Sequim Gazette staff

Support for Del DelaBarre from community organizations and individuals has begun to add a new dimension to the hotly contested Port of Port Angeles Commissioner’s race.

In the past several weeks, DelaBarre has picked up backing from tribes, labor and environmental groups and the Democratic Party.

Both the Jamestown S’Klallam and the Lower Elwha tribes have endorsed and are providing voter encouragement and financial backing to the DelaBarre campaign.

The Sierra Club and Olympic Labor Council also have swung their support behind DelaBarre.

Local Democrats only occasionally endorse in non-partisan races but decided that DelaBarre’s history of community leadership, his independence from the existing Port infrastructure and his support for working men and women and public/private partnerships made him the right choice, according to a party press release.

DelaBarre, who said he recognizes that he is a true newcomer to competitive politics, said, “I am a little stunned and extremely appreciative of the support that has come forward in this race. For years, the Port has been the silent ‘gorilla’ in the room as the Port community has suffered from economic lethargy, internal ineptness, lack of respect for the taxpayers’ best interests and disregard for the Port’s mission of environmental stewardship.

“I know I can change the focus at the Port and lead us into true 21st century commerce.”