![Port of Vancouver Commissioner Jerry Oliver, a Republican, announced he is running for the 17th Legislative District seat held by Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver, who will give up that position to run for the Senate.]()
Port of Vancouver Commissioner President Jerry Oliver, instrumental in approval of a lease for what would be the nation's largest oil-by-rail transfer terminal, announced he is vying for a seat in the Washington Legislature.
Oliver, a Republican who was elected to the Port of Vancouver Board of Commissioners in 2007, is running for the 17th Legislative District seat currently held by Lynda Wilson, R-Vancouver. After longtime Republican Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, announced he will not seek re-election, Wilson said she will run for the state Senate, opening up her seat.
Oliver, 75, said he's running, in part, to improve the state's business climate.
"Washington state has a very poor record in terms of being open to business," Oliver said. "I'm an ardent proponent of economic development."
If elected, Oliver said, he would remain loyal to conservative principles of limited government regulations. He said he believes the affordable housing crisis could be resolved by allowing for more development than is currently called for under the state's growth management act.
Oliver said he believes the state should have charter schools, and when it comes to bridges, there should be several new crossings over the Columbia River.
"We need to look at bridges, plural, yes. The Interstate 5 Bridge needs to be replaced ... but it has to be built without tolls and without light rail. That's the only way I'll support a replacement of that bridge," Oliver said.
After an investigation by The Columbian, which focused on the port's insular handling of a decision in 2013 to approve a lease for the oil terminal, Oliver came under fire and faced an effort to recall him from office.
Oliver said he remains a steadfast supporter of the proposed oil terminal.
"It's a project that can be done safely," he said, and added it would be a boost to the economy.
Oliver grew up in Flint, Mich. He is a retired salesman, most recently having worked in software sales.
Republican Vicki Kraft has also announced she's running for the seat.
Kraft currently works for the Freedom Foundation, a nonprofit think tank that promotes individual liberty, free enterprise and limited government.
