It’s safe to say most of our neighbors, including many with no interest in boats or the sea, are here not just for the Victorians and weather, but for the vital, kind, creative, can-do people our town’s known for. Most of those folks are here because of PT’s vital, innovative, interesting maritime community.

It supports and spawns the inventive who attract others of similar disposition, landlubbers as well as mariners and aviators. Thus the Port of Port Townsend deserves support from all residents of East Jefferson County if this is to remain the interesting place we cherish.

I mention this because at many port commission meetings an outspoken landowner or two complains for their group about the small percentage of property taxes going to port, which earns the bulk of its money. To begrudge the port any tax money, even a small percentage, with the port struggling to survive state and federal funding cuts and a few former administrative decisions, is to suggest cutting off the town’s nose to spite its face. Without marine enterprises, boat harbors and a healthy airport, Port Townsend might keep its art and music, water and mountain views, but gone would be the greatest asset distinguishing our place.

Further, we’re told the Cascadia fault may shift one day, causing widespread devastation. It’s hard to get worked up over a seemingly remote possibility, but if such a catastrophe were to occur, we could be mighty glad for the vigor and talents of our port’s tenants. Few communities have such a wealth, and retirees from office jobs aren’t likely to be of much help. Also, it appears current port commissioners chose smartly picking Sam Gibboney for our new port director. She and her crew deserve our support if ours is to remain such a special place.

BROOKS TOWNES

Port Townsend