PORT BUDGET AGENDA
(The meeting started normally enough with Tom Davis presenting a question during the initial public comment time.)
Tom: "How much money does it take to operate
the airport facility & how much does it bring in?"
the airport facility & how much does it bring in?"
(John Dobson replies that he will respond to this question later,
but never does come back with any straightforward reply.)
but never does come back with any straightforward reply.)
Treasurer's Report from Tom Wallitner: "Everything is in order & the financial status of the Port is in good shape."
(But perhaps not for long because....)
"I request to be reimbursed for the recall petitionlegal fees including any appeals."
"I move that the Port direct the Commission to reimburseJay Hupp for recall legal fees including any appeals.
One of my fellow commissioners was attacked & exonerated.
If the taxpayers filed the recall petition, they should pay the legal costs."
"If we are going to pay for this with public funds, shouldn't a dollar amount be disclosed?"
(No straightforward reply was forthcoming)
Hmmm...how much does the Port attorney make per hour?
Hupp & Wallitner passed the motion for the Port to pay for Hupp'slegal fees, with Hupp voting an "aye" for reimbursing himself.
Jack Miles opposed the motion.
(Public comment period followed)
"Commissioner Hupp, the recall petition was not an attack. It is a legal processto hopefully bring to your attention some concerns we have. That biomass is
not as green as it was formerly regarded is becoming publically known. No, we
did not attack...Yes, we have factual information that we wish to be heard."
(Chris Brotche was followed by Matt Matayoshi)
Matt Matayoshi of the EDC(paid by the Port to rustle up business)
begins to speak...
Jack Miles to Jay Hupp: "I object! It was agreed that Matt shouldspeak during STAFF comment time, & not PUBLIC comment time!"
"I don't recall that being agreed upon. Continue Matt..."
Matt getting madder, starts again...
"OBJECTION!"
Citizens in attendance were surprised at the meeting's abrupt ending!
"THIS MEETING IS ADJOURNED!" (after LOUDLY SLAMMING his gavel)(Jay Hupp following his own agenda)
Photo essay by Christine
WOW, another BIASED day at the PORT!! We citizens are becoming so USED to this treatment and we should NOT BE! We are NOT going to "Role Over and Play Dead" -- as Hupp, Wallitner, Dobson and et al, would like for us to do. We are the PUBLIC who ELECTED THEM to SERVE THE PUBLIC NEEDS regarding ALL Port of Shelton decisions and actions. I guess some of them have forgotten WHO PAYS THEIR SALARIES! Now, they want a 1% Budget Increase?
ReplyDeleteAs a member in good standing of the Washington State Pilot's Association, I suggest we close down the Sanderson Field Airport and construct a child's playground where the big boys used to play.
ReplyDeleteAs a taxpayer, I see little benefit in the Port running the airport at all. It should be privatized. Why should taxpayers support the WPA playground? Let it fly with its own wings.
ReplyDeleteAre you reading this Rahn Redman?
I very much like the child playground idea.
ReplyDeletePrivatize it; that's the new mantra from many elected officials: "We cannot afford to be in the business of ______________, and private enterprise can do it so much better... so, privatize it!"
ReplyDeleteAlthough, if the airport is a money hole down which the Port keeps pouring our dollars, maybe no one would want it?
Let's put that to a vote, huh, why should the Port of Shelton run an airport, and put the lion's share of its resources there, and let the marina - which seems like a "Port" sort of business - to fall into disrepair?