General Election Candidates: Port Commissioner, District 1

Seth Bryan

I am Seth Bryan and I am running for Port of Columbia Commissioner, Position One.

If elected, I plan to revitalize our community and economy by creating family-wage jobs. I will accomplish this through the improvement of existing infrastructure, building new facilities, and attracting industry that will provide career opportunities here, where we live.

In order for Columbia County to thrive, we must provide solid job opportunities for existing residents and hope for future generations, right here at home. A business or entity develops a Mission Statement to serve as a filter through which all business decisions are made. If the Port's primary mission is, "To maximize public resources and private investment to create jobs, build infrastructure, and maintain and improve the economic vitality of Columbia County and its communities", then use of Port resources needs to be to that end. I intend to run all Port decisions through this filter.

As Port Commissioner, my top immediate priority will be improving our local economy. A vibrant, thriving economy requires a solid foundation upon which to grow. This foundation is the Port's responsibility to provide. By providing opportunities for new business and industry, supporting existing businesses, and encouraging the occupancy of existing vacant commercial space, the Port would attract companies and provide entrepreneurial opportunities for those who desire to build upon that foundation.

While the Port struggles with the challenges of prioritizing needs before wants, a transparent public image, remaining mission-focused and growing our economy, our community is struggling in the wake of COVID and overreaching regulations and mandates.

The Port has a vital role in the economic recovery of our local business community. Up to this point, it seems the Port's response has been to throw money at the problem, which has done little to prevent business closures or promote new start-ups.

Dayton is the hub of our community; it's our core. The Port's relationship with the City needs to promote new businesses and growth in Dayton and on Main Street. Business begets business, and the more viable businesses we have in our core, the more business will be drawn to our community.

Blue Mountain Station (BMS) currently draws businesses out of our hub, leaving vacancies in town, when BMS should be used for production and product manufacturing rather than long-term retail.

As a retired Project Superintendent with over 20 years' experience in heavy construction, I am a proven leader, well versed in the infrastructure construction field. I have worked closely with municipalities, engineering firms and inspection agencies, and I am able to manage projects efficiently while keeping within scheduling and budget parameters.

I believe if people are given the opportunity to improve their own human condition, they will rise to the occasion and embrace the opportunity, and their condition will improve. Since the conception of our great Nation, Americans have proven that with hard work at a good job, we can rise above any challenges and improve our own quality of life. I not only bring the vision of prosperity, I have the experience to support it.