Independent News Sources

Local businessman Axel Strakeljahn announced today that he will run for the position of commissioner for the Port of Bremerton, a seat that will be left vacant by retiring Commissioner Bill Mahan after the November election.

A 30-year resident of the Kitsap Penninsula, Strakeljahn resides in Seabeck, the same District 3 voting area Mahan currently represents.

Strakeljahn, manager of the Port Orchard Fred Meyer store, said his decision to run was based on a desire to offer his extensive business knowledge in the public service arena.

“With the economy greatly impacting both county commerce and citizens, it’s time for businesspeople to offer their experience in public service roles,” he said. “This should be a ‘people first, not politics’ time, where strong leadership works for the best interest of the taxpayer while generating revenue, creating jobs for local citizens and maintaining the quality of life we treasure here on the peninsula.”

Strakeljahn hopes to bring decades of experience in producing and managing large budgets, controlling expenses, growing commerce, directing revenues, and establishing promotional events to the Port of Bremerton.

“I have a personal interest in seeing the county I reside in flourish,” he said.

Strakeljahn was awarded the Red Cross’s Hero Award in 2009 for saving the life of a local citizen who suffered a heart attack at a Kitsap store. Strakeljahn initiated and continued CPR until the EMTs arrived.

The son of German immigrants who came to this country fleeing Hilter’s rule, Strakeljahn credits watching his parents (a retired builder and nurse who live in Kent), as role models for strong but struggling working people. “Everything they did was about responsibility — both monetarily and ethically,” he said. “So I learned at a very early age how to build a life from ground zero and still put something away for when difficult times strike. I’m hoping to bring that kind of solid decision making to the job of commissioner.”

Strakeljahn has held the position of president and as a member of the board of directors for several 501- c3 organizations.

He holds a degree in business and is a member of both the Bremerton and Port Orchard Chambers of Commerce.

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