Interim port commissioner Morris showed courage

Our community would benefit from reflecting on interim Olympia port commissioner Michelle Morris’ departing interview with Rolf Boone (The Olympian, Dec. 13). Morris reveals that before her appointment as commissioner she was supported by and worked with a group strongly critical of the port. Their vilification of the port was harsh and consistently public.

Throughout her six months of first-hand analysis, however, Morris came to recognize severe shortcomings of many of the group’s positions. In her interview with Boone, she candidly revealed that the group consistently disseminated misinformation fraught with inaccuracies and omissions of fact.

These tactics, of course, frequently create faux issues which polarize the community and misdirect its decision-makers, costing the community dearly.

I and a multitude of others I’ve spoken with would like to thank Michelle for her objectivity, resoluteness, and courage. Our community and environment benefit from decisions based on factual analysis and the most competent, unbiased expertise available. Morris understands this principle and adhered to it while a port commissioner.

This story was originally published January 4, 2016 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Interim port commissioner Morris showed courage."