Port of Chehalis Commissioner Ken Kostick has resigned after notifying staff and the commission at a Tuesday meeting that he plans on moving outside of his elected port district.
The public announcement came at a regular port meeting, and his resignation went into effect by the end of the day.
“Truly, I’ve enjoyed my time here. It’s been a wonderful journey. I’ve been really glad to be part of the larger building of Chehalis and its future,” Kostick said at the meeting.
He served District No. 2 for more than 13 years after he was originally elected to his seat in 2007, according to a news release from the port. He was inspired to serve on the board by longtime Port of Chehalis Commissioner Dr. Mark Giffey.
Kostick served on the commission through the development of several facilities, including the Pleasant Valley Mitigation Site, Chehalis Coworks, Habitat for Humanity, the Southwest Washington Grain Project and the Pemerl Building. He was also involved in sales and expansion work the port underwent, including the Pacific Mobile Structures Inc., Centralia-Chehalis Railroad and Museum, Sound Wood Products and McCallum Rock Drilling.
Kostick is currently employed by Houston-based Quanex Building Products Corporation, where he’s worked for more than 15 years, as well as Chehalis-based Bigfoot Permit Co. He and his family plan on staying in the area.
“I’m very appreciative to have been a part of the Port Commission and I take pride in what we’ve done at the port,” Kostick said in a prepared statement. “I’ve been very honored, really, to have been a part of the future. You don’t typically see an immediate reward and success from what you’re doing as a port commissioner. More often you’re taking the steps that lay the foundation for future success. It’s been a great opportunity, and in that my constituents have trusted in me in the two elections since, it’s been very positive from that standpoint.”
Port CEO Randy Mueller said during the meeting that the staff was “incredibly appreciative” of his service and wished him the best.
Kostick in November 2019 was elected by voters in an uncontested election to his third six-year term serving the commission.
Port staff say they will begin accepting applications from candidates to serve through the 2021 general election. Following that election, the candidate voted into office will serve out the remainder of Kostick’s term through the end of 2025.
Giffey and Commissioner Mark Anders will be tasked with selecting Kostick’s replacement. The two remaining commissioners have 90 days to fill the vacant seat.
Interested applicants must hold valid voter registration and live within the Port District No. 2, which includes most of northeast Chehalis.
“Residency will be verified and background checks will be conducted on all applicants. Public comment regarding applicants will be accepted prior to commissioners appointing a replacement at a future Port of Chehalis commission meeting,” a news release from the municipality read.
After reviewing all the applicants’ materials, Giffey and Anders will have the option to deliberate in an executive session and take action during a regular public meeting.
More information on those application materials will be “released in the coming days.” Applications will be due May 31.
