Setting forth a list of challenging themes for the Oregon International Port of Coos Bay's five new commissioners, Gov. Ted Kulongoski Friday asked for visionary solutions and a long-term plan that will address the region's economic problems.

Speaking to a full house in the Coos Bay City Council chambers, Kulongoski administered the oath to the new commission and asked them to make the port a key player in the regional economy. He told them to forge local partnerships, address commercial fishing, land development on the North Spit and form a plan for the growth of the waterfront and upper bay.

"I ask you to develop a business plan that addresses the economic problems and identifies the role of the maritime industry," Kulongoski said, adding another theme to the list.

The new Board of Commissioners includes Brady Scott, chief executive officer of the Coquille Economic Development Corporation; Jerry Hampel, owner of North Bend Oyster Co.; Dan Smith, president and chief executive officer of Bay Area Hospital; Caddy McKeown, southern regional director of ASPIRE and current chairwoman of the Coos Bay School Board; and Dave Kronsteiner, president of Coos Bay-based West Coast Contractors.

Kronsteiner, who was selected to serve as president of the commission, accepted Kulongoski's challenge on behalf of the group and told the governor to expect they would need his help working with state agencies.

"We're looking forward to be part of a team capable of developing a world-class product," he said, adding that the commission is eager to make the port the focus of the community.

"We will be calling on you and we will undoubtedly need your help," he added.

The new port commission had a curious beginning.

In December, Kulongoski declined to re-appoint two longtime members of the commission and asked at least two others to resign. A third commissioner resigned the day before Kulongoski's announcement. Friction already existed between the board and former General Manager Allan Rumbaugh, who was asked by the commission to resign in November.

Meanwhile, the board itself was divided over the issue of building a modern marine cargo terminal on the North Spit and longshoremen had unified to opposed Commissioner Jon Barton's reappointment.

On Friday, Kulongoski for the first time publically addressed his decision to clear the board.

The governor said he was surprised to find out he had to appoint the port's commissioners, despite his former ties to the area as a state legislator and a former union attorney. But he added that when he investigated the issues he found a port stuck in gridlock. He said he was skeptical that anything could be accomplished by re-appointing the former members. With that, Kulongoski said he decided a clean sweep would better serve the economic development of the area.

Kulongoski said he struggled to find appropriate appointees.

"I sought out people who are big picture thinkers," he said. "People who are good listeners, who can make decisions and take action on those decisions to implement them into a plan."

On Friday, he said he was satisfied with the members he finally chose.

"Their success is a reflection of my success," he said in an interview prior to the ceremony.

Then he immediately challenged the group to action.

Kulongoski asked the port commission to focus on hiring a new general manager and to work toward developing partnerships and building consensus with the county and the area cities.

"Bickering is not persuasive in Salem or Washington, D.C.," he said.

In return, Kulongoski pledged state support for the port. While the governor said he couldn't promise state funds, he said his office would support the commission's efforts when state agencies are involved. He added the Oregon Department of Transportation will be critical to the success of the port and added that he has directed the agency to focus itself more on the South Coast

"Ultimately, I think that ODOT is an integral portion with whatever happens with the port," he said.

Kulongoski expressed confidence in the port's success and said prior to the meeting that the port is the key to the economic solution for the entire region.

"I actually believe it's the whole economic engine for the whole South Coast," Kulongoski said prior to the meeting.

The port is in the thick of several projects that will require the new commissioners to establish resolute policies, including repairing the Coos Bay Rail Bridge, deciding whether to pursue a land swap on the North Spit with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and deciding whether to pursue a multi-million-dollar terminal that could accommodate container cargo.

Margaret Hallock, policy adviser for Kulongoski, said the governor is not directing the port commission toward any decisions but wants to see a development on future planning and a long-term investment strategy.

"We have not taken any specific positions," she said prior to the meeting. "We want the port to work with partner cities, get a community consensus."

Yet before administering the oath, Kulongoski reminded the commission that the port is a priority with his administration and he looks forward to seeing the group develop its strategy for economic recovery.

"I eagerly await your business plan and I pledge I will be there when you present it," Kulongoski told the commission.