The most recent Port of Coos Bay commissioners meeting is available online and it might be worth watching to see how little opportunity the public is given to participate in Port business. For example, citizen comments are scheduled ahead of action items so these matters are not debated by the public prior to a vote by the commissioners. Another common practice at the Port is the use of non-disclosure or confidentiality agreements that staff sign with prospective partners or customers that denies the public access to information necessary to evaluate the performance or potential of Port development. Bishop says they will release information “only when it is appropriate” which roughly translates into, “…we know what we are doing, just give us your money and stay out of the way”. While I didn’t watch the entire thing I did pick up on multiple use of the term “due diligence” by Jeff Bishop and other staff members during their discussions about the railroad and possible upcoming developments and we can encourage them to actually employ some due diligence even if they don’t want to allow the public to participate.

Things aren’t much better at Coos County even though public comment is allowed on agenda items and time is given for general discussion at the end of each meeting. Lately, the commission has taken to literally abusing members of the public who don’t agree or for simply trying to present a new perspective of available information like complex details of the county budget. Commissioner Main continually interrupted one citizen, Randy Sanne, and Commissioner Parry actually shouted accusations at Sanne and denied his right to speak by asking to move on to the next speaker all this while Commissioner Messerle observed silently. It is clear this commission only wants to hear from members of the public who first genuflect to the board and agree with their effectively unilateral conclusions.

Additionally, the commissioners through their agents are attempting to silence dissenting voices of volunteers who take time out of their day to run the cameras that record these meetings for those of us unable to attend. Apparently the commissioners don’t feel an unpaid citizen should have the right to step out from behind the camera and participate in their own governance unless they plan on spreading lavish praise on the board. This board only wants to hear from people who support decisions they have already made without public input.