Again, a “not so public” meeting of the Port of Peninsula was cancelled at the last minute, another of many violations of the Open Public Meetings Act. Some people drove for nearly an hour to attend. This time the excuse was “insufficiency of agenda items to justify the expenditure of public funds,” although the agenda posted was not unlike many others before and most meetings usually last only 15 to 20 minutes as discussion is rarely allowed.

Supposedly, this was at the direction of the commission, but in reality it was most likely the decision of port Manager Jay Personius with the collusion of commission Chair Phil Martin and to some degree Commissioner Bill Derion. Commissioner Chuck Mikkola wasn’t aware until after the posting. Typical of the shutout of the third commissioner.

Attend a couple meetings and you will see the commissioners have little to no oversight of the port manager. Personious’ management style is of obfuscation, deflection and intimidation and the retaliation of those who question his decisions. Not only in meetings but also to some port users and employees. In short, he is a cry bully.

The meetings held are a total sham. Those who can attend are completely ignored. Verbal comments from the public (even from county officials) are not allowed or ignored, written comments are accepted only because state law calls for them and are not discussed in meetings. The meetings are held at 11 a.m.; that keeps many in the public from attending because of work or other day commitments. The schedule date was changed from first and third Mondays to the fourth Tuesday, which makes it difficult for county officials who would attend. Coincidence? Attend a couple meetings and see for yourself — it won’t take more than that to be convinced you are not welcomed and your input is not wanted.

The state is conducting an audit that has dragged on for months largely due to the lack of cooperation by Personius. It’s conceivable a coverup is (has been) underway. The misconduct is well known with county and state officials and there appears to be little that can be done at those levels. State open records act requests submitted to Personius are often delayed or ignored.

The citizens have entrusted the commission and port port manager to do due diligence and they have failed. It’s the lack of public oversight that has allowed this to happen and it’s time for the citizenry of the peninsula to step up and do the work needed to correct the ongoing mismanagement. It is our port, not the port manager’s nor the commission’s. The remedy for this begins with the replacement of commission chair Martin. The public should call for his resignation or a recall is required and I encourage the public to support any effort.

ED VESSER

Ocean Park