Robert Walker

Robert Walker

Port of Seattle Commissioner, Position No. 4

RESPONSE RECEIVED: September 5

1. I think that it's important to document our history for future generations in order that they may learn from both our experiences and our mistakes. Historic preservation can provide insight that would otherwise be unavailable.

2. I believe in lasseiz-faire government. The government's role in historic preservation should be to get out of the way and let people who are passionate about it do their best work through private foundations and organizations. To facilitate this, government can provide tax incentives where appropriate for such non-profit work.

3. When my friends come to visit me in Seattle, the Museum of Flight and Renton Historical Society museums are on the list of attractions I recommend.

4. The Port is, as you might agree, a living and evolving place that needs to facilitate the rapid and cost-effective movement of people and cargo in order to remain competitive. It is not a museum. In this context, I support historic preservation at the Port inasmuch as it does not interfere with Port business, and the cost to the public does not outweigh the historical value of the structure. I am open to public-private partnerships in cases where private money can help to defray preservation costs that would otherwise be unsustainable.

5-7. I don't generally support government regulations where private sector solutions are available.

8. I fully support private organizations using their own private funds, time and expertise to perform historical surveys in areas of interest to them.

9. I don't support design controls or "arcthitectural character" designations for Port of Seattle facilities. The Port is not a museum, and it has plenty of competition. It must continually evolve in order to meet the needs of its customers. That being said, taxpayers own the port and their wishes should be reflected in its operations, so if elected Commissioner I will certainly factor the concerns of my constituency in decision-making around these areas.

I recognize that I may not be telling your organization everything that it wants to hear, but your concerns genuinely do matter to me and I always try to thoughtfully consider differing perspectives. Please feel free to contact me if I can be of further assistance or if you have any additional questions.