Port’s Joe Downing will not seek re-election, but Bill McGregor is ready to run again
.JPG "The Port of Olympia’s marine terminal warehouse.")
Port of Olympia Commissioner Joe Downing says he will not seek a third term on the commission, while former longtime commissioner Bill McGregor says he is running again.
Both shared that information with The Olympian over the weekend.
“It’s been a good run,” said Downing, 69, about his decision. “I’ve participated in a lot of good changes at the port. The port is diversifying its cargoes, the finances are looking better and the commissioners have an excellent relationship.”
He also acknowledged that his decision was made easier after he learned that McGregor, who previously served on the commission for 15 years, is going to run for Downing’s District 1 seat.
McGregor, who is in his 70s, confirmed that information on Sunday and said he had previously announced his intentions at a Gateway Rotary meeting. He has been out of office about 18 months and misses it, he said.
McGregor said he is ready to serve his community again, although he has yet to file the necessary paperwork with the state Public Disclosure Commission. In fact, PDC information shows no one so far is exploring a run for the port commission, despite the fact that two new districts — Districts 4 and 5 — were created to allow for an expanded commission.
As a result of the new district boundaries, McGregor, who lives across from Capitol City Golf Club on Rainier Road, said he now lives in District 1. He previously was a District 2 candidate.
As for Downing, he weighed his decision for a couple of months before deciding not to run.
“Personally, I want to move on to other challenges and opportunities, and I’m certainly of retirement age,” he said. “Time for the family and new adventures.”
Downing said he expects to do a lot of traveling between the ages of 70 and 80.
“I do love the port and a lot of good things are happening,” Downing said.
This story was originally published February 27, 2023 at 5:00 AM.
