MOSES LAKE — Incumbent David Plate is running for election to Port of Moses Lake commissioner position 2 because of his drive to bring more employers to Moses Lake.

“I have the experience, expertise, energy and passion needed to work with the dozens of critical partners, to bring even more new jobs and employers to the Port of Moses Lake District,” he stated.

He explained how his experience will help him meet the needs of the position.

“I am blessed to have worked for many years with corporate and legislative politics, which is a reality of getting our communities’ goals met,” Plate stated. “However, as a small business owner, I also understand the need to be fiscally cautious and conservative, and look out for the average person by avoiding unnecessary expenses or debt at all costs.”

His goals for the position include securing funds to improve rail service, increase the use of the air service and increase interaction between the port and community.

Plate explained a challenge he sees facing the position.

“The national economy has suffered, and our region has been challenged to keep the jobs we have,” he stated. “I have the unique opportunity to continue to communicate with my nationwide and international contacts to invite new employers and jobs to the Moses Lake area.”

He stated citizens should vote for him because of his accomplishments.

“I have worked hard to help bring air service to the Port of Moses Lake, to increase revenue to the port and involved legislators and community leaders to gain funding and support for rail service for new jobs and growth in our community,” Plate stated.

He explained how the port can attract business.

“I have been invited to meet with the Governors Council on Aerospace to push for Boeing and other large employers to utilize the hundreds of acres of heavy industrial land which the port has retained and made aware to large employers,” he stated.

To obtain funding for the rail project, Plate stated he works with community leaders to educate those involved with decisions and funding about the port.

“Thus far, we have received millions in commitments and millions more in appropriation requests to fully fund the entire rail project,” he stated.

Plate explained how the port can assist the air service.

“The Port of Moses Lake is a huge investor in the new air service with SkyWest, and was a key player in the joint effort … to assure that we were able to serve the community, both for business and personal air travel,” he stated.

The biggest asset of the Grant County International Airport is rail service and the growth potential of the port, he explained.

The next project for the port should concern expanding rail service, he stated.

“I am excited to have visited with the Surface Transportation Board to plead our case for the approvals we have received thus far, in growing and expanding the rail line on and near the Port of Moses Lake,” Plate stated.