By Karen Robes Meeks
Phil Papac has been chosen to take on the next Port of Grays Harbor District 1 Commission seat after Commissioner Chuck Caldwell vacates the post at the end of this month.
Commissioners Jack Thompson and Stan Pinnick made the selection at a special commission meeting held recently.
“It was great to see so many candidates passionate about the Port and the future of Grays Harbor apply,” Pinnick said. “We are excited to welcome Mr. Papac to the Board and feel his commitment, experience and abilities will be an asset to the Port and our community.”
A lifelong Montesano resident, Papac is a father of two and a longtime restaurant operator who served on the Montesano Parks Board for 20 years. He also co-chaired two successful school levies and is heavily involved in youth sports, including a 20-year career as a local basketball referee.
Papac is expected to be sworn in on August 14 and will serve the rest of Caldwell’s term, which will be up for election in November 2019. At that time, the position – a six-year term – will be up for grabs.