Gateway Complex could end up on ballots

Vote possible in August

Voters may get a chance to have their say on the proposed Gateway Center, a business complex that is moving forward in downtown Aberdeen.

While the City of Aberdeen has acquired the land necessary to build the facility — which could house the offices of Greater Grays Harbor Inc., host business conferences and serve as a tourist hub — the city and the county still have not determined who will own or manage the building when it’s complete.

The city has asked Grays Harbor County to manage it. County Commissioner Wes Cormier has remained opposed to that proposition from the onset of recent discussions.

On Monday, Cormier proposed a resolution to have voters weigh in on the decision.

According to the resolution, an advisory vote would be placed on the August ballot asking if the county should own and operate the Gateway Center.

“Whereas Grays Harbor County is asset rich and money poor and has encountered a severe budget crisis due to long-term financial issues exacerbated by severe economic conditions; and whereas the board believes that the public should have a voice in whether the county should own, operate or participate in the Gateway Enterprise Center located on the City of Aberdeen property,” the resolution states as reasons for the advisory vote.

That language borrows a phrase Cormier has repeated in the past — “Asset rich and money poor.”

The commissioners approved the resolution with a 2-1 vote. Commissioner Randy Ross opposed the resolution.

“I just don’t think we have enough information to present yet,” Ross said after the meeting. “We may miss a ballot deadline, if that’s the case, but we don’t know what we’re going to present yet.”

Ross is the county’s representative to the project. He’s expected to meet with a representative from Aberdeen as well as legal representatives from both the county and city to iron out details about the project in April.

Commissioner Vickie Raines — an outspoken proponent of the project — seconded the resolution adding that she would prefer the advisory vote wait until Ross has reported back to the commissioners with addition information.

That means the advisory vote isn’t certain at this point and likely hinges on whether Ross returns with the information the other commissioners think they need.

After the meeting, Raines clarified her unwavering support of the project.

“I just want to be clear on my opinion — I support the Gateway Center,” Raines said. “It doesn’t matter to me who owns and operates it. I just think it’s something needed for our community and the more collaboration and partnership we can have, the better.”

Cormier, too, was unwavering in his opposition.

“I don’t think the county should own, operate or manage the facility,” he said.

The appointed County Treasurer Ken Albert will see his seat up for election this year, so if the county can get the proposition on either the August or November ballots, the cost will be significantly less than if the measure were to be sent to its own election. If the proposition is on either of those ballots, it will cost the county some $2,000-$3,000 in election costs, but if the county had to run a special election for the proposition, it could cost tens of thousands of dollars.

In order for the proposition to be on the August ballot, the county must file the appropriate paperwork in April. For the proposition to be on the November ballot, it must be filed in May.