McClure dangerous choice for port commissioner

I recently listened to Ken Balsley’s interview with Port of Olympia candidate, Gigi McClure. Balsley asks, “Do you have anything you would actually like to see for the Port of Olympia?” to which McClure replies, “For myself, I would like to see interest in bringing military vessels back to the port.”

At a community forum McClure stated that she also supports military cargoes at the port. McClure, a retired veteran from rural Tenino, may not be familiar with the community values and political climate in Olympia through which these cargoes must ship. Olympia has had a strong anti-war movement for generations. Every Friday night Veteran’s for Peace hold a vigil on Percival Landing. In 2006-7 when the port shipped military cargoes the result was civil unrest, protests, over 100 arrests and a cumulative cost of over $120,000 to taxpayers.

My concern is that with McClure on the commission, we will see an increased military presence at the marine terminal and potentially at the airport. And with that, an escalation of anger and protest. With the current political climate created by President Trump, our community needs leaders who will be peacekeepers not those who would increase hostilities. While I respect the men and women who serve our country, like many, I do not support the wars they must serve in. McClure is a dangerous gamble at creating further division in our community, while Commissioner Zita has proven that she listens deeply and works to bring people together.

This story was originally published September 19, 2017 at 12:51 PM with the headline "McClure dangerous choice for port commissioner."