Port challengers point fingers.

Byline: Bob Young

Aug. 6--The last time Seattle Port Commissioner Bob Edwards ran for re-election he faced token opposition. But this year five challengers have lined up to try to take Edwards' seat -- all blaming him for problems at the Port when they're not taking shots at each other.

Gael Tarleton, the best-financed challenger to Edwards in the Aug. 21 primary, criticizes Edwards for "lackadaisical leadership" and promoting a "culture of secrecy" at the Port.

Tarleton, who works at the University of Washington's Office of Global Affairs, says the Port has lost public trust because of recent controversies over a proposed $340,000 severance package for former Port CEO Mic Dinsmore, and over Port police sending sexually explicit e-mails.

"My number one goal is to reform the Port so voters regain trust," said Tarleton, who also has worked as a Pentagon intelligence expert on Russia and a vice president for SAIC, a federal contractor specializing in national security.

She's been endorsed by King County …