A Really Stupid Idea

CITIZENS genuinely worried about the financial integrity of the Port of Seattle would not file a petition to change its name. Unfortunately, that is exactly what is happening under the banner of King County Citizens for an Accountable Port, which favors the Port of King County.

This misguided idea would scrap years of global goodwill, instant name recognition and millions of dollars in free publicity that accrues to a leading-edge city famous for its airplanes, software, retailing, coffee and scenery. Seattle is known around the world with everyone from shipping clerks to corporate CEOs. Not only would this change squander name familiarity, it would cost a fortune to print up, paint over and disseminate a new identity.

Over time, the truly radical change would have ports from Tacoma to Bellingham describe themselves as the Port of Puget Sound, but don't expect that sort of cooperation anytime soon.

It's disappointing to see port candidate David F. Ortman affiliated with the name game. Ortman is a former, long-time director of the Seattle office of the Friends of the Earth, and he should be busy telling voters how his environmental expertise might help the Port of Seattle clean up its act.

Ortman is running against veteran commissioner Jack Block, who needs a good election challenge. Ortman does not do himself any favor with this effort.