Having observed Port of Olympia politics for many years testifying during public comment opportunities at regular meetings I have seen local citizens in the past few years attempt to join the POCAC board be turned away because they did fit the description of most of the long term board members share , Business as usual attitudes with Weyerhaeuser friendly political views ,Logging is king and below market rate leases for the 24 acres occupied by timber interests to the detriment of the Citizens of Thurston County taxpayers who pay 8.9million dollars in Property taxes annually . And with the Port showing us what is most important is that hiding the losses and making long lease agreements with secret negotiations that are sweetheart deals for timber interests . None of this can be discussed by the POCAC . Suggestions of doing business in the public interest are not allowed . While supporting local Union longshore jobs are important it is given fact that Local 47 controls the discourse within the POCAC meeting agendas and no critical thinking is allowed which may be why 2 members of the board resigned and 2 retired leaving only 4 . Meetings for new members who have business experience and wisdom ,new ideas about changing current business practices are quickly shouted down and prospective members asked to leave . The POCAC is a reflection of the current climate created by general manager ,no confidence vote and the 68 percent turnover in Port employee rosters in the last 4 years . We need verifiable positive changes of Port operations not virtue signaling and music events at the Port Plaza , Yours , Kim Dobson TDC PCO 094 Frye Cove
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