Thank you for your strong support of my re-election to the Seattle Port Commission.  I bring 30 years experience in Seattle as a conservation leader protecting our marine environment and those dependent upon it, from killer whales to tribal communities. As a Commissioner, I’ve built upon that foundation, securing environmental safeguards while expanding the economic benefits of trade, tourism, fishing and recreation. I’ve increased integrity by hiring the new Port Executive Director and championed the new position, Director of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

As founding Chair of the Energy & Sustainability Committee, I’ve helped reduce the Port’s impacts on the climate and communities while expanding opportunities for quality careers in King County. In my next term I’ll continue to partner with governments, businesses and labor to reduce the Port’s carbon emissions by promoting green innovations, such as the electrification of marine terminals, while protecting jobs dependent on our working waterfront.

I’m committed to reducing traffic on airport drive and TSA wait times to improve your travel experience. I’m also championing the use of renewable fuels to protect the environment and health of disproportionately impacted communities while expanding job opportunities. I’ll work to inspire youth to pursue Port-related jobs of the future by providing apprenticeships and internships as well as on-water experience.

We can all share in the natural wealth, economic opportunity and livability of the Puget Sound region with Port policies rooted in ecological integrity, social equity and fiscal responsibility. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Endorsements: The Stranger, Seattle Times, MLK County Labor Council, OneAmerica Votes, WCV, Sierra Club, King County Democrats, Seattle and Port of Seattle Firefighters, Puget Sound Pilots, Congressman Smith, Attorney General Ferguson, Lands Commissioner Franz, Speaker Chopp, Senators Das, Hasegawa, and Carlyle, Representatives Tarleton and Tomiko Santos, Seattle Mayor Durkan, Burien Mayor Matta, Ron Sims.

I am running for the Port Commission seat because we need to do better. Flying in and out of SeaTac airport often is a painful experience due to traffic, difficult parking, long TSA lines, and delays due to air traffic holds.  This detracts from the customer experience.  As a frequent flyer, I have seen what SeaTac can become.  A few examples include: Portland airport parking identifies specific available spots, most airports have better traffic flow, and shorter TSA lines and (DCA) has obvious water bottle refill stations to reduce waste plastic. Let’s use these ideas and others to improve our airport. 

We must stress cyber security and address impacts caused by trade wars. Likewise the seaport should explore “smart city” technology for: greater efficiencies, environmental protection and safety, while protecting jobs.  We should promote electric trucks. We must provide greater transparency and prevent large cost overruns and questionable tax increases for projects that may lead to increasing global warming.   I ask for your vote to use my experience, leadership skills to promote consumer interests and make the port operations better.

Garth serves as Senior Attorney and Compliance Officer for CT Corporation. Previously he worked at Preston Gates and Ellis LLP.  Earlier he served as Chief Legal Counsel to the Montana Secretary of State and Ethics Study Committee member. The Counsel of State Governments named him Toll Fellow, which recognizes outstanding leadership and service.

He holds offices in of the ABA Business Law and Science and Technology sections.  American Bar Foundation named him a Life Fellow.

He creates pottery at Pottery NW where he served on its board of directors. He grows oysters.  He climbs, hikes, bikes, paddleboards and is a Mountaineers Peak Society member. 

Garth seeks this nonpartisan office with no endorsements that create obligations to special interests, or individuals.