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Port Commissioners Candidate Laurie Black Widely Endorsed

San Diego's influential Port District Board of Commissioners has an opening, and city officials appear to be unanimous in their support of one candidate. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Port Commissioners Candidate Laurie Black Widely Endorsed

San Diego's influential Port District Board of Commissioners has an opening, and city officials appear to be unanimous in their support of one candidate. KPBS reporter Alison St John has more.

Laurie Black failed to win a seat on the Port District two months ago, when city council members voted to keep Steve Cushman on the board. Cushman got enough support from labor to convince the council to defy term limits and give him a third term.

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But this week Victor Vilaplana resigned from the Port Commission effective May 31st, opening up another seat.

San Diego city councilwoman Tony Atkins is glowing in her endorsement of Black.

Atkins : She's familiar with cruise ship issues, general water issues -- that's why she was put on the water quality control board at one point. Maritime interests, she's very interested in linking the North Embarcadero and the airport. And she’s got enough enthusiasm and willingness to take risk that I think could give us a new breath of fresh air.

Black has been nominated by four city council members, and council president Scott Peters says she'll get his backing, which makes her a shoo-in when the council votes. In a welcome show of unanimity, Mayor Jerry Sanders is also positive about the nomination.

Alison St John, KPBS News.