Enrique “Ricky” Razon Jr., the powerful head of a company picked by Port of Portland officials to lease Oregon’s only container terminal could produce just what they want: better global connections to boost business.

Port managers say a private company could do better marketing and operating much of the 386-acre container terminal, which has struggled to retain shipping lines due to its 100-mile distance from the Pacific Ocean.

“Why wouldn’t we open our arms up if they’re going to bring business to the region?” asked Jeffery Smith, president of International Longshore Warehouse Union Local 8.

From the Oregonian, May 4, 2010