Sandblasting was underway earlier this week on a vessel at the Port of Peninsula, a facility that lacks a state boatyard permit.

“The Art of War” was written by Sun Tzu in the 4th or 5th century — at least that is the common thought. No one knows the actual date and there is a theory that Sun Tzu, the Chinese military leader thought to be the author, may not have been a real person, that in fact the book may be a compilation of military strategy. Either way, the tactics have stood the test of time.

I came across several quotes from this book and the problems at the Port of Peninsula, or rather the so-called actions to correct them, came immediately to mind.

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.” “Supreme excellence consists of breaking the enemy’s resistance without fighting.” “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.”

These are the quotes I read and in my mind, I inserted public for enemy. The first two are mindful of the “wait them out” game being played by Port Manager Personius. Since the magnitude of problems plaguing the port surfaced in February 2023, this “subdue without fighting” strategy has been in place. Don’t engage, don’t respond, do the minimum to look as if you are correcting the errors. I believe the port manager expects those finding fault with his actions, those disagreeing with commission policies (or lack thereof) and those seeking truth and transparency, will eventually drop away from sheer frustration — in essence, they will be subdued without fighting.

This tactic is being used on multiple state, county and federal agencies as well. Problems that have surfaced, noncompliance issues, improper record keeping and more have been given only minimal attention and little to no follow-up. Reports on their status are either not in existence or filled with misleading information. Permitting has not been accomplished, violations are not cleared, requests are not fulfilled, the completion of important restoration of 2022 records in preparation for a September State Audit is questionable. Do nothing, cause delay, break the enemy and subdue without fighting.

Pull Quote

I do not know the intent behind jeopardizing the port’s future. It makes no sense to me, but there is a reason this port, our tenants, our customers, the community and public tax money are being put at risk. It can’t be chalked up to only incompetence.

Implementation of the third quote is alarming. “The whole secret lies in confusing the enemy, so that he cannot fathom our real intent.” I am asked over and over, “what are they trying to do?” I do not know the intent behind jeopardizing the port’s future. It makes no sense to me, but there is a reason this port, our tenants, our customers, the community and public tax money are being put at risk. It can’t be chalked up to only incompetence. Please, now is not the time to fade away. Remain concerned and active. Continue to be there, demand answers and go public with your concerns, talk to friends and neighbors. Do not be beaten into submission — keep fighting!

An update on the port: at the last meeting (July 24) the port manager stated that if over 50% voted for one of the candidates in the primary race, I (that would be me) would be gone. He used that wrong information to support his recommendation that work on the 2023 Port of Peninsula Comprehensive Plan should be delayed until the new commissioner was in. The plan is already 18-plus months late, by the way. It was almost laughable because it was a primary not the general election and I am here until midnight, Dec. 31, 2023. What isn’t funny is that now there is no date set to work on this important document.

He also told me at the public meeting that he would “not tell me” the name of the department or agent/officer he was working with in the Army Corp of Engineers regarding dredging. I have since spoken to the Corps and am gathering the actual information — there seem to be some differences from what was reported by the port manager at the meeting.

The Department of Ecology visited the port last week. Water Quality Management (regarding a general boatyard permit) and Hazardous Waste and Toxic Reductions (ongoing investigation of improper disposal of sludge from boat pressure washing) sent three agents to inspect the site. This is the second visit for both departments in recent months.

A side note here — Port Manager Personius implied that increased environmental scrutiny of the parking area across Sandridge was the reason he was going to charge the Northwest Garlic Festival either $50 per hour for port staff to monitor the area, upwards of an additional $700 to $1,000 expense, or the port would collect parking fees from attendees as they monitored. After speaking to the DOE about this new policy, I learned this requirement did not come from them. The festival administrator had waited since May 24 for this answer, which came in Aug. 31. By Wednesday, Aug. 3, a new venue was obtained. The 41st NW Garlic Festival has moved to Sheldon Park and the Ocean Beach School District has been very welcoming.

So, there you are. I do not intend to be subdued without fighting but I need you all to continue on as well. All of us paying taxes to the port district, all the customers and tenants, the county and state commissions and agencies cannot be subdued by this dishonest warfare. Commissioners oversee hiring and firing of port managers. The public recalls or votes in commissioners. That’s how it works. Don’t give up.