MOSES LAKE - Stroud Kunkle is running for Port of Moses Lake Commissioner position 2 because he's committed to the growth and development of the greater Moses Lake area.

"Service on the port commission would allow me to take an active role in that endeavor," he said.

Kunkle worked with the port for more than 30 years as a certified public accountant. He is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Moses Lake and is on the board of directors of the Moses Lake Business Association and the Moses Lake Food Bank.

He served 12 years on the Moses Lake School Board and six years on the Big Bend Community College Foundation Board.

"My business and public service experience have given me a sense of understanding and appreciation for the port and its role in the community," he said.

If elected, Kunkle's primary goal would be collaborating with other commissioners and staff to continue development of port facilities, infrastructure and marketing efforts.

The port will need to expand its facilities with more hangars and warehouses along with an expanded water and industrial wastewater treatment capacity in order to provide additional revenues and jobs, he said.

The port's biggest current challenge is dealing with facilities that are about 95 percent full, he said. Maintaining a continuous military presence will stretch existing facilities, Kunkle said, as will possible future projects such as an aircraft delivery center, aircraft sale and storage facility or maintenance and retrofitting operations.

Kunkle believes the port must initially work at improving infrastructure before it can dramatically increase occupancy of port facilities. At the same time, he said more aggressive marketing is needed for the port and surrounding area because "being a 'best kept secret' doesn't help attract employers."

Rail and commercial air service are priorities for Kunkle, who said employers have considered the area for expansion but were deterred by the lack of rail service. He believes additional rail service would provide the long distance transportation vital to many companies.

In order to attract new business and industry Kunkle said the port must ensure there will be adequate water, wastewater treatment, power and transportation into the future.

"Improvements, both functionally and aesthetically, to existing facilities would enhance the marketability and the overall appearance of the port," he said.

If possible, he said the port must develop its own industrial water source in order to remove itself from the city supply.

When asked where future budget cuts should be made if needed, Kunkle said some self-funded capital improvements, purchases and outside services could be postponed or eliminated.

"The port currently is not overstaffed and a reduction in personnel would be detrimental to the operation and maintenance of the port and its facilities," he said.

Voters should choose Kunkle because he has a 35-year track record of working for Moses Lake.

"I have a long history of community service and feel that my knowledge, experience and desire to improve the port and our community would complement the port's mission," he said.