By Investigative Reporter, Linda Sutter – February 19, 2025
With two “potential” lawsuits hanging over their heads as a means to justify closed sessions and the loss of $40 million in grant money, one might expect the Harbor District Commissioners to be more forthcoming with the public.
Especially after handing over $47,500.00 to Mike Bhar of CSS for grants. But transparency and accountability seem to be foreign concepts to these officials. The public is allowed to ask questions, yet the commissioners response is nothing short of dismissive. They sit comfortably on their positions of power, twiddling their thumbs, refusing to acknowledge the concerns of the very people they are supposed to serve.
The new commissioners have solidified their “us” against “them” mentality, ensuring that nothing of value gets accomplished. It took less than 3 minutes into the general public comment period before Chair Weber slammed his gavel, cutting off an elderly woman mid-speech, claiming her comments were irrelevant to the harbor. This blatant disregard for public discourse is not only an overreach of authority but an insult to the principles of open government.
General public comment is meant to allow the public to speak freely for 3 minutes, yet this fundamental right is being trampled on. It is no wonder the Harbor District is facing legal action. What is truly disgraceful is the treatment of speakers who face personal challenges. Rather than demonstrating compassion or respect, commissioners gleefully invoke, “point of order” to silence them. This behavior is not only unprofessional but reveals a disturbing lack of humanity among those in charge.
The Harbor District deserves representatives who uplift their constituents, not ones who belittle them for sport. And what exactly is getting done at the harbor? Absolutely nothing. Despite being elected to serve, these officials cannot even produce an ordinance. This basic responsibility falls to the Harbor District attorney- a fact the commissioners seem oblivious to. Meanwhile, the new harbormaster prides himself on being frugal, refusing to allocate funds for necessary legal services, except for potential lawsuits. As a result, no real progress is being made.
With the 4th of July on the horizon, it is only a matter of time before the consequences of this negligence become dire. Without proper planning, safety measures, or leadership, the risk of a tragedy looms large. And yet, the harbor district remains a laughable sinking ship, determined to destroy what little remains.
This is the state of our Harbor District-dysfunctional, irresponsible, and on the verge of complete collapse. The taxpayer deserves better, and it is time for real change before the damage becomes irreversible.
RECALL MEASURES ARE INEVITABLE.
