A lot of money has been raised for the four people running for seats on the Port of Olympia commission, and more money is about to be spent, according to state Public Disclosure Commission filings.
A political action committee has been created called Coalition for a Better Thurston that has received contributions from Weyerhaeuser Co., Port Blakely, and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union in Olympia. All three have ties to the port’s marine terminal: Weyerhaeuser exports logs through the port, and so does Pacific Lumber and Shipping, a Port Blakely division. Longshore workers handle cargo at the port.
ILWU business agent Robert Rose and other longshore workers have raised concerns about the future of the marine terminal, and have wondered whether Zita, McClure’s opponent, would work to close it.
