The Port of Seattle is currently seeking a new member to appoint to its commission.

The new commissioner will replace Gael Tarleton, who was elected to represent Washington's 36th Legislative District in November.

Under state law, the Commission will have 90 days to appoint a successor. The decision will require a majority vote at a commission meeting. Tarleton's successor will serve until the general election in November when a candidate will be elected to complete her term, which expires Dec. 31, 2015.

"We are undertaking an ambitiously open process to fill this vacancy and continue the momentum of our Century Agenda," said Port of Seattle commission President Tom Albro in a press release. "The commission will alter the schedule if necessary to ensure we have a robust process, but we believe our schedule allows opportunities for public comment and a thoughtful review of interested candidates."

This is a part-time position and responsibilities include: Representing nearly 2 million citizens of King County; advancing regional economic development and reducing the port's ecological footprint; creating 100,000 more jobs in the region by implementing the Century Agenda; overseeing the Port of Seattle, which includes the Northwest's biggest seaport, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Fisherman's Terminal, cruise ship terminals and a real estate portfolio; working with the state, King County and King County's 39 cities; serving on outside boards and committees and attending and speaking at community functions, events and receptions.

Current commissioner compensation is $500 per month, plus per diem. Commissioners are also eligible to participate in the port's medical program.

The Port of Seattle Commission plans to appoint a new member to the commission on March 5.

There will be town hall-style meeting at 5 p.m. on Jan. 22 at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for interested individuals to ask questions about the appointment process and learn more about Port of Seattle, the role of a Port of Seattle commissioner, the Century Agenda and other related topics of interest.

For more information visit www.portseattle.org/About/Commission.

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.