Invisible is not the same as transparent. When a person or entity strives to become invisible, they often have things to hide. But when a person or entity truly becomes transparent, they lay it all on the table. Good or bad, it is there to consider in the open; to learn from, improve upon, correct and take responsibility for. This transparency is especially important to a publicly funded organization such as the Port of Peninsula, a public entity which appears to be striving for invisibility.

How else can you explain the continual public meeting cancellations, the abrupt end of a meeting when questions become too difficult and the disrespectful manner the public is treated to over and over again? I received notice of the May 22nd cancellation less than two hours before it was to convene, a clear violation of OPMA (Open Public Meeting Act) regulations. And despite the director’s claim that a notice had been posted on the door 24 hours before the meeting, I have been told it was not visible the required 24 hours in advance.

The special May 15th meeting for “housekeeping,” called by Chair Phil Martin at the May 8th public meeting, was cancelled 24 hours before it was to begin. The next meeting is June 12th at 11 a.m., over a month after the last public meeting was held. That is not acceptable.

As one of three Port of Peninsula commissioners, I have a front row seat to this debacle. As a commissioner who dares to speak against the actions of the current Executive Director Jay Personius, Commissioner Martin has attempted to marginalize me. At the May 8th meeting, Martin declared commissioners must be recognized by the chair before speaking. When I asked to speak, I was told no. When I spoke, I was called out of order. I was the only commissioner this rule was applied to, however, I did manage to question why so many decisions appeared to be made by only the chair and the director.

Cancelled meetings do nothing to address and correct the port’s serious problems. Lack of proper permits, lack of payment to Washington Department of Revenue (among others), incomplete and misleading information regarding proposed sale of port held property, the lack of all but a few minutes from 2022 meetings (and most of 2023) top the list of concerns, issues and noncompliance. Personius telling the public that meeting agendas and minutes will be posted on the port website (which is not fully functioning) and then not doing it, does not lead to transparency. Martin telling me I ask too many questions and make too many comments is troublesome.

I do not have confidence in the current executive director and believe he should be replaced. I do not have confidence in the current board chair. I am not alone in these convictions. Public money is not being respected, state laws are not being followed, too often ambiguous answers are given when the simple truth would serve best. You cannot build a lasting enterprise on a house of cards compiled of misdirection. The public deserves better.

BONNIE COZBY, port commissioner

bonnie@portofpeninsula.com