Why I'm Running: A Working Waterfront for Every Whatcom Resident

As we move from the primary into the general election, I want to take a moment to introduce myself again — especially to the Whatcom County residents I may not have had the opportunity to meet yet.

My name is Shawn Ensley, and I'm running for Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 5.

I'm a lifelong Whatcom County resident. I've spent more than 20 years working in local industry, and I've served for more than two decades in the United States Air Force. I've built my career, raised my family, and made my home here.

I'm not running because I want to be a politician. I'm running because I believe my experience gives me something valuable to bring to the Port: a practical understanding of industry, jobs, infrastructure, and what it takes to keep our local economy moving.

A Working Waterfront Still Matters

When people hear "Port of Bellingham," they may immediately picture the Bellingham waterfront. But the Port's impact reaches much farther than the shoreline. Port decisions affect jobs, businesses, transportation, tourism, trade, economic development, and opportunities throughout Whatcom County.

The Port also manages important community assets, including Bellingham International Airport and our marine facilities. That means the decisions made by Port commissioners should be made with the entire county in mind.

I believe our working waterfront should remain exactly that — working. We can create public spaces and welcome new development while still protecting the industries, businesses, fishermen, tradespeople, and workers who depend on access to our waterfront.

Those priorities don't have to compete with one another. With thoughtful planning, they can strengthen one another.

Protecting and Creating Family-Wage Jobs

One of my biggest priorities is economic opportunity. Whatcom County needs jobs that allow people to build a life here — not simply get by here.

That means supporting existing employers, attracting responsible new investment, and making sure Port policies don't create unnecessary barriers for the businesses already providing good jobs in our community.

My years working in local industry have given me firsthand experience with the realities employers and employees face. I believe that perspective belongs at the table when decisions are being made about Port property, infrastructure, development, and our working waterfront.

Supporting Fishing and Maritime Industries

Our fishing and maritime industries are part of Whatcom County's history, but they should also be part of its future. These industries support families, businesses, suppliers, trades, and generations of local knowledge.

As waterfront property becomes increasingly valuable and development pressures grow, we need leadership that recognizes the importance of preserving the infrastructure and access these industries need to survive.

Progress shouldn't mean pushing out the people who helped build the waterfront in the first place.

Making the Most of Bellingham International Airport

The airport is another tremendous Port asset with the potential to benefit residents and businesses across Whatcom County.

I want to see us continue working toward expanded and reliable air service, while making smart decisions about airport infrastructure and long-term growth. When our residents have better transportation options close to home, the entire county benefits.

Responsible Development with Long-Term Value

There are exciting opportunities ahead for the Bellingham waterfront, and I want to see that development succeed. But success shouldn't simply be measured by what we can build today. We should be asking what will still serve this community 20, 30, and 50 years from now.

Port property is a public asset. Decisions about that property should balance economic development, public access, environmental responsibility, working-waterfront needs, and long-term value for taxpayers.

I believe in development that adds something meaningful to Whatcom County rather than development simply for development's sake.

This is a Countywide Conversation

Although commissioners are elected by district in the primary, the general election gives voters across Whatcom County a voice in who serves on the Port Commission. And I think that's important.

The Port belongs to all of us. Whether you live in Bellingham, Blaine, Lynden, Ferndale, Everson, Nooksack, Sumas, Birch Bay, or somewhere in between, the economic health of our county affects you.

You don't have to live next to the waterfront to benefit from a strong Port.

You benefit when local businesses succeed. You benefit when family-wage jobs are created and protected. You benefit when transportation improves. You benefit when public assets are managed responsibly. And you benefit when decisions are made with the long-term interests of Whatcom County in mind.

That's why I'm running. I'm asking for the opportunity to bring my experience, work ethic, and practical approach to the Port Commission — and to help build a Port that works for every Whatcom County resident.

I hope to earn your vote this November.

— Shawn Ensley Candidate for Port of Bellingham Commissioner, District 5