During January’s public meeting of the International Port of Coos Bay, one of the action items was to increase the monthly retainer to Ken Messerle of Coast Consulting and Services, LLC from $2,000 to $2,500 per month.
Previously, it seems, the Port had the benefit of a ‘dual consultancy’, according to executive director Jeff Bishop, that included the services of Gov Kitzhaber’s chief of staff during his previous adminstration, Steve Marks. Steve Marks, a public policy consultant, apparently received upwards of $6,500 per month from the Port of Coos Bay but has since moved on to the new Kitzhaber administration leaving a ‘bit more work’ for Messerle. Bishop is quick to note that Messerle’s $500 raise will still be a savings of $6,000 per month.
Naturally, this begs a lot of questions, like why, when the State is facing a budget shortfall and asking public employees to accept wage freezes while taking on more work and responsibility, is Ken Messerle asking for and receiving a 20% increase for “a little more work”? Why does the Port need to hire ‘consultants/lobbyists’? Then there is the question of just exactly what does Messerle do for the Port that costs $30,000 annually that cannot be handled by Port staff?
Then the really BIG question is, what did Marks do to earn his $78,000 a year, (for how many years), that can now be handled for a mere $500 per month?
Suggestions welcome.
Messerle is seen at the far right of the image along with Nikki Whitty proudly digging the first holes for the bottomless money pit known as the $51 million 12″ pipeline that keeps costing money.
Although a resident here at the time, I had forgotten that in late 2003 the past governor had thrown out the port commission because of the controversy caused by their efforts to land a container terminal using public (citizen taxpayers) monies. Isn’t that happening now? Is Messerle being paid in part for that effort? And, while on controversial matters that you are paying for; can anyone out there tell me where the tickets for the Taxpayer Limited Railroad are beig sold?
The goal is to improve his retirement income, is my guess Toland, at our expense
I guess it depends on What mud it is shoveling or using to bury what and WHO is shoveling. Yes, what is Messerlle doing? I agree with the comment above. What is the goal etc. of this lobbyist, our former senator who, by the way, I believe has been lobbying since he was moved from his old senate district. Isn’t workin on the farm good enough anymore or is that just left to brother Fred and wife?
I do see Messerle showing up at BOC and Port meetings regarding ORC from time to time… but then I am showing up for those too or I wouldn’t have seen him. If he is advocating for ORC (which the Port sees as good for the Port) I wonder if ORC pays him also. Not sure I have ever heard him say anything at these meetings
Mr. Themguys, On the Waterfront was a great movie.
Of course, the answer to MGX rhetorical question heading this article is, because we are contractually obligated to do so. The port is not a commissioners / Bishop feifdom – although you would never know it from the conduct of your board – well maybe your board but controlled by the governor. Having said that, citizens of Coos County must not lose sight of the fact that they are the port – they own the port – they employ Mr. Bishop and others – they determine a need for consultants – they employ and pay the consultants. The citizens, as homeowners or renters, are sending millions of dollars annually to the port. The citizens are paying the monies that go to lobbyists, to Messerle, to Bishop (and his salary and perks come close to the governors salary – justify that one Mr. B), and others who would have a difficult time listing their accomplishments for their employers, the citizens. Ask why does this commission, having been appointed by the governor, apparently because he believed that they collectively were well qualified and astute business people, need help from anybody with government affairs? Why does Mr. Ego – er Bishop – need help? Any person who attends port meetings or watches on TV must know that this person believes that he can do all, including walk on water. Isn’t that why he’s getting the big bucks? Wasn’t it interesting that when he applied for another job a few months ago he was rejected early. If he wants a job elsewhere, maybe it’s time to seek a replacement. The state of Oregon and several federal agencies provide the type of service offered by Mr. Messerle free to those who ask for help. As any marketing consultant knows, and that is what Messerle is, it is easy to provide a report that gives a list of people contacted and what was discussed. You citizen employers of Mr. Messerle and others trust – as you should – but have you ever verified? It is time for Bishop, Messerle, and other consultants employed by the citizens to provide to the people in advancce their objectives and goals and how they intend to accomplish the impossible for the citizens. And, if the citizens are not convinced that the impossible is possible with the consultant, maybe it’s time to tell them thanks but no thanks – your services will not be required? Perhaps it is time for you folks who plan the balance of your life here – I don’t- and are active in port activities – to demand from your governor, direct or through your elected representatives Roblan, Verger, and Main, a sound reason why these friends of the governor and friends of the commissioners are feeding on your money at the public trough.
All I can think of is this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSImMMMf5nA
Who knew shoveling mud could be so profitable?