Here at APAP, we try to cover as many local races as we hear about. That's because these under-the-radar positions are often the places where future state-wide and federal elected officials first test the waters. In the coming weeks, we'll have a big series on some of these people to look out for. In the meantime, here's a quick profile on Al Yuen who is running for Port Commission of Seattle. His primary is tomorrow, Aug. 18th.

At 72, I am not sure if Al sees this as a stepping stone to anything else, but it's still nice to see people interested in running.

Education: Bachelor's degree, master's in business administration, City University.

Civic experience: Bellevue Transportation Commission, 2002-07; Bellevue Waterfront Development Advisory Board, 2007; Seattle/Kaohsiung Sister City Association, president, 1993-2007

Three key endorsements: Port of Seattle Commissioner Lloyd Hara; Lt. Gov. Brad Owen; Benjamin Lee, president, Hong Kong Association of Washington

Campaign Web site: Not available

The article goes on to assess Yuen:

Al Yuen

Yuen is running a lower-budget campaign than his competitors, with $9,360 in campaign contributions compared with $89,062 for Doud and $47,216 for Holland.

 

A former manager for Hilton Hotels, and now semiretired, Yuen says he could afford to work almost full time as a commissioner. That would allow him to be more thorough in his oversight of the Port and to be a more effective overseas ambassador for the Port.

 

Yuen ran twice for the Port commission years ago. He was encouraged to try again by Hara, who has endorsed him.

 

Yuen, who speaks Chinese, says he understands foreign cultures and customs critical to improving Port business with China, its top trade partner.

 

"I'm climbing an uphill battle," Yuen says of his better-funded opponents.

 

But, he says, he would be more independent because he's not backed by any interest groups, and he also would have more time to do his own research, making him less reliant on Port staff. And, he adds, "I can help develop new shipping business" because of extensive travel to Pacific Rim countries.

 

The Municipal League of King County rated Holland as "very good" and Doud and Yuen as "good."

And here's his candidate's statement:

As a Seattle Port Commissioner, Al Yuen will bring strong business experience in the operation of our port and trade in both the local and international markets. 

Growth in our Greater Seattle–King County area has come at a high cost to our environment. Noise pollution, traffic congestion, crowded facilities and major delays are just a few problems we are now facing. We need to look for alternatives to relieve these problems NOW. Seattle Port’s infrastructure projects must improve our efficiency without damaging our environment, creating jobs for the skill and apprentice programs for those who need the skill at our port facilities, port facility should be a profitable entity and reduce our taxpayer’s burden, be accountable and exercise fiscal discipline.

He has visited many port facilities in the Pacific Rim countries. He met with port managers and planners and studied their high tech port management systems. He will use this knowledge to help our port to be a world leader in port operations. As an American with an Asian heritage, he has the cultural understanding needed to develop international trade. 

Born in San Francisco, a resident of King County for more than 40 years, Al Yuen holds a BA in Law Administration, Masters in Business and a Real Estate Broker specializing as a commercial/business broker and business consultant. Former Transportation Commissioner and Waterfront Development Advisory Board Member for the City of Bellevue, Past President of Seattle Sister City to Taiwan and Mexico for over 15 years.   

His experience from blue-collar workers to business owners, from small business issues to the complexities of international relations will bring to the Seattle Port Commission a viewpoint and understanding of port management and trade that is needed. Al is a strong advocate on jobs and environmental protection in our region.

Unfortunately, Yuen doesn't have a campaign website. If anyone knows more about this race or Al, feel free to chime in.