partner in its success. I support investing in infrastructure that helps farmers and food producers get their products to market, whether that’s transportation, Cold Storage, processing, or expert opportunities. We should look for partnerships that expand opportunities for beginning, farmers and small food business, helping them grow and succeed. Supporting local agriculture means supporting family wage jobs, strengthening our food system, and preserving an important part of Whatcom counties identity.
What can the port do to keep ICE and CBP from developing immigration processing and detention facilities?
The Port’s mission is economic development, transportation, and serving our community. I do not support using Port resources or property to develop immigration processing detention facilities, any proposal of that magnitude should require a transparent public process, clear, legal authority, and meaningful community input. My focus is on creating jobs, supporting, working families, and ensuring the Port remains dedicated to the purposes. It was established to serve.
How can we ensure that our wastewater/sewage sludge treatment is aligned with our climate commitment goals? Who is accountable for making that happen?
We need practical solutions that protect both public health and the environment. That means supporting wastewater treatment practices that reduce emissions, recovery resources, where it makes sense, and are based on science and fiscal responsibility. Accountability starts with the agencies that oversee these systems, but elected leader should ask tough questions, insist on transparency, and make sure taxpayers are getting results. Good stewardship means leaving our community better than we found it while being responsible with public dollars.
How will you support the implementation of the Whatcom County Food Systems Plan?
I was proud to take part in the process that helped shape the Whatcom county food system plan, so I understand both its goals, and the challenges of putting it into action. The Port can support that work by strengthening the infrastructure local producers rely on, transportation, Cold Storage, processing capacity, and access to markets. We should look for partnerships that help farmers, Fisherman, and small food business succeed, while keeping more of our food economy, local. A strong food system creates jobs, improves resilience, and helps preserve the agricultural and maritime heritage that makes Whatcom County unique.
Chris Elder | Port of Bellingham District 5 Commissioner
What policies will you instate to preserve, protect, and restore the environment in and around Bellingham? How will you utilize Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and HEAL Act towards the economic development of historically and presently impoverished communities in our City? How do you intend to address climate change recognizing that climate models indicate that the current waterfront construction will be inundated in the coming years?
While climate legislation has been passed in WA and some local code, ordinances, and resolutions have been adopted, climate response has been entirely inadequate locally, regionally, and nationally. Affordable quality housing and family wage jobs must be located in areas that are resilient to climate impacts. As the Project Manage for Whatcom County's Future Shorelines Project which assessed vulnerability of marine and riverine shorelines to sea level rise and future riverine flooding and developed recommended solutions for addressing vulnerabilities in our communities. I hope to bring that voice to the Port Commission and ensure plans implemented in known climate impact zones fully consider projected future impacts.
What strategies will you use to balance the Port’s commitment to equitable economic development, affordable housing, and environmental stewardship?
Equitable economic development must prioritize environmental stewardship and ensure workforce are fully supported in permanent living wage jobs with access to affordable housing and ideally homeownership opportunities. Having tracked and participated in the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy planning process for the past several years, I believe there is enormous opportunity for the Port to ensure that equity, affordable housing, living wage jobs, and environmental stewardship are specifically called out and prioritized.
Do you have a strategy for agriculture? How will you incorporate land access for agricultural workers to start and run their own businesses? What can the port do to support small worker-centered businesses that produce and distribute food in Whatcom County?
I've worked in local agriculture and food systems for the past 20 years in Whatcom County as a farmworker at Cloud Mountain Farm, Farm Manager at Viva Farms, Farmland Preservation Manager in Whatcom/King Counties, Member/Chair - Whatcom Food Network, co-founder/chair - Twin Sisters Market, co-founder/chair of Coastal Farmland Trust, and member/administrative chair Washington Food Policy Forum. There are so many needs and opportunities to improve our food system. Access to long term land tenure continues to be an enormous hurdle as well as access to capital, access to aggregation and distribution, access to value added processing space, including meat processing, and many other needs. The Port can invest in land to be resold or leased, build space for aggregation/distribution hub for local and regional markets, develop space for value added processing, and address needs of agriculture.
What can the port do to keep ICE and CBP from developing immigration processing and detention facilities?
The Port adopted Resolution 1432 which restricts ICE and CBP actions on Port properties including development of immigration processing and detention facilities. It seems like additional education for Port staff and contractors could be valuable in full implementation of this resolution.
How can we ensure that our wastewater/sewage sludge treatment is aligned with our climate commitment goals? Who is accountable for making that happen?
To my knowledge the Port has manages no wastewater or sewage sludge treatment. For the City of Bellingham or other wastewater plants in the County that may need retrofits or improvements to achieve our climate goals, the Port can support identification and recruitment of funding pathways to implement projects and invest in infrastructure needs.
How will you support the implementation of the Whatcom County Food Systems Plan?
I was chair of the Whatcom Food Network at the time when we initiated creation of the Whatcom Food Systems Committee and transferred authority of developing the Food System Plan to the County. The Food System Plan creates a suite of actions that are currently receiving limited supported from the County. I hope to use the Port's authority and charge of economic development, commerce, and trade to invest heavily in development of our local food systems. This is the primary reason I'm running for Port Commissioner to support our local farmers, food systems...and also ensure climate resilience planning is more readily considered in Port decisions.
Shawn Ensley | Port of Bellingham District 5 Commissioner
What policies will you instate to preserve, protect, and restore the environment in and around Bellingham? How will you utilize Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act and HEAL Act towards the economic development of historically and presently impoverished communities in our City? How do you intend to address climate change recognizing that climate models indicate that the current waterfront construction will be inundated in the coming years?
My focus is on decisions that align with the Port of Bellingham’s mission to promote sustainable economic development, support our transportation gateways, and responsibly manage public assets. That means continuing cleanup and habitat restoration, strengthening shoreline protections, and ensuring Port projects improve long‑term environmental health. The Climate Commitment Act and HEAL Act can help lower energy costs, expand workforce training, and support underserved communities. For the waterfront, I support using the best available climate science to guide adaptable, resilient infrastructure so the Port remains an economic engine for decades to come.
What strategies will you use to balance the Port’s commitment to equitable economic development, affordable housing, and environmental stewardship?
I focus on the Port’s mission to promote sustainable economic development and responsibly manage public assets. To balance these priorities, I support projects that create jobs while protecting our shoreline, continuing cleanup work, and improving habitat. I also believe the Port should partner with local governments and nonprofits to support workforce housing near job centers. Economic growth, housing, and environmental stewardship can move together when we plan transparently, use good data, and work collaboratively with the community.
Do you have a strategy for agriculture? How will you incorporate land access for agricultural workers to start and run their own businesses? What can the port do to support small worker-centered businesses that produce and distribute food in Whatcom County?
The Port’s mission is to promote sustainable economic development and manage public assets for the benefit of Whatcom County. That means our role in agriculture is to support the infrastructure that helps farmers and small food businesses succeed — things like transportation access, cold storage, and market facilities. My focus is keeping the Port aligned with its mission and supporting local agriculture through practical, mission‑driven investments.
What can the port do to keep ICE and CBP from developing immigration processing and detention facilities?
The Port’s mission is to support transportation gateways and economic development. I do not support spending any more Port tax dollars on this issue. The City Attorney has already made it clear that the Port has no authority over CBP flights or federal immigration operations. My responsibility is to keep the Port focused on its mission and ensure public resources are used legally, responsibly, and for community benefit.
How can we ensure that our wastewater/sewage sludge treatment is aligned with our climate commitment goals? Who is accountable for making that happen?
The Port of Bellingham’s mission is to promote sustainable economic development and manage public assets responsibly. Wastewater and sewage‑sludge treatment are not Port‑managed systems, so the Port doesn’t set those policies. What we can do is coordinate with the City, County, and Lummi Nation to ensure their treatment plans align with state climate goals and support regional sustainability. Accountability for wastewater operations rests with those agencies, while the Port stays focused on its mission and supports climate‑smart infrastructure where it intersects with Port facilities.
How will you support the implementation of the Whatcom County Food Systems Plan?
The Food Systems Plan strengthens our local food economy. The Port supports it by focusing on our mission: improving infrastructure farmers and small food businesses rely on, like cold storage, transportation access, and market space. We partner with local governments and nonprofits where Port facilities can help, keeping investments practical and mission‑driven.