PORT TOWNSEND — A defeated City Council candidate has joined the city’s Planning Commission to take on a role he says is a great learning
opportunity.
“It was hard to lose the election, but this makes it all worthwhile,” said Paul Rice, who was sworn in as a member of the commission Monday.
“All things that I learned during my seven-month run are made applicable, and it makes me feel this wasn’t all for naught.”
Rice was defeated by Amy Smith, whose married last name is now Howard, in the Nov. 3 election, when he received 1,019 votes, or 28.79 percent, to Howard’s 2,520 votes, or 71.21 percent.
Shortly after his defeat, Rice was contacted by Jack Range, a planning commissioner who is leaving the board to concentrate on his law career, who encouraged him to apply for the seat.
Rice was an easy sell, as he had begun attending Planning Commission meetings during his campaign. He found the commission to be more compelling than the council itself.
“The Planning Commission is the first one to deal with the major decisions that will determine how Port Townsend is going to grow,” Rice said.
“I think this will be a great opportunity to learn how the city is administered.”
During previous meetings, he said he became “weirdly excited” about the minutiae that comes in front of the commission with regard to land use.
“There is a thoughtfulness that goes into these decisions, and they provide the opportunity to guide Port Townsend’s growth in a way that reflects the needs of young people who want to make their homes here,” he said.
Rice, 33, was one of four candidates younger than 40 who ran for the council in 2015. In addition to Rice’s race against Howard, attorney David Faber, 32, defeated Port of Port Townsend employee Travis Keena, 38.
Rice said he is committed to serving the full two-year term, which lasts through 2017.
“I’m committed to serving the full term, unless I run for council,” he said.
The next council election will take place in November 2017, at which time there will be three open seats.
Serving on the Planning Commission is often perceived as a stepping stone to the council, with two current members — Deputy Mayor Kris Nelson and former Mayor Michelle Sandoval — serving on the commission prior to their election.
Nelson, who is leaving the council this year, said her time on the commission provided valuable experience.
“On the Planning Commission, you create and write the plan, while on the council, you do more approving and tweaking,” Nelson said.
“When I came to the council after being on the Planning Commission, I understood land-use issues and codes, understanding why things are built the way they are.”
Aside from serving on the commission, Rice is a member of the Port Townsend Main Street board of directors.
He is also hoping to acquire a real estate license.
“This job is a great opportunity to learn about city planning,” Rice said.
“If every city councilor knew more about planning, it would provide a great benefit to the city.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.