The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WALLA WALLA - In this November's General Election, the six-year incumbent will go head-to-head with a new contender for the chance to serve as commissioner of the Port of Walla Walla District 2.

Incumbent Mike Fredrickson, co-owner of Associated Appraisers of Walla Walla is hoping to hold onto his seat to continue his work at the port. Barlow Corkrum, a real estate investor is giving him a run for his money. Corkrum shined in August's Primary Election, coming away with about 41 percent of the total votes in the race for port commissioner. Fredrickson followed not too closely behind with about 29 percent of the vote. Fredrickson won a chance to fight in the general election by about 10 votes, pushing another new face, Richard Monacelli, out of the running.

Fredrickson is a 1988 graduate of Walla Walla High School and a 1992 graduate of Washington State University with a bachelor's degree in Agri- Business. He served 8 years on the Walla Walla County Planning Commission.

Corkrum is a 1971 graduate of Walla Walla High School and studied at Central Washington University, where he obtained a bachelor's degree in business administration. He received a master's degree from the University of South Carolina in hospital administration.

Corkrum sees this race and the feedback from the August Primary Election as a sign that citizens are tired of those in charge currently at the port. Fredrickson said he believes the port has been doing a great job creating employment in the local economy and connecting to the community.

Corkrum said the port is doing well in some areas. He said when the port tries to collaborate with the community it does a great job reaching out. He also praised the current commissioners and staff members for advocating for veterans and the penitentiary.

"The port took a lead and they did a great job," Corkrum said.

However, he said he is concerned that the port worked behind closed doors on projects such as a coalfired power plant that the community does not support.

"I really believe they've made some very poor choices and mismanaged their money," Corkrum said.

Fredrickson said the commissioners do not meet behind closed doors. The public is allowed to comment at each meeting and agendas and meeting minutes are posted regularly on the port's website, and have been for six years.

"We need to look at what the port does," Fredrickson said. "We've done a pretty good job, as indicated around the state."

Fredrickson said the port has recently won awards that prove it is meeting its goals and that it is using its tax dollars right. He said the $1.7 million in tax money to the port is spent on capital projects, debt service and environmental cleanup.

"He just does not understand the difference between right and wrong," Corkrum said of Fredrickson.

Corkrum said he was concerned about Fredrickson indulging in free lunches, not being transparent with the public on some issues. He said Fredrickson doesn't see the ethical gray areas and he thinks he would simply do a better job.

For the port's future, Corkrum said he would sell off some of the port's farmland and fully fund the small business center because small business growth is vital to the local economy.

"Most jobs now are created by small businesses," Corkrum said.

Also, because the airport is so vital to the port, he would like to increase the number of flights that leave from Walla Walla each day to help businesses operate from the area.

Finally, Corkrum said he would like to reconnect the port commissioners to the community and re-establish its mission.

Fredrickson said the port's no. 1 concern has been and will remain creating jobs if he is re-elected. He said the port has helped the Walla Walla area maintain a lower unemployment rate than other places in the state.

" Until everyone that wants a job can find one, we won't rest," Fredrickson said.

He also wants to continue a sewer line project from Burbank to Pasco to help the environment and hook up school buildings. A warehouse district already underway would stay on his to-do list as well. He imagines bringing new businesses into this district such as artists and wrought iron fence makers who could have a store front and plenty of space to do their welding and painting.

Mike Fredrickson

Corkrum told The Times that the number of people flying out of the airport each day is significantly lower in the past, but Fredrickson said with just two flights out a day, Walla Walla is reaching higher passenger numbers this year and getting closer to the high numbers produced 12 years ago when there were five flights a day. Fredrickson said he wants to focus on keeping the airport maintained and beautiful and work with Alaska and Horizon Airlines to get more than two flights out each day.

What Fredrickson said really sets him apart from his opponent is his involvement in the community on the planning commission, Walla Walla Valley Cougar Club and through the port.

"I hear what's going on on the street," he said.

Corkrum said he believes citizens are simply ready for a change in who is running the show.

"My sense is that the faith and the trust in the commissioners need to be restored," he said. "The status quo is not good enough."