Port of San Diego commissioner announces resignation

Commissioner Bob Nelson resigned from the Port of San Diego Board of Port Commissioners, it was announced May 16. Nelson’s tenure ended with the adjournment of the commission’s May 16 board meeting. The now former commissioner resigned from his post to “pursue funding for a key public project for the San Diego region, the proposed San Diego Convention Center Expansion,” according to a statement released by the Port of San Diego.

Nelson was one of three commissioners representing the city of San Diego on the port district’s board. Each of the port district’s five member cities has at least one representative on the Board of Port Commissioners; San Diego is the only member city with more than one representative. The other two San Diego representatives on the dais are Vice Chairman Rafael Castellanos and Commissioner Marshall Merrifield.

The port district’s other member cities are Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach and National City.

Nelson’s resignation ends a six-year tenure aboard the Board of Port Commissioners; he was selected and seated to his post in January 2011. His current term was set to expire in 2019.

“Conflict of interest rules that rightfully govern me also constrain my business partners from participating in many of the public affairs challenges facing San Diego, including future decisions affecting the fate of the Convention Center,” Nelson said. “Stepping down from the Port board enables me to pursue my passion as a private citizen and lets my associates provide professional services uncomplicated by my role as a Port Commissioner.”