The status quo might be changing at the Port of Seattle. In the 2001 election, Lawrence Molloy replaced incumbent Jack Block. Now, Alec Fisken replaces Clare Nordquist. Together, the two represent a significant change in thinking.

SCAA met with Alec Fisken prior to the election. Fisken has extensive experience in port finance and transportation issues. He believes the Port's current monetary situation is questionable and intends to further research their finances--including how they intend to pay for the very expensive third runway.

Fisken also appears to be open to community input and has already agreed to meet with SCAA again, prior to taking his new office in January. "It appears SCAA might have another foot in the door at the Port", said Mike Ranta, president of SCAA. He went on to explain that commissioner Molloy has been more open to input from SCAA and that it appeared Fisken would likely be as well.

Historically, most incumbent Port Commissioners have been re-elected by relatively wide margins. The Port positions are often not well understood by the general public and the incumbents tend to win by default. The race between Nordquist and Fisken was extremely close. While Nordquist looked like the early winner, when all the votes were counted, Fisken ended up ahead by a mere 7500 votes or 2.5%. Incumbent commissioner Bob Edwards returns having defeated challenger Jim Baker 64% to 36%.

Stay tuned for more information after SCAA meets with Fisken and possibly Molloy before year end. 2004 could be a promising year for changes at the Port of Seattle.