Rumors of military shipments aired at Olympia gathering

A former Olympia City Councilman, citing a conversation with a current member of that council, said shipments of military cargo are expected at the Port of Olympia in September. But Joint Base Lewis-McChord disputes that.

Former councilman T.J. Johnson shared those comments during a community gathering Thursday at The United Churches of Olympia. The meeting was organized by Port of Olympia Commissioner E.J. Zita to discuss the possibility of military cargo at the port. She organized the gathering as a private citizen, after the port declined to officially sponsor the meeting.

About 30 people, including veterans, filled a room at the church.

Johnson, citing a June conversation with Olympia Mayor Pro Tem Nathaniel Jones, said the port had contacted the city about military cargo.

“It’s a done deal,” Johnson said at the meeting, “and it’s going to happen in September.”

However, when contacted Friday, Joseph Piek, a spokesman for Joint Base Lewis-McChord, said he checked with a variety of commands and agencies across the base on the issue.

“At this point, we’re not aware of any shipments into or out of the Port of Olympia,” Piek said.

At the meeting, Johnson expressed surprise that military cargo would be considered again after anti-war protests and violence erupted in 2004, 2005 and 2007 when military cargo was shipped. Those incidents resulted in multiple arrests and thousands of dollars in police protection costs that were paid by the city of Olympia and the port.

“Why would the port think it would be any different?” Johnson said.

Jones did not attend Thursday’s meeting, but had this to say Thursday night:

“My concern is the impact on the city and community,” he said about military cargo. “It’s very clear this has been disruptive in the past. We need to be very thoughtful about the role of the port and the impact on law enforcement, traffic, commerce and the economy. There’s lots to consider here.”

He added: “If we are to do this, we need to do this in a very thoughtful way that reflects the values of our community.”

Although Johnson named a specific date for shipments, Zita said it wasn’t that clear. She acknowledged that because of national security concerns, she’s not even sure she would be privy to when military cargo would be shipped.

That didn’t sit well with one audience member, who said she expected more from the port in terms of transparency.

“I feel totally betrayed,” said Tracy Osterhout of Olympia.

Zita explained that in an effort to be transparent and to prevent more violence, she wanted to have the meetings to share all perspectives, even though “she was strongly directed to back off these public sessions,” she said.

She still plans to hold another meeting that’s set for 7 p.m. Aug. 18 at Traditions Cafe, 300 Fifth Ave SW, Olympia.

“I’m still encouraging the port administration to join us because there are questions that only they can answer,” she said.

Meanwhile, passionate views were shared about military cargo at the port.

Alton Johnson of Olympia, who said he served in the Marines, asked the audience to consider those veterans serving in the Middle East, particularly those who get “gate duty” and have to guard military equipment abroad. He said it’s dangerous work.

“They can’t come home unless their stuff (cargo) comes home,” he said. “So what I ask of you is to stand with me and make a little sacrifice, just a little one, because the others are making a big sacrifice.”

Terry Zander of Olympia, who took issue with the lack of information at the meeting, spoke more forcefully, saying he wants the military shipments to stop. He recalled the image of police showing up in riot gear to confront demonstrators a decade ago.

Keith Bausch, the former longtime president of the longshore local that serves the port, said the former military shipments created enough work for more than 100 longshore over a three-week period.

“As always, we support our military,” he said. “We have a legal and moral obligation to support them.”

This story was originally published July 22, 2016 at 12:07 AM with the headline "Rumors of military shipments aired at Olympia gathering."