Conley beats Ecret in Moses Lake port race

by Matthew Weaver<br>Herald Senior Staff Writer
| November 28, 2007 8:00 PM

MOSES LAKE - Increased visibility, air service and rail service are three things the newest Port of Moses Lake commissioner says are in store.

Mike Conley is the winner of the race for the port's Commissioner District No. 1 over Bill Ecret. Conley had 3,947 votes, or 63.6 percent, compared to 2,263 votes for Ecret, or 36.4 percent, according to the Grant County Auditor's Office Tuesday, when the election became final with certification.

Conley replaces Kent Jones, who moved out of the commissioner district and was ineligible to run for re-election.

"I'm pretty humbled by the number of votes I got," Conley said following the port district's meeting Monday afternoon.

He plans to be dedicated to thinking about how to expand port operations and move forward, he said.

"Raising public awareness of the port is going to be a high priority for me," Conley said. "I think that's something we're going to address at the retreat. Historically, I think the port has not been as visible as it could have been. I think that's something I want to see happen."

The port district holds its annual retreat at the Cave B Inn in George Friday and Saturday.

Air service and rail service are still very important to the port district, Conley added. On Jan. 16, he said, a community forum will discuss long-term funding for the rail.

"Well, of course, I wish it would have turned out differently, but I feel Mr. Conley has the ability and desire to move the port in a positive direction," Ecret said Tuesday morning, before the election was certified by the Grant County Auditor's Office later in the day.

He plans to continue his work on the Moses Lake City Council as a councilmember and will work with the port through the city and various committees on which he serves.

"I still would like to see increased rail service for the Port of Moses Lake, more direct line for the (port district), I think that's very important," Ecret said. "And of course commercial air service is the number one priority. I will do what I can, from the city's standpoint and from my own personal standpoint, to help with that."