Port of Port Angeles Executive Director Resigns, Gets Re-Hired for Newly-Created Port Position
The title pretty much says it. Jeff Robb, Executive Director of the Port of Port Angeles, announced his resignation today because of serious health issues. Port commissioners immediately voted 2 to 1 to create a new position: Port Director of Environmental Affairs. And filling this new position will be: Jeff Robb. His salary will be $138,000, which is the same salary he's been receiving as Executive Director.
posted by Tom Harper at 4:47 PM
44 Comments:
How is this legal?
Perfect. Simply perfect. THIS IS WHAT LOCAL GOVERNMENT IS ALL ABOUT IN CLALLAM COUNTY. It's all rotten, it all stinks. And yet, some wonder why people won't run for office. Some question whether or not there are dirty dealings at the county. Some think our local state reps are really honest.
BULLSHIT. They're ALL dirty as hell. I mean, when Jim Hallett - Jim Fucking Ran Unopposed Hallett - is the sensible one at a meeting, you know you're in trouble.
Hum....
And no one in this area is worth that kind of money, they don't give a shit about us, they give a shit about big pay checks.
Those over paid fucks at the port want us so pay for improvements for other over paid fucks that want to come here and they expect us to help pay for the improvements they want.
Because they are so special to us and provide us jobs and shit like that. Fuck them, they can pay for the improvements they want.
I have no use for rich fucks.
I'm still trying to wrap my head around this. Did they think they could get away with it because it's so blatantly corrupt?
What recourse do we really have besides voting out McHugh?
This situation reeks of violations of Open Government laws. When was there any public discussion about creating a new position of Environmental Director? Did the new employment contract Robb is pictured as signing just miraculously appear out of thin air, without the Port Commissioners ever reviewing it or discussing its terms? If the Port Commissioners took action in private to devise and decide upon this scheme, then state law says that such action is void, and each commissioner can be personally fined.
Is there an attorney or prosecutor anywhere in WA willing to stand up for the public's rights under Open Government laws and take action against such flagrant violations?
I heard that McHugh wasn't at this meeting, he phoned in. I heard that during public comment someone asked McHugh if he was in Idaho, where he actually lives. I heard that McHugh didn't respond to this question. Anyone got any more info?
I'm guessing that Robb got forced out and his two buddy commissioners cooked up this one year deal so Robb got his 30 year pin and save face.
Robb's performance has been questionable to say the least, he became arrogant, power hunger and forgot who paid his salary.
I've known Jeff Robb to be an honest, hardworking citizen. Once he speaks to these allegations, I'm sure the truth will come out, about how honest, and hardworking he is.
Anyone want to buy a house?
What is this, New Jersey?
What exactly will he be doing to justify $138,000 each year in our little burg with our money?
Please, someone tell us.
This is un-fucking-believable. Where is the oversight? Why does the PDN article feel like there's so much left unsaid? It's as if the author has a muzzle on.
Prince Robb has "a number of serious health issues for a number of months that have not improved with time"?
Yet the same day he resigned, he starts a new, specially made positon, just for him, at the same $138,000 salary? Don't forget the bennies and perks.
For fuck's sake, who is minding the shop?
Does this shout welfare for the connected rich slurping at the public trough?
Read between the lines here:
"Hallett questioned why the port would pay Robb the same salary for having fewer responsibilities than as executive director.
“We should post this position,” Hallett said. “We need to be seeking the best-qualified candidate.”
John Calhoun and Paul McHugh voted in favor of the new contract.
“I am in favor of the motion,” Calhoun said, adding he had “nothing else” to say.
McHugh thanked Robb for “his many years of service.”
McHugh added he looks forward to working with Robb in “his new and critical role.”
Oh how can I talk about someone so "honest and hardwoking"?
I love he talks about how the Port is his family. Sounds more mafisoso.
This reeks so badly it makes me ashamed to live in this town. There is surely a crooked story here which is not being written. Maybe it's simply the clash of high-priced egos who are paid by us. Maybe there's more.
Shame on the PDN for not cracking this stinking story wide open.
I hope there is something to the claim that this violates Open Government laws, and that the closed-door back-room dealings and decisions get the scrutiny of the State Attorney General. We should have zero tolerance for made-up positons. Let's check out Robb's retirement plan. How much will he be making after 30 years from the citizens of this small city?
After a year which he'll be working despite his numerous health issues (oh, poor boy), will he become a high-priced consultant to the Port, a lobbyist in Olympia, or a comfortable board member of a business doing business with the Port or the City? Anyone taking bets?
And what is he doing in this made-up positon that qualifies him for one hundred and thirty-eight thousand dollars this year? (Plus bennies and perks).
This is happening in front of our eyes, in 2013, and we pay the bill.
Come next election, who will you vote for? Does, for example, hisHighness Commissioner McHugh actually live in Idaho with his $138,000? Did he really phone in the meeting? I guess all we can do is vote, and that sucks like a parasite.
Now that you mention it this does smack of New Jersey. And changing faces with votes isn't going to change or improve anything.
Weren't we just talking about who runs this town, etc in another thread? Perfect example of how things are done here.
Special treatment for a special few.
Vote them out? Who is running that is better? How many are running unopposed?
Yes, I can see that real change is right around the corner.
I heard Hallett used a...PUPPET to discuss this topic at a meeting Monday. Anyone?...Bueller?...
According to the county charter the citizens can recall any elected official. I think it's time we exercised that right.
This is at least the third "boomerang" hire at the Port in recent memory. Pat Deja (Vu) and Dave Hagiwara both went away, then came right back. Of all the corrupt local entities, the Port is clearly the worst.
But let's not forget the County. Sheila Roark Miller anyone? Someone with no human resources experience hired to head human resources. Chaos and complaints of abusive management coming from multiple departments, from multiple people. Failure to prosecute felonies, instead choosing to dump them on local cities...
Who then fail to prosecute them as well. But who can blame Port Angeles? It hasn't the time or resources to deal with crime, not when it's so busy with huge, pointless public works projects that skyrocket utility rates. Want someone with only a high school education and a bad attitude to deal with your required permits? Come on down to the city of Port Angeles. They'll stop your small renovation on a whim, but let Nippon break ground on a multi-million dollar project without a permit, and without a penalty. No one wants to run for City Council you say? What, have we run out of crooks?
And let's not overlook the ways various entities work together. The proposed Lincoln Park fiasco is a good example. The Port wants to raze the trees due to their having given away the land they would have needed to expand to the Sprint Boat yahoos. (One of said yahoos is now quoted in the PDN defending Jeff Robb, by the way...) Then the city wasn't "able" to spot any wetlands being filled in by the Sprint Boat morons, when the Army Corps of Engineers found over an acre had been filled in.
Or let's look at the totally, deeply unnecessary widening of Hwy. 101. Boy, our state reps sure did bring home the bacon on that one. And that bacon will be going into some local, well-connected pockets, no doubt. All to widen a road that is rarely congested, and, with the economy and fuel prices being what they are, is only likely to be LESS congested in the future.
All of this greed and graft is paid for by tax dollars. We are all paying. This type of crime is not victimless. We are all vicitims. And, let's be honest (pardon the expression), all this corruption has made the entire county a laughing stock. So long as this goes on, the entire county will, at best, lag far, far behind economically and otherwise.
Any wonder why those of us with an ounce of sense and a desire for a future are making plans to bail out of here? This place is poison.
Voting always helps to some degree. Your cynicism, BBC, is as ugly as this situation. The fat cats who slurp from the public trough everywhere depend on people like you to say "It doesn't matter, they're all just the same." There are degrees of slime -- why can't you recognize that? Oh, because you are a legend in your own mind, farting out your endless (and un-funny) cynicism at every opportunity?
Let's vote the Commissioner from Idaho the hell out. if it is indeed true that he's phoning it in for his huge salary (plus bennies and perks).
@ 12:31 PM..... My cynicism on voting is the result of fifty years of voting and seeing the results. I will of course keep voting for the fools of my choice.
Here are some people and connections to look into, in search of the peak of the corrupt shit heap in Clallam County.
Look into the greatly overpaid Mike Glenn, who never leaves his home in Sequim, even when supposedly working for Jefferson County. Also look into his wife, Kristin, who has long-standing dirty connections with (oh shit!) the Attorney General's office, as well as with Erik Rohrer.
Look at how all those people have connections to/seats on the Peninsula College Foundation Board. As did Karen Rogers. See also how former mill managers like Orville Campbell move in these same (closed) circles. Think how a reptile might think - cold, distant, your own survival all that matters. Then think who you'd need to be on friendly terms with here in order to "do business."
Some of these poisonous creatures (think Mayor Rogers, for instance) are fairly well known for their vicious and corrupt ways. Others, who have clear, strong and long-standing connections to them are seemingly slicker, and flying below radar.
But the connections ARE there if you want to look for them. The outline of the spider's web IS visible, if you look close enough. But it's not enough just to see the web - we've got to tear it down and squash the spiders.
Spiders and rats and leeches. The proud leaders of Clallam County. Thanks to the Port for, just this once, letting it all hang out and engaging in true open and transparent government, in your own sick way.
Baba Louie says a recall petition takes 3,875 signatures. Who's going to start it?
12:31 - I'd happily smell that man's farts for an eternity, rather than have to endure one nanosecond of a whiff of phony like yourself. I think it just frustrates people like you when others have a history of not being surprised. DOH!
Same as it ever was ...same as it ever was...same as it ever was.
I grew up in this town. We used to have City Councils that gave a shit. We had County Commissioners who weren't necessarily fronting for Real Estate Carpetbaggers. It was a grubby, but nice little town before all the shit hit he fan.
But not he Port... EVER.
Those bastards have been as crooked as a dog's hind leg since they first kicked the natives out and started doing stuff down there.
The only reason this current crop isn't the worst, is because they're kind of stupid, so they aren't exploiting us at full capacity.
Additionally, off subject, I'd like to address the BBC/Farts controversy.
Sometimes I agree in a way with him, sometimes I don't. Sometimes we say terrible shit to one another. Billy, though not native to the peninsula, thrives here because he understands the fundamentals, which include working hard, fishing, not taking any of it too seriously, and not giving two shits about crybabys.
So I don't have to agree with him or like him (which in a sick way, I kinda do) or any of that. The old fucker is REAL. Reading some of this shit, I'm sure some people don't even know what I'm talking about. But as far as Old Farts crackin' wise on this Bog, I vote yes.
This bog just keeps getting better!
Thanks Tom and all who comment.
@1:10 AM I grant you that The Farter is occasionally amusing. But he like to hear himself speak way too much, and the vast majority of it is cynical babble on Repeat. He crowds out intelligent discussion on this blog, and so I call him out.
I agree that this blog is useful to people, so I want to say thanks to Tom also.
The PDN comments for this story http://portangelesonline.blogspot.com/2013/06/port-of-port-angeles-executive-director.html are almost empty. It would be great if anyone with anything substantive to say could copy & paste it there to stir up the pot in this sleepy burg.
This travesty should not abide, and I'd love to see some of these 'tards run out of town. At least one of them. Would be nice... Okay, I'll settle for something, anything, like increased oversight. Who are watching these people who are paid by us?
It's un-fucking-believable what is happening at the Port. Not to mention the stuff @10:25 claims, if even partly true. For fuck's sake.
In my upcoming seventy years it is my observation that it gets worse every year. Sadly, I don't see that we can do anything about it.
Larry Williams making racist, insulting comments about local tribes.
Glenn Cutler threatening to cut off the water to the PUD and their customers.
Karen Rogers serving as mayor while at the same time having a consulting business that makes "connections" to local governmental agencies.
Port Angeles City Council illegally hiring Kent Myers in executive session.
Port employees leaving, and coming right back.
The Big Bu$ $top fiasco.
Harborworks.
Chaos in the PADA.
Political parties scuttling their own candidates.
Various golden parachutes for various city managers and others who left under questionable circumstances.
The County being successfully sued by their own employees for wrongful termination based on sex and age.
The giant boondoggle and waste of public funds on PenPly.
And now the latest amazing episode from the Port.
All this, and much more, some of which has already been laid out here. Yes, corruption, nepotism, racism and lots of other social ills are alive and unwell in Clallam County. Does anyone really dispute that? Does anyone really doubt the existence of a strong and criminal good ol' boys network here?
Yup, thanks Tom and BBC. And Al Gore, for making it all possible. Makes the diff., living here. Not easy.
....Here's my take on the fubar'd POPA debacle:
I think several department heads were ready to stage a revolt (mutiny) against Mr. Robb. Claiming his heavy handed and mean spirited management style. Threatening to quit ("it's him or us") Thus the the meeting on the 19th. I also think that they(port commission) cut a deal to Mr. Robb to avoid a possible wrongful termination lawsuit.
A new Executive Director will be able to fire him at will.
All of this is shrewd and conniving and fits the profile..if you know what I mean.
I really feel like this is going to be a decisive moment for Port Angeles. Either we get a recall petition going and throw the bums out of the Port or they get away with it and they and all the other good old boys are emboldened to do even worse in the future.
I'd sign a recall petition.
I can't organize it, but I'd sure as hell put flyers all over town.
Anon 7:01pm
You hit the nail on the head
I was looking at an old article from earlier this year in the toerag PDN (http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130519/NEWS/305199990/employee-to-seek-port-of-port-angeles-commission-seat) about the Port Commissioner's race...When Colleen McAleer decided to run for Port Commissioner this time, it came out that the Port had a "policy" whereby ANY Port employee that wanted to run for ANY public office first had to get permission from the Executive Director - Jeff Robb.
When she raised objections to this clearly illegal policy, the Port "realized" it was out of bounds and "agreed" to get rid of their unconstitutional policy.
Don't get me wrong: I don't believe for a second that McAleer is any sort of reformer. I'm just reminding you of this for further context in this particular situation, at this particular time.
Jeff Robb is clearly a scumbag, a shameless scumbag. But, in Clallam County anyway, shit floats - right to the top.
Anon 7:01 June 26 and 12:03 June 27 -
If you are correct about the behind-the-scenes conniving to remove Robb, then it seems as if the connivers executed a pretty brilliant plan. If public outcry (and the legal system) declares the new environmental director position to be void because establishing it violated the Open Meetings Act, then the only action taken at the Commission meeting that would be legally effective would be the Commissioners accepting Robb's resignation.
Ooops - Jeff - you were duped ----- and now you are OUT!
Anon 6:22
"Don't get me wrong: I don't believe for a second that McAleer is any sort of reformer.
Why? Not advocating for her or any other candidate at this point, just not clear why you don't think she's rocking the boat in the big way to force transparency with the port. Maybe I'm missing something?
To whom does the Port Attorney owe an ethical duty? Is it the Executive Director? The Commissioners? The Public?
Quicksand!
...From the outside looking in; this entire scam is damn interesting to watch, and if it weren't so disgusting - would actually be funny. Would make a great 'who dunnit" book. I have become too cynical over the course of watching how public officials fleece the public and line their own pockets.I trust no one's motivation at the public level...especially when they tout their great desire to help create jobs bla bla bla. It's all about entrenched power and coushy retirements...period. lots of ego and self contentedness.Ms. MacAleer won't stop until she is either the executive director or port commissioner..whichever is more powerful and moves her onto Olympia or D.C. Mr. Robb got played...big time. And probably way over his head professionally.
I'm surprised the PDN had the guts to run this. Usually they don't like to rock the boat. I've never been sure if they're too lazy, too incompetent or too firmly entrenched in the local system.
@6:56pm You have to thank PDN writer Paul Gottlieb for continuing to investigate and report on this travesty.
More here: http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130626/NEWS/306269988/new-port-directors-pay-far-beyond-that-of-port-angeles-colleagues
And here:
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20130627/news/306279992/0/NEWS/-8216-dysfunctional-8217-relationship-led-to-port-of-port-angels
See the comments there. This blatant bullshit may be a tipping point.
Hail to the Port employees who got Robb removed, he was a disaster and has let things go to his head.
Go Colleen, please take down Mchugh
"I'm surprised the PDN had the guts to run this. Usually they don't like to rock the boat. I've never been sure if they're too lazy, too incompetent or too firmly entrenched in the local system."
Not too difficult to understand the motives of the PDN. They are community promoters, because a community booster will piss off fewer people, sell more ad space, and sell more papers. The PDN is not some kind of objective investigative reporter of "news", looking to report "corruption", but instead trying to paint as pretty a picture it can and not rock the boat.
But, sometimes they do have to report what actually is happening, especially when dozens of people show up at a Port meeting.
Pffftt....all a smokescreen, same with the "woman without a penis", getting caught "helping" people. You are being thrown bones. Woof woof, good boy.
The real corruption around here is far scarier than this shit.
Correcting some misleading information:
The news stories say that Robb needs 30 years on the job in order to qualify for a state pension, and so that is why the commissioners dreamed-up a way to keep him on the payroll (at a hefty salary) for another year. To say that he "must have 30 years to be eligible for a pension..." is nonsense. It could only be true if the sentence went on to explain "...[must have 30 years to be eligible] to retire early and collect full early retirement benefits." Under the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS, Robb has been "fully vested" for many years. The only issue is whether he can start collecting early benefits under the "30 and out" provisions of the PERS rules.
If Robb quit public employment right now at age 59 after 29 years of service, he would be eligible to start receiving retirement benefits when he reaches full retirement age, (in his 60's); and the amount of his pension would be calculated under a formula that averages income over his highest paid few years of service multiplied by the number of years in public employment. Naturally he would prefer that average to be calculated on $138,000 (plus the cash out of accumulated leave time) times 30 years versus 29. And, naturally, he would want to start drawing this generous public pension money at age 60 rather than wait a few years.
So - in sum - this isn't about Robb becoming eligible to receive a pension. It is about gaming the system so that Robb can start receiving unfairly disproportionate early retirement payments and be so financially well off that he would likely never have to be gainfully employed again for the rest of his life.
The real corruption around here is far scarier than this shit.
You going to share it with us?
@ 8:41, you are spot on ! This kind of greed and graft makes me sick to my stomach! As if these public employees are any better or more valuable than the rest of us working stiffs! I've been working for the same company for over 32 years and in no way will I ever get the same kind of retirement+ benefits as these folks at the public trough. I'm mad as hell and can't take it anymore !
Prediction: The Port will hire Jeff Lincoln, former overpaid Director of HarborWorks, to be interim executive director.
Today's PDN reports that the commissioners expect to hire an interim director on July 8 ----- so this smells of more back room dealing, pre-selecting successor candidates in secret.
Post a Comment
<< Home