PATRIOT BREMERTON
KITSAP WEEK: 60 years and counting
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2015 | Vol. 17, No. 52 | WWW.BREMERTONPATRIOT.COM | 50¢
Zabinski will not seek second term as commissioner BY DANNIE OLIVEAUX DOLIVEAUX@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
Peter O’Cain / staff photo
Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, speaks to members of the Bremerton Chamber of Commerce at the Baymont Inn Feb. 17.
No silver bullet for economy, but maybe a silver buckshot Kilmer: small businesses are our Marshawn Lynch BY PETER O’CAIN POCAIN@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
There’s no easy fix to the economy, but Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Gig Harbor, believes helping small businesses grow is key. Kilmer spoke at a Bremer-
ton Chamber of Commerce member luncheon at the Baymont Inn & Suites Feb. 17. Kilmer, who worked previously worked for financial consulting firm McKinsey and Co., addressed a multitude of ways to fix the budget, both locally and nationally. “Anyone who tells you there’s a silver bullet to get this economy moving is not being straight with you,” Kilmer said. “I don’t think it’s a silver bullet, I think it’s more like a silver buckshot.” Helping small businesses is
crucial, he said, calling them “our star running back.” “They’re Marshawn Lynch, who we should have given the ball to at the end of the Super Bowl,” Kilmer said. “I think the role of your federal government at the very least is to get the heck out of the way of our star running back but ideally to do some blocking and call some plays for our star running back.” Kilmer also warned that sequestration is on the horizon if Congress can’t pass a budget. “Under current law, you will
see a return to sequestration next year if Congress fails to take action and replace it,” Kilmer said. “The impacts – particularly in an area like ours where the Navy is our largest employer – are significant.” “When we talk about our economy, some of that is keeping the jobs we have and the military’s presence here is significant,” Kilmer said. Kilmer said he believes sequestration is Latin for “stupid.” SEE KILMER, A9
City council approves $75,000 to restore lighting to Park BY PETER O’CAIN POCAIN@SOUNDPUBLISHING.COM
The Bremerton City Council authorized the Public Works Department to purchase an electronic distribution kiosk for no more than $75,000 at the Feb. 11 study session. The kiosk, located in Pendergast Park, was struck by a
car Jan. 28. The city is pursuing compensation from the driver’s insurance company. The kiosk controls lighting for the park. Typically, such approvals would be made at a council meeting but they voted early so it could be replaced sooner. It takes about six weeks for KIOSK, A9
Courtesy photo
This kiosk in Pendergast Park was struck by a vehicle Jan. 28.
Port of Bremerton Commissioner Roger Zabinski announced in a press release that he would not seek re-election when his term ends in December. “I will finish my term; however I think it is only fair that I let you know of my plans so that others may consider filing and running for the position,” stated Zabinski in the statement. Candidates can file for election in May. “With a background in economics and science, it has been very rewarding for me to participate in community economic development at the port,” said Zabinski, who is also the board of commissioner president, who had previously served on boards in Idaho, New York City and on the Central Kitsap Community Council in Silverdale. Zabinski stated that he had accepted a new position which will make it impossible for him to contribute the time necessary to do a quality job as commissioner. “My new job will involve about 40-50 percent foreign travel, interfacing with manufacturing companies, foreign trade counterparts and diplomats,” he said. “Also, I want to spend more time with my wife and help raise our two teenage daughters.” Zabinskis said it’s been a busy time at the port and the commitment has been substantial. He represented the port on the Kitsap Regional Coordinating Council (KRCC), Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) and SKIA Subarea Planning Committee. “I am proud of our accomplishments at the Port of Bremerton during my term
Roger Zabinski as commissioner,” he said. While serving as commissioner, he added that the Port: • Secured grant funding for Phase 1 and Phase 2-1 of the Airport Industrial Way. • Obtained state appropriations grant to build pad ready sites in the industrial park. •Completed Airport Master plan, and airport modernization upgrades. • Secured a long-term lease with Safe Boats. • Increased tenancy in the industrial park and airport. • Improved the success of the Bremerton Marina and community festivals at both marinas • Built new community amenities: Port Orchard boat ramp, Port Orchard waterfront park expansion and the Harper Pier reconstruction (90 percent grant funded). • Managed port in fiscally responsible way, paid down debt and increased cash reserves. “I am proud of our initiative to facilitate greater partnership between the Port and local universities — we’ve partnered with Olympic College, Washington State University engineering program, other schools,” Zabinski said. “Along with the KADA aerospace/defense/ marine coalitions, and local STEM education. The goal is to attract hi-tech compaSEE ZABINSKI, A9