By Lindsay Peyton 

It’s been 12 years since John Creighton assumed his role as Port Commissioner Position 1. 

He says a lot has changed since his first days in the post, but his vision has remained the same – to bring together business and environmental communities together and expand prosperity for all King County residents.

He grew up east of Seattle in Renton and Bellevue, attended Interlake High School and then received his bachelor and master’s degrees in international relations at Johns Hopkins University.

Creighton thought he would pursue a career in public policy but ended up on Wall Street working for Goldman Sachs. 

Then he decided to go to law school, earning his degree at Columbia University and began work in international trade law, moving to positions in Istanbul, Hellsinki and Singapore. 

“I traveled the world and had a great time, but Seattle pulled me home,” he said. 

After moving home, Creighton continued to work as a business attorney – but he also got involved in politics and managed a political campaign. 

“My candidate lost, but it piqued my interest,” he said. 

He decided to return to public policy and international trade – and thought the Port of Seattle would be the best match for both. 

“Being Port Commissioner was right down my alley,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed the public policy side of what I do – and moving forward this public organization that’s so important to the region’s economy.”

Creighton said that the position allows him to help people each day. He particularly enjoys protecting maritime business owners. 

“There’s been a lot of pushing of gentrification in our industrial areas,” he said. “I’ve become a big champion of pushing back.” Creighton said he is a progressive Democrat – and that he has been able to stick to his values on the Port Commission. 

“I’m proud of what the Port has accomplished,” he said. “But we have challenges ahead of us. I feel like with my experience and the relationships I’ve built, I can help the Port navigate those challenges.”

Creighton explained that land use is the biggest issue the Port faces.

The airport is one of the fastest growing in the nation – and surrounding neighborhoods are faced with negative side effects, he said. He hopes to promote biofuels to cut down on particulate emissions and greenhouse gases. 

Creighton wants the airport to be a good neighbor to surrounding towns.

“I spend a lot of time in southwest King County – and have a lot of relationships with leaders there,” he said. “What they want are people who are listening to them – and addressing their concerns.”

Creighton also has concerns about the ability of the airport to meet the increasing demand of travelers and cargo. He wants to look into options for a second airport, as well as ways to encourage high- speed rail. 

Land use is also an issue for maritime industries, Creighton said. 

He explained that 12 percent of Seattle’s land area produces 40 percent of the city’s revenue. 

“These are good paying, middle class jobs that we need to keep in the community,” he said. 

He wants to continue to foster job growth and economic prosperity. 

Creighton said he will look at new ideas and fresh solutions. “With my institutional knowledge, I can help turn great ideas into a reality, by making sure we think about all the ramifications,” he said. 

He added that he pushes for win-win solutions. 

“Lawyers, from law school on, are taught to see all sides of an issue,” he said. “In government, there are no black and white issues. It’s all very nuanced.”

He said the key is taking time to sit-down and listen to constituents. 

“In addition to going to Port meetings, you need to be out in the community listening to the business owners, the environmental advocates and the neighborhood leaders,” he said.