I served as a Port of Umatilla commissioner for eight years, departing in 2017 to begin my term as the mayor of Pendleton.  Before leaving the Port of Umatilla Commission, I searched for a good citizen to take my place, and I was very happy to recruit Bob Blanc as my temporary replacement.
I knew Bob through the Rotary Club and as a member of the board of our church.  He was a professional financial adviser who practiced the highest moral and ethical standards, and he was extremely interested in expanding the regional economy. Since 2017, Bob has faithfully and effectively served multiple terms as a port commissioner and he is now an expert on all port activities, including public budgeting, procurement, water rights and the issues surrounding the development of the old chemical depot. His knowledge and insight would take years for a new comer to develop and it makes very good sense for us to keep him on the port commission.
I endorse Bob Blanc with the greatest enthusiasm and ask you to give him your vote.

John Turner
Retired president of Blue Mountain Community College and former mayor of Pendleton