Kyle Markstrom

To the Editor,

As a fellow Port of Centralia Commissioner, I have had the privilege of working closely with Julie Shaffley, and I deeply respect and admire the way she serves our community. I wholeheartedly support her re-election. Julie has consistently demonstrated integrity, dedication, and a steady commitment to ensuring the Port works for the people of Centralia.

In my time working alongside her, I’ve seen how she approaches every issue with thoughtfulness and balance. She listens carefully, asks the right questions, and always puts the long-term best interests of our community first. Julie understands that the Port’s work is about more than projects and buildings — it’s about creating opportunities for families, supporting local businesses, and stewarding public resources responsibly.

By contrast, Julie’s opponent, Ally Pickard, has not shown that same spirit of collaboration. Through her “Lewis County Political Cartoons,” she has demonstrated a pattern of carrying vendettas and mocking those she disagrees with. That approach does not build bridges — it tears them down. In light of recent political violence in our country, we cannot afford leaders who sow division. We need leaders who bring people together.

Julie Shaffley is that kind of leader. She is respectful, level-headed, and committed to serving others with integrity. Centralia is fortunate to have her steady hand on the Port Commission, and I encourage my neighbors to join me in voting to re-elect Julie Shaffley.

Sincerely,
Kyle Markstrom
Port of Centralia Commissioner, District 1

Letter to the editor: Julie Shaffley is respectful, level-headed and committed to serving others with integrity - The Daily Chronicle As a fellow Port of Centralia commissioner, I have had the privilege of working closely with Julie Shaffley, and I deeply respect and admire the way she serves our community. I wholeheartedly …

I appreciate the Chronicle’s coverage of this important issue. I want to clarify the facts about the notice given to the Port of Centralia regarding the City’s emergency moratorium.

The Mayor has stated that she messaged me and Commissioner Shaffley on the morning of September 4. That is true. The City Council agenda was released to the public the very next day, September 5, for the September 9 meeting. That means the Port — the City’s number one economic development partner — had exactly one day’s advance notice beyond the public. One day’s notice on a matter of this magnitude is not collaboration. It is being blindsided.

The Port has consistently been proactive and transparent in sharing its vision for this future economic development. Over a year ago, I personally sat down with the Mayor to discuss what I envisioned for Centralia’s economic future. Earlier this year, I organized a meeting at the Port office with the Mayor, County Commissioner Sean Swope , staff from the City, County, and Port, as well as our development client LPC. The City has been at the Port’s table throughout these discussions and fully aware of potential plans. Yet instead of engaging in genuine collaboration, the City chose to invoke an “emergency” moratorium — a monumental action with far-reaching consequences and the potential for long-term negative impacts on future economic development. An emergency action implies an immediate, unforeseen threat. In reality, the City has been aware all along, while the Port has not been given a seat at the City’s table.

I want to thank the Lewis County Board of Commissioners for recognizing the serious impacts this emergency moratorium could have on regional economic development. Their leadership in encouraging the City to work collaboratively with the Port and the County is greatly appreciated, and it reflects the kind of partnership our community needs in order to thrive.

My record speaks for itself: I have always sought collaboration. We will also continue the Ports decades of bringing jobs, investment, and high-quality development to our community. Collaboration requires good faith communication, and we stand ready to work with both the City and County to resolve this matter and to continue building a strong economic future for Centralia.

County, port commissioners blast Centralia for ‘blindsiding’ them with moratorium approval - The Daily Chronicle Port of Centralia and Lewis County commissioners have expressed their frustration and shock after the Centralia City Council enacted a temporary moratorium on the development of large-scale …

I am very proud to bring another top notch development here to Centralia. Jobs, tax base and economic prosperity for the community I care about and call home.

Port of Centralia approves sale to Logistics Property Company, says it will bring 761 new jobs - The Daily Chronicle The Port of Centralia commissioners on Wednesday unanimously approved a purchase and sale agreement with Logistics Property Company (LPC) for approximately 38 acres in the port’s Park I …

The September 3, 2025, regular Commission meeting has been cancelled. Visit www.portofcentralia.com for more information.