Scott Ware accepts six-month contract as communications manager.

The Port of Bremerton has contracted with former Kitsap Sun editor Scott Ware to serve as its communications manager for six months.

Ware will be paid $40,000 — with money that was budgeted by the port for an unfilled administrative position — and his official title will be special adviser for community outreach and sustainability.

“I can’t think of anybody who knows the county better, (and) I believe Scott will help the port become more responsive to the public and develop a stronger dialogue with the community,” Chief Executive Officer Cary Bozeman said, describing Ware as “uniquely well-suited to help us because of his credibility in the community, his reputation for integrity as a newspaper editor and his commitment to sustainability.”

Ware retired from the Kitsap Sun in December 2008 after serving as editor since 2001. Following his retirement, he began studying sustainable business at the Bainbridge Graduate Institute.

Along with managing public outreach, Bozeman said Ware will “provide counsel to the port in developing sustainability strategies for its facilities and its economic development initiatives.”

Establishing a communication plan and “rebuilding the public trust” were listed as part of 10 “major projects” that Bozeman identified as priorities for the port to focus on in the coming months.

Bozeman said many taxpayers in the port district are harboring anger over the Industrial Development District levy imposed in 2006 to build Bremerton’s new marina, and the port must strive to repair its image and relationship with the public.

“We’ve created some wounds that have overshadowed our good work,” Bozeman said.

Commissioner Larry Stokes agreed.

“The cold, hard facts are, the port’s reputation is in the toilet,” Stokes said. “To get (it) out of the toilet, we need to set an example, make good decisions and get out in the public.”

Another part of the outreach program Bozeman outlined will be a series of “Port 101 workshops,” which he said will be held at four or five locations within the port’s district and be designed to “educate the public as to the purpose of the port, (give) an overview of the port’s business operations, and answer any questions citizens might have.”