TagDave Kaplan(5)

The Burien Airport Committee held its March 21, 2023 meeting to review and vote on Resolution 495, which proposed amendments to the committee's governing guidelines, and to receive a general overview presentation about the Port of Seattle. The agenda also included a meet-and-greet with new committee applicants and a discussion of the 2023 workplan focused on outreach and education related to Sea-Tac Airport noise issues. Draft minutes from the February 21, 2023 meeting were also reviewed, reflecting prior discussions on committee structure and a U.S. Senate Commerce Committee request for policy priorities on aviation matters.

This 2002 Washington State Public Disclosure Commission case involves Don Wasson, a Des Moines City Council member, who allegedly helped orchestrate and fund campaign activities — including advocacy phone calls and a political poll — to elect three candidates (Benjamin, Petersen, and Steenrod) to the Des Moines City Council in 2001. The elections were closely tied to a dispute over the WESCOT Company's proposed conveyor system to transport fill material for a planned third runway at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which the existing Council had opposed. Wasson, who reportedly wanted to shift the Council's policies on airport expansion and become Mayor, faced charges of violating Washington's campaign finance reporting laws.

In January 2019, Port of Seattle staff presented draft local and regional government relations priorities to the Port Commission, covering areas such as climate and sustainability, regional mobility, workforce development, economic opportunity, and equity and inclusion. The presentation outlined priorities specific to maritime, aviation, and airport communities, along with additional supporting and monitoring activities. Commission feedback was to be incorporated before a formal adoption vote at the January 22, 2019 meeting.