COUPEVILLE: The Port has a new District 3 commissioner (WNT)

Luisa Loi reports from the Port of Coupeville board meeting of Wed., Mar. 6, 2024, for the Whidbey News-Times.

The Port of Coupeville Board of Commissioners chose Martin Vandepas, a farmer, to be the commissioner of District 3, a role suddenly left vacant by John Callahan shortly after his victory in the 2023 election.

Vandepas landed the job Wednesday, the same morning he was interviewed by District 1 Commissioner Marianne Burr and District 2 Commissioner John Mishasek during a special public meeting.

The other candidates were Tammy Murphy — owner of Whidbey Island Markets — and Michael Diamanti — a veteran who has served on the port board in the past. James Mirabile and Angela Ewert dropped their applications.

They Said It

In an interview, [Executive Director Chris] Michalopoulos called Vandepas “an idea person” for bringing up interesting ideas, such as the possibility of exploring a ferry connecting Whidbey to Camano or creating a farm incubator with shared infrastructure and tools for new farmers who want to start their own farming activity.

Furthermore, Michalopoulos said, Vandepas has asked interesting questions following previous board meetings he’s attended as a member of the public.

“I think the Board of Commissioners made the right decision,” he said. “We’re excited to have Martin be a part of that team and bring his fresh ideas.”