Burien City Councilman Jack Block Jr., a second-generation longshoreman, hopes to become a second-generation Seattle port commissioner in November.

Block announced last week that he will challenge longtime Port Commissioner Bob Edwards, whose current six-year term expires Dec. 31.

Elected in 2003, Block's term on the Burien City Council also expires this year.

His father, Jack Block of West Seattle, served on the Port Commission from 1973 to 2001 and has a port-owned park along Harbor Avenue Southwest named for him.

Councilman Block said in a prepared statement he is "running because taxpayers and citizens in King County deserve better from their port.

"We need greater transparency in decision making, more financial accountability, modernization of the port's cargo-handling facilities to meet the challenges of the 21st century, and a stronger commitment to environmental sustainability and protection."

He also charged that Edwards has become "part of an elite club that wants to run the port behind closed doors and without public involvement."

Block suggested his experience as a councilman, including "spearheading reforms that resulted in more televised meetings, easier access to city hall, and frequent communication with residents," will help him open Port Commission proceedings.

"If taxpayers knew more about how their money was managed, and decisions weren't made behind closed doors, we wouldn't have problems with no-bid contracts and money-losing land deals."

He cited a 2005 below-market sale of a port-owned warehouse that subsequent owners later sold for millions in profit.

"I believe I bring a strong combination of local government experience, port expertise and a commitment to the issues that is consistent with the voters of King County," Block continued.

A working longshoreman for more than 28 years, Block said, "A vibrant port can also be a model for environmental stewardship.

"What I plan to do is mount the kind of campaign that helps me get that message to voters."

Working high up on container cranes all day gives him "a big picture view of the port," he said.

"I look at the mountains, the Sound, the things that make this region desirable and I know we can protect our working waterfront, strengthen rules that protect our air and water, and correct the mistakes of the past and restore the environmental sustainability of Elliott Bay.

"It's time we applied what we have learned about the marine environment to make real progress on restoring Puget Sound."

He also called for the adoption of "the same tough uniform standards for air pollution and wastewater discharge by foreign flagged vessels as apply to American vessels.

"It's our country, it's time foreign vessel owners were held to the same standards as American carriers,"

While Edwards "ran as an advocate for clean water [he] hasn't been a leader," Block said.