Port of Dewatto still seeking to fill vacant seat

Kirk Boxleitner | Jun 08, 20230

In the wake of commissioner Ray Mow’s death April 8, fellow Port of Dewatto Commissioner David Haugen has been appointed to replace him as chair of the port’s board of commissioners, but Mow’s seat on the commission remains vacant.

Port of Dewatto Manager Jeana Crosby reported to the remaining two commissioners that, as of May 10, she had not received any calls or mail requesting interviews or applications for Mow’s vacant seat. She’d submitted an invitation to apply for that seat within days of Mow’s death.

The notice advertising the vacancy will continue to run in local print media through June.

During the commission’s May meeting, Haugen reiterated that state law gives the port 90 days to appoint a successor. The district includes Haven Lake, Wooten Lake and surrounding areas.

If the port does not fill the open seat, Mason County will appoint Mow’s successor. Haugen suggested contacting County Commissioner Randy Neatherlin — Crosby had noted that Neatherlin is not only aware of the port’s situation, but had encouraged port officials to contact him.

The Port of Dewatto’s May meeting also saw Dewatto River Campground Coordinator Joe Newman report it had been “pretty slow” at the campground earlier that month. He said he anticipated the arrival of sunnier weather would draw people, noting it was “starting to pick up some.”

Crosby noted Newman has not been visiting the campground every day, due to the number of reservations to date and the cost of gas. She added that the campground’s reservationist continues to receive “a lot” of calls.

Crosby also mentioned 2023 is the year for the Port of Dewatto to renew its Dewatto River Campground lease with Manke Lumber, and while it could be possible Manke might increase the $1 per year amount, she has not heard from the company on that matter.

Port Commissioner Ted Edwards said the port should find some way to expand the campground, but Crosby countered, “We have gone down that road many times,” and the fact remains that Manke Lumber “does not and will not” sell or lease the adjoining property.

Newman added that Manke Lumber’s CEO had personally affirmed the company’s disinterest in selling, before Crosby reminded port officials that the port is due to renew the lease on its campground.