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After Executive Director Kyle Heaton said “Maybe I attract idiots” at the June 18 meeting, I think the public deserves to know what kind of leaders we have at our citizen-owned port.
At port meetings, the public has an opportunity to make comments. These comments are protected by the First Amendment. By law, there is very little speech that would not be allowed. The Port of Centralia Board of Commissioners and staff don’t have to like what you say, but they cannot stop you from saying it, as long as it falls within the allowed speech.
However, at the last meeting, my comment about false accusations being made against citizens by Executive Director Kyle Heaton must have hit a nerve, as Heaton could not contain himself during the seven-minute meeting. As I returned to my seat, Heaton spouted, “Maybe I attract idiots.” Many citizens attending were in shock. Commission President Kyle Markstrom made no attempt to control his employee but continued on as if nothing happened. In my opinion, this behavior by Heaton and lack of leadership by Markstrom is unprofessional and absolutely appalling.
This kind of abuse has been ongoing since the first time I went to a port meeting about six years ago and dared to ask a question. Little did I know then that asking questions puts you on the port’s enemy list. Because I continue to ask questions, make records requests and research, I believe I am targeted for bullying, harassment, intimidation, fake Facebook profile pages dedicated to discrediting me, and yes, even threats.
You may have seen articles about Markstrom’s attempt to weaponize Sheriff Snaza and the Prosecutor, in an abuse of power in my opinion, by sending them a letter containing accusations against me and others. Nothing has come of it because there was no basis for the accusations.
This outrageous move by Markstrom on behalf of Heaton was purely retaliatory. And it seems the abuse not only continues, but has escalated to Heaton calling citizens “idiots.”
I’ve long felt that was what he thought of citizens, but never would have thought a professional person, working for a public-owned entity, would resort to such behavior and actually be condoned by his superior. Anywhere else he would have been fired on the spot.
Oh, but wait, that can’t happen at our port because Heaton has a “golden parachute” contract, which states he can only be fired if convicted of “moral turpitude” or “embezzlement” from the port.
And “good cause” cannot include “negligence or failure to act.”
How stupid would a person have to be to sign a contract like that? Well, Heaton did say “maybe (he) attracts idiots.” One of those contract signers, Commissioner Julie Shaffley, is still there and is currently running for a third term.
We have a chance to take back our port this November by voting for Ally Pickard for Port of Centralia commissioner in District 2. She will represent all citizens with integrity and respect.
Jan Banevich
Centralia
