Dear Chinook Observer readers,

My name is Nicholas Matson and I am running for Chinook Port Commission District 3. Maritime is the entirety of my story: fisherman for 14 years starting at a young age, 10 years in the Merchant Marine, and currently 9 years into my career as a Longshoreman. I live happily in Chinook with my family and I look daily to the Port of Chinook’s potential through the lens of my experience.

My many years of maritime experience includes education in tankering hazardous liquids and chemicals, having first hand experiences with heavy lifting equipment and port structures and a working knowledge of environmental and legal guidelines for maritime work. My skills of seamanship and engineering are always needed in all marine sectors. Experience also means being well versed in safety and emergency, and being a trained leader. It means I have the entire working scope of a port and all of its connected areas well inside my view. If I do not know the answer I have every resource to find the correct answer and work towards a solution.

I believe a healthy small port is critical not only to the community of Chinook but to the county as a whole. We can improve the port’s infrastructure, security, and revenue and I will be overjoyed to use my experience to serve toward these goals.

NICHOLAS MATSON

Chinook