Port has 90 days to fill board vacancy

Under state law, the Port of Whitman has 90 days to fill the board seat left vacant by the death of Bob Gronholz of Colfax last Wednesday, April 14.

Gronholz served two full terms on the port commission and was re-elected to a third term without opposition last November.

Gronholz was absent from recent commission meetings as he dealt with cancer. Port commissioners Dan Boone and John Love officially excused those absences through resolutions.

If port commissioners do not fill the vacancy in 90 days, the appointment will be left to Whitman County commissioners. If the county commissioners do not appoint a replacement in 90 days, local officials can petition the governor to name a replacement.

Joe Poire, port executive director, told the Gazette Monday that Love and Boone have each received calls of inquiry about the vacancy.

Gronholz represented District 3 on the port commission. District 3 covers the western portions of Whitman County, including Colfax.

At last Thursday’s port session, Love and Boone were appointed to fill Gronholz’ seats on regional boards.

Commissioner Love will be interim representative to the Palouse River and Coulee City Rail Authority. Gronholz was the president of the four-county authority responsible for oversight of the nearly 300-mile state-owned PCC shortline railroad system.

Boone will serve as the port’s interim representative to the Southeast Washington Economic Development Alliance.