Primary election: Newcomers looking to replace Port of Bellingham commissioner
Whatcom County voters will have the opportunity to choose between three candidates running for the Port of Bellingham Commission’s District 2 position in the Aug. 5 primary election.
There are currently three non-partisan Port Commissioner positions that each represent a different district in Whatcom County. Commissioners serve four-year terms.
Kaylin Bosley and Carly James are challenging Commissioner Ken Bell for the District 2 position. Commissioner Michael Shepard, who represents District 1, is running unopposed in the primary. The two candidates who receive the most votes in the primary election will advance to the November general election.
Ken Bell
Ken Bell is running for a third term after first being elected to the commission in 2016 and serving two terms.
Bell has more than 36 years of experience in the waste, recycling and cleanup industries. He has also owned and operated numerous fixed facility recycling facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.
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Bell is the president of waste management company Best Recycling and CEO of the Iron Creek Group, a company with patented technologies used for cleaning up contaminated soils. He has worked with major ports throughout the world and has experience working on contaminated property redevelopment projects like those that exist at the Port of Bellingham.
In response to a question from The Herald about the primary issue facing the port right now, Bell said now is the time for the port to complete ongoing projects, including the downtown waterfront housing development and the shipping terminal cleanup.
“We are finally free from the litigation at the downtown waterfront, and that frees us up to begin the work to complete that development,” Bell told The Herald.
Bell called the port’s waterfront property “the best development opportunity on the West Coast, if not the entire U.S.” He said the port needs to focus on the vision for the area and build after broad stakeholder engagement.
He also said the port’s airport industrial properties have been “underutilized for a generation” and could benefit from manufacturing and light industrial uses.
“The airport has been my pet peeve. We have never given it the attention it deserves. There is so much land that can be utilized in and around our airport, and we need to make those areas job creators. It is a free-trade zone, and in a time of tariffs it should be the go-to place for new industrial developments,” Bell said.
Kaylin Bosley
Kaylin Bosley is a Pacific Northwest comedian who holds an A.A. degree from Edmonds Community College.
Bosley serves on the board of the Northwest Washington Gender Alliance and has working experience as a graphic artist and computer repair technician, among other roles, according to her candidate profile with the Washington Office of the Secretary of State.
She is “an unapologetic advocate for the LGBTQ community” and said she is running for port commissioner because she hopes “to see local government that better reflects our diverse community.”
When asked about the primary issue facing the Port, Bosley mentioned budget challenges.
“Unfortunately, given the financial uncertainty stemming from the current federal administration, I think controlling expenses is going to be the biggest challenge facing the port for the next few years,” Bosley said in a statement to The Herald.
Bosley’s candidate statement to the Secretary of State’s Office said she wants to build on the Port’s previous infrastructure investments and job development. She said she thinks the community needs more elected officials who know how to stretch a budget.
“As someone that knows what it’s like to struggle to make ends meet, I will do everything I can to ensure your tax dollars are spent wisely. If you want a fresh face with a unique perspective, I won’t disappoint,” Bosley said.
Carly James
Carly James has been a small business owner in Whatcom County for more than 20 years.
She owns Bison Bookbinding & Letterpress, a small business with two locations in downtown Bellingham. She also owns Gold Ink, an accounting services and consulting firm, and Yacht Dogs, a Chicago-style hot dog stand located at the Granary Building. She holds a B.S. in accounting from Western Washington University.
Although the Commission position is nonpartisan, James is endorsed by the 42nd Legislative District Democrats, Washington State Sen. Sharon Shewmake, D-Bellingham, and Washington State Rep. Alex Ramel, D-Bellingham, according to her campaign website.
As a business owner operating along the waterfront, James told The Herald she has “learned firsthand about the challenges there.”
“Over the past two decades many of us have watched the slow progress of waterfront redevelopment and believe the port can do more to be an economic engine for all of Whatcom County,” James said.
A first-time candidate, James told The Herald she believes in a “bold, community-driven vision for Whatcom County” that balances economy, environment and opportunity.
When asked about the primary issue facing the port right now, James told The Herald she has been frustrated by “the port’s lack of transparency, cooperation and collaboration.”
“I’m running for port commissioner to help build stronger community partnerships. I’m a great listener who cares deeply about this community and ensuring its many voices are heard and valued in every decision the Port makes. Let’s build on the Port’s successes and work together to face Whatcom County’s challenges head-on,” James said.
If elected to serve on the Port Commission, James’ campaign website says she would champion innovative projects, support small businesses, protect the shoreline and marine trades, and expand public access with parks, trails and community space.
Election info
All voting is by mail in Washington. Ballots must be returned by 8 p.m. Aug. 5 and must be postmarked — not simply mailed — by that time. Postage is free. Ballots can also be placed in one of 20 special drop boxes located around Whatcom County.
In-person services are in Suite 103 of the Whatcom County Courthouse at 311 Grand Ave. Auditor’s Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. Election Day hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Those who didn’t receive a ballot should contact the Auditor’s Office at 360-778-5000 or elections@co.whatcom.wa.us.
U.S. citizens can register to vote, update their registration and get a replacement ballot online or at the office. Registration and voting aids are available. An accessible voting unit is equipped with visual and audio technology. Voters requiring assistance can vote on the accessible voting unit starting July 16.
Voter registration and address changes online or by mail must be received at the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office by July 28. Address changes and voter registration are available in the Auditor’s Office until 8 p.m. Aug. 5.
This story was originally published July 24, 2025 at 10:39 AM.
