PORT ANGELES — The Port of Port Angeles has officially begun the process of filling the vacant District 2 commissioner seat left open by the resignation of Commissioner Steve Burke.
During this week’s meeting, port commissioners formally accepted Burke’s resignation, effective May 1st, and reviewed the legal process required under state law to appoint a replacement.
Under the timeline discussed Tuesday, the port will begin accepting applications immediately before commissioners select one or more nominees later this month. State law then requires a 15-day public notice period allowing additional nominations before a final appointment is made.
Port officials said the appointment will run until the next regularly scheduled port commission election in 2027.
Port Commissioners Colleen McAleer and Connie Beauvais indicated they want the process to remain public, including interviews with finalists.
Commissioners additionally discussed requiring background checks and employment history verification for finalists before a final selection is made.
Commissioner McAleer said she wants additional vetting built into the process before an appointment is finalized.
“If we’re selecting someone, I want to ensure that’s done. And I’d be shocked if the law wouldn’t allow it,” said McAleer.
The port has until July 30th to appoint a replacement under state law. The port has posted application info on it’s website: portofpa.com