Port sets commissioner appointment process

The Port of Whitman County is preparing to appoint a new commissioner to fill the remainder of Commissioner Dan Boone's term, which expires at the end of this year. Boone passed away March 2.

The Port announced that interviews have been scheduled for the appointment during the regular Port meeting on April 20. The regular meeting is at 10 a.m., though the exact time for interviews during the meeting has yet to be determined.

Candidates must come from District 2, which covers the southeastern portion of the county, including southern Pullman, Colton, Uniontown and Highway 194 toward Boyer Park.

It is advised that those interested contact the Whitman County Elections Office to determine if they reside in District 2. Commissioner Tom Kammerzell said the boundary lines for District 2 are particularly not as clear in Pullman, as Pullman has multiple districts.

Executive Director Joe Poiré said some applications have been handed out, but none have been turned in yet.

“The commissioners had us cook up a one-pager application for people to fill out,” said Poiré. “We've handed it out, but no one has officially turned it in.”

Poiré said of those he has talked to, he has confidence in them.

“I haven't talked to anyone who wouldn't make a good commissioner,” he said.

By state law, the Port has 90 days from the date of Boone's death to fill the position before the task of filling it would fall to the Whitman County commissioners. The 90-day mark is May 31.

The appointed candidate will fill out the remainder of Boone's term this year, and if they wish to be elected to the seat, must also complete candidate filing by May 15.

The Port is currently operating as a two-commissioner board, with Commissioner John Love serving as president and Commissioner Kammerzell as vice president. Boone had been serving as secretary.

Those interested in applying for the position should contact the Port office either via telephone or email.

509-397-3791; port@portwhitman.com