News - Elections

POSTED: Monday, Jun. 22, 2009

McAuley will seek Port of Bellingham Commission seat

Bellingham Lettered Streets Neighborhood Association Vice Chairman Michael McAuley will challenge Port of Bellingham District 2 Commissioner Doug Smith.

McAuley, 38, served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps and is also the neighborhood association's alternate to the Mayor's Neighborhood Advisory Commission. He owns McAuley Building Conservation, a one-man green-construction company specializing in old building restoration and new construction using LEED standards.

Doug Karlberg has also announced his intention to seek the Port's District 2 seat in the fall primary. Smith has filed paperwork to run to run for re-election.

McAuley criticized the commission for failing to "show leadership on key issues."

"Current waterfront planning hasn't responded to the desires of the public and has compromised the project's incredible potential," he said.