Say WA? Evergreen State ping
FReepmail sionnsar if you want on or off this ping list.
Ping sionnsar if you see a Washington state related thread.
Posted on 01/09/2008 9:33:59 AM PST by AngelesCrestHighway
SEATTLE -- Reports of alleged abuse and fraud, and a federal investigation, have prompted a shake up at the Port of Seattle, and now port commissioners vow to change the way they operate.
Public outrage was so widespread, a 2-hour meeting Tuesday lasted hours longer
A state audit detailing $97 million of waste by the port is what provoked the outrage. Then came news the Department of Justice had launched a criminal investigation.
"I think somebody needs to step out and hold these people accountable," said King County resident Stephanie Dotson. "I know I'm one small voice, but by God, I'm going to be here and speak with it."
Angry taxpayers packed the Port of Seattle's commission chamber demanding an explanation to alleged reports of abuse, fraud, and misuse.
Commissioners responded with an action plan, vowing to change the way they operate.
"We have apparently been in an era where a culture of non accountability was tolerated," said Port Commisioner Gael Tarleton. "We are moving to a culture of accountability."
The so-called action plan lays out three changes:
* Stronger oversight for major projects -- including public meetings in the community * Public reports for projects over $10 million. * A new employee code of conduct that stresses openess and accountability.
Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani agreed to the changes, but he insisted the port did not waste money on Sea-Tac's third runway, as the audit alleges.
"By the time the contract was awarded, there was a region-wide, worldwide construction boom and the cost of materials was skyrocketing at that point," he said.
He says cost increases led to an inflated budget -- not fraud or misuse of public money.
But while Yoshitani insists fraud was not committed, he has set up a fraud hotline for employees to report abuse.
The surface has likely JUST been scratched.....wouldn’t be surprised if King County, and many in the Legislature are watching this, and wondering....when they’ll get caught.
The federal investigation should have started when Christine Haywire frauded her way into Olympia with multiple vote recounts to beat Dino Rossi.
King County alone got Haywire elected over Rossi....
True, watch and see how fast Brian Sontag gets kneecapped.
The Dems will defend this to the death. The amount of patronage jobs is incredible - not talking about the high paying jobs but at the middle 65-100K levels.
WA State Ping!
Culture of non-accountability? That’s what the liberals have been championing for decades.
Agree. I bet the 'rats everywhere are scrambling about, wondering if this could spread out and end up in Olympia.
If I remember correctly, they took over a $million$ out of his budget after he nailed DHHS, back around 2002. One of the items missing (unnacounted for) was around 800,000 vicodin.
I-900 gave him back his power, yet he’s getting the bums rush every time he produces a damning audit. We need a new sheriff to come to town.
Nothing is going to change until the whole port bureaucracy is swept clean and somebody does some jail time. They are still gaffing the people off. No money was wasted, oh, gosh, I guess we need to start being accountable, a new employee code of conduct. Eyewash!
Public reports for projects over 10 million dollars? TEN MILLION? So just make everything come in at 9.9 million and tell the taxpayer nothing?
And what was said about Dinsmore’s over-inflated golden parachute? Is he going to get it? Did that arrogant b__tard have to answer any questions?
And a fraud hotline. HA! How to lose your job with one phone call.
Are they here yet? =)
“And a fraud hotline. HA! How to lose your job with one phone call.”....Yeah!...that’s a good one! How to end up in Elliot Bay with cement shoes!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.