MOSES LAKE - Brian McGowan wants to retain his position 2 seat on the Moses Lake Port Commission because he cares about the community and wants to continue moving it in a positive direction.

"Two years ago the great people of Moses Lake took a chance on a 32-year-old man that more or less showed up from out of nowhere," he said. "Since then I have strived to make the public aware of what we do out there and I want to continue this."

McGowan's experience over the last two years served on the port commission have taught him a lot, he said, especially in the area of finances.

His primary goal for another term would be to block any tax increases, he said.

"We all have been taxed way too much and it is time we get a break," he said. "The current amount charged is 43 cents per $1,000 in property tax. I feel we will be OK in the district financially if we do not add to it."

Secondly, he would work to create jobs for the area's unemployed by encouraging new companies to move here. The port commission must work with the Grant County Economic Development Council, the city and the county to make this happen, he said.

He plans to begin a quarterly forum for citizen input as well as to work for better marketing of the port and surrounding area.

The railroad is a big challenge now and moving forward, but McGowan said he thinks "we can finally see a little glimmer of light at the end of this tunnel."

Another challenge will be to attract a commercial airline, and McGowan said the port will have to work to find the right airline willing to offer low fares and work with local schedules while still turning a profit.

As to what efforts the commission can take to increase occupancy of port facilities, McGowan said his philosophy is "if you build it they will come," which he believes holds true in the aerospace industry. The port needs more hangers as large as or bigger than the old Japanese Airlines hanger, but should also build more warehouse buildings in the industrial park, leaving space for rail service and off-loading facilities.

The district can improve its financial efficiency by building generic buildings or, in some cases, building to suit the customer, McGowan said. This will help the port obtain jobs for Moses Lake and bring in more money for lower taxes.

When asked where future budget cuts should be made if needed, McGowan said the port has been doing well financially, but if it did come down to cuts he would look first toward administration.

"One thing you can count on is there will not be any more contracted help," he said. "Everyone will be safe from layoffs as long as I am out there doing my job."

The top priority for possible district improvements is marketing what the port already has, McGowan said; adding continued expansion of buildings and hangars is also important.

"If we don't have these things in place then the marketing aspect goes down the drain," he said.

People should vote for McGowan because he shows leadership, trustworthiness and is not afraid to stand up for what is right for the Moses Lake community, he said.

"We have come too far to throw anything away," he said. "I want to keep building for our future and see this great city prosper for decades to come."