Neil Nelson will seek election to his seat (Position 2) on Port Townsend’s City Council this August. 

“I’ve barely even hardly started learning what’s going on down there,” he said. “I feel like I am finally to the position where I understand enough that I could actually start becoming an effective council member moving forward.”

He characterized an effective council member as having a clear perspective on both sides of issues and actively participating in conversations leading to decisions. 

Nelson, the newest city council member, was appointed in August 2024 to fill the seat left by council member Aislinn Palmer after her resignation. To maintain his seat, he must seek it in the November election. 

During his short stint on council, Nelson said he’s learned that things move much slower in government than he previously thought, that there are two sides to every story, and with a passionate community, paying attention to what they say is “pretty important.” 

Nelson said he would focus on improving the relationship between the city and the press if elected. 

“It’s not like what you guys are doing is misleading per se, but I think it could be more clear and it would work better for the community if there was more clarity in these conversations that we’re having,” he said mentioning coverage of the city manager’s salary and the failed proposal to institute paid parking downtown. “If we can figure out how to help provide more across-the-board clarity to these issues, I think I would be a good councilor and I think our community would be better off for it.” 

Nelson encouraged others to participate in local government but cautioned those considering running for a council before understanding the position's demands. 

“This is not an easy thing,” he said. “And quite frankly, it is flat not worth the money.”

Candidate filing week began at 8 a.m. on May 5 and closes at 5 p.m. on May 9, according to county elections information.