The Port of Seattle Commission is appointing a new member to replace commissioner Gael Tarleton early next month. Almost as soon as they appoint a new member from a field of six finalists, they’ll be short one commissioner again when Rob Holland’s resignation becomes effective March 15.

So Commission President Tom Albro said the commission will start again with a new appointment process, opening up Holland’s seat to new applicants. Initially when Holland resigned, Albro said the commission might appoint two of the finalists for Tarleton’s seat, but now he says the processes will be separate.

There was huge interest in Tarleton’s seat. It drew 29 applicants. The six finalists will appear at two forums at 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Seattle Central Library and Wednesday at the Renton City Council Chambers.

The commission will accept applications for Holland’s seat March 16-24. People who already applied don’t have to apply again, and the remaining finalists will continue to be finalists, Albro said. The commission hopes to appoint someone to Holland’s seat by May.