CONTINUING SAGA OF PORT VS. SHELTON HILLS Public suggestions again dismissed out of hand
Submitted to Shelton Blog by Tom Davis Mason County Progressive
Port of Shelton Director John Dobson was on his game at last Tuesday’s meeting, and we should thank our lucky stars he’s not an elected official, at least we didn’t elect him.
The meeting progressed pretty much as usual until it came time for "Staff Comments"’, and one of Dobson’s dreaded “Four P’s” (Pop Power Point Presentations) which was aimed at educating the dullards in attendance.
I use the word “dullards” to impress upon the reader the subtext of the Port’s message: if you don’t agree with us why the rezone of 160 acres south of the airport jeopardizes future operations, it must be because you don’t understand the situation. And for that particular problem there is but one solution: to present our position in ever simpler terms till it penetrates your thick skull.
As expected, so long as those in attendance let Dobson run his mouth off, all was well. But when anyone questioned the validity of the information being presented, or God forbid, suggested the Port make some accommodation to the developer, JD quickly reverted to the red-faced, table thumping BS artist we’ve all come to distrust. Needless to say, public suggestions were dismissed out of hand.
So here is my message to Mr. Hupp, Mr. Wallitner and Mr. Dobson: Your vision for the future of Sanderson Field is both physically unlikely and economically unrealistic. On the other hand, the Shelton Hills plan is not only feasible and economically sound, but based on the tried and true principles of good business practice. Moreover, it is here, it is real and it is ready to go.
Furthermore, your stubborn refusal to look at the problem with any degree of objectivity, or with an eye toward economic immediacy, has brought your management skills into question.
By continuing to cling to flights of fantasy posing as sound business practice, the Port has failed in its primary mission to promote growth, failed to represent the community in a favorable business light, and failed to act as responsible stewards of public assets.
Each day Shelton Hills is delayed by you, Mr. Hupp, Mr. Wallitner and Mr. Dobson, is another day our community must struggle with those who would choose fantasy over reality.
Oh, Tom, sometimes you just put it so well I only want to hear it again:
ReplyDelete"By continuing to cling to flights of fantasy posing as sound business practice, the Port has failed in its primary mission to promote growth, failed to represent the community in a favorable business light, and failed to act as responsible stewards of public assets."
That sentence summarizes the current leadership at the Port of Shelton and the results of their leadership so well it bears repeating!
Thanks for attending these meetings; I know you would rather have a root canal without anesthesia, but you provide a great public service by your willingness to attend and report on the goings on of the Three Stooges (Hupp, Wallitner and Dobson).