Port of Skagit candidates emphasize broadband, agriculture and workforce training at forum

Candidates for Port of Skagit Commissioner District 2 told a League of Women Voters forum they would prioritize rural broadband, agriculture‑focused business development and local workforce training while managing aging infrastructure and uncertain grant funding. Melanie Mankemeyer, Port of Skagit commissioner for District 2, said broadband expansion is an immediate priority and described current port projects in the Burr Island and Bow Hill areas. “Specifically, I would advocate for the rural broadband that we're the port is working on right now with both the Burr Island and Bow Hill area,” Mankemeyer said. Edwin Stickel, a candidate who described himself as a certified A&P mechanic, private pilot and FAA designated senior medical examiner, emphasized training for aviation and marine trades. “I really support partnering with Skagit Valley College or some other private or public education program to base an A and P aviation mechanic school on our port campus,” Stickel said, adding that aircraft and boat repair industries need a steady pipeline of skilled workers. Keith Chaplin, a Burlington council member and general contractor running for the seat, said the port should coordinate with other local jurisdictions and aim for clean‑industry, agriculture‑focused growth. “The port should be making sure that it's working with all other jurisdictions in the county, to make sure that it's planning for the future for that economic growth,” Chaplin said. Candidates flagged two recurring operational concerns. Mankemeyer noted aging infrastructure and a long project list the port must balance against available funding; she said the port’s operating budget currently depends largely on fees, charges and rents but that capital work often requires grants. Chaplin warned against overreliance on grants and urged strengthening revenue from existing sources. Stickel framed the commission’s choices as weighing the rights and interests of “citizen owners of the port” when approving projects. The candidates also discussed port assets and projects referenced at the forum. Mankemeyer said the port is redeveloping the historic Northern State Hospital campus in Sedro‑Woolley and is working to revitalize the La Conner Marina. Chaplin and Stickel highlighted support for agriculture and “value‑added” agricultural businesses as a way to create jobs; Chaplin noted a local small farm incubator project he is involved with and Stickel urged workforce programs to replace retiring tradespeople. Stickel used his closing statement to advocate for changing the commission’s size: “I support increasing the port commission to a 5 person board,” he said, arguing a larger board would reduce the risk that routine conversations become disallowed quorum gatherings. The forum was moderated by Amy Earring and organized by the League of Women Voters of Skagit County; it was recorded for TV 10 and the Mount Vernon YouTube channel. Voters were reminded of the primary ballot deadline announced at the event.