On Nov. 14, the San Juan County Elections office counted 1,527 ballots with only 30 left to count – making Bruce Dunlop and Stephen Adams as the top voter-getters in the race for Port Commissioner Position No. 1 and No. 2.

Dunlop is the apparent winner in the race for Port Commissioner Position No. 1 with 677 votes to opponent, Ed Kilduff’s 600 votes.

Dunlop ran for Port Commissioner four years ago and was elected to help provide a well-run airport for Lopez.

“After many years of first hand experience using airports around the county it was my turn to contribute to our community,” Dunlop said.

During the past four years Dunlop has been working on two significant projects, the solid waste proposal and a major repaving of the airport taxiway and apron, which is a $2 million project that will take place this spring.

He ran for re-election to see these projects to completion.

“I have a diverse set of skills, all of which are needed by the port. I have the management skills of a successful businessman. I have sensitivity to the island’s environment as a Lopez farmer,” he said. “I have the experience of four years on the Port Commission. I’m leading port negotiations with the county to directly manage the transfer station and am dedicated to completing this transition successfully.”

It has been an even closer race for Adams, who will most likely be elected as Port Commissioner Position No. 2 as he has won 695 votes to opponent, Susan Berry’s 647.

Adams is known on Lopez as a man of many roles. Over the last 30 years he has worked as a teacher, volunteer EMT/Fire Fighter and Chief Fire Officer, Fire Commissioner, Planning Commissioner and successful island business owner.

He said he ran for this position to maintain the long standing success of the Lopez Airport and to work on the implementation of the local solid waste plan.

“We need to find sound funding solutions, support a robust recycling program, and establish a professional management system to run this program,” said Adams about the solid waste plan.

When asked why Lopezians should vote for him he answered: “I have leadership experiences that will provide the best opportunity for success at implementing the solid waste plan. I will be a reasonable and objective voice serving the needs of our community.”