2 great Port of Kennewick candidates are facing off. But one has the edge | Editorial
In the race for the Port of Kennewick Commission, we recommend returning incumbent Tom Moak to office.
But we do so with an important caveat. If re-elected, Moak must pay more attention to his professional, respectful treatment of port staff and officials.
He was sanctioned earlier this year after an investigation found he violated port rules requiring civil and respectful treatment of others.
We believe Moak will do better.
He is a man who wants to get work done, and considering he quickly accepted the sanctions imposed on him, we believe he should have another chance in office.
However, we know there will be voters who will not be so forgiving — and who will disagree.
Moak’s challenger is VJ Meadows, a long-time booster of business and nonprofit groups in the Tri-City area. She is sharp, courteous and well respected in the community.
She said she is running because she sees a need for someone to handle damage control at the Port of Kennewick. Meadows is a dynamo and knows the value of treating people well — and that is the best reason to support her candidacy.
Meadows is currently the executive director of the Tri-Cities Food Bank, and she also is the executive director of the Benton City Economic Development Council. She has a long list of accomplishments, and for several years led the Richland Chamber of Commerce.
Her positive attitude and her experience working on boards and commissions is commendable.
However, Moak’s knowledge and commitment to the Port’s current projects is unmatched.
Moak served on the Kennewick City Council from 1998-2009. Even back then he was a champion of economic development in the region, particularly in downtown Kennewick and at Vista Field.
In fact, he believes supporting the controversial closing of the airport at Vista Field cost him his position on the city council.
But Moak has persevered with his community mission, and he has been an important part of the port’s successes.
He has been on the Port of Kennewick Commission since 2014, and he helped lay the groundwork for many projects, including the creation of a new urban center at Vista Field and the creation of the Columbia Gardens project downtown.
In our editorial board meeting, Moak said he thought port CEO Tim Arntzen is doing a great job, and gave him an 8 on a 1 to 10 scale. He also praised port staff for its hard work and professionalism.
This is not the same picture that Port Commissioner Skip Novakovich related in his whistleblower complaint about how Moak and Port Commissioner Don Barnes are mistreating Arntzen.
Initially, Novakovich sent the letter anonymously, but he later admitted to writing it.
The letter said, in part, “I now see a CEO worn down, tired and rendered ineffective by being ridiculed in public meetings, particularly by Commissioner Moak but also by Commissioner Barnes.
“ … I see a once bright, energetic staff now fearful, discouraged, some ready to seek employment elsewhere in order to escape the continued abuse and criticism of Commissioners Moak and Barnes.”
Moak told us he was caught by surprise by the letter. At the time of his public reprimand, he said, “I accept that my conduct needs to be better.”
It isn’t necessary for port commissioners to be in lockstep with each other and with port staff. But they need to be able to talk to each other and work through differences in a regardful manner.
Moak called all three port commissioners “free-thinkers,” and said that may be why there is tension.
He already has done some training to help him improve his communications skills and wants to move forward.
Meadows could be a mediating force if elected to the port commission, but her learning curve would be steep.
Moak has been focused on redeveloping Vista Field for decades, and we would like to see him have the chance to see the project through.
We want to believe he has learned a lesson, and will work more professionally with port staff.
The Herald recommends Tom Moak for the Port of Kennewick Commission.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREBehind Our Election Recommendations
Who decides the recommendations?
Members of The Tri-City Herald editorial board is comprised of experienced opinion journalists and community members, and is separate from The Herald’s newsroom. Conversations are on the record.
What does the recommendation process entail?
Whenever possible, The Herald editorial board meets with opposing candidates at the same time. The questions are largely focused on a candidate’s qualifications and goals. The editorial board then discusses the candidates in each race and decides who to recommend. Board members seek to reach a consensus on our recommendations, but not every decision is unanimous.
Is the editorial board partisan?
No. In making recommendations, members of the editorial board consider which candidates are well prepared to represent their constituents — not whether they agree with us or belong to a particular political party. We evaluate candidates’ relevant experience, their readiness for office, their depth of knowledge of key issues, their understanding of public policy and their ability to work with the current board . We’re seeking candidates who are thoughtful and who offer more than just party-line talking points. The editorial board will endorse both Republicans and Democrats.
Why are the editorials unsigned?
Our election recommendations reflect the collective views of The Herald’s editorial board — not just the opinion of one writer. For the 2022 election, the board includes: Cecilia Rexus, Herald editorial writer; Laurie Williams, Herald executive editor; Jack Briggs, retired Herald publisher; Ken Robertson, retired Herald executive director; Matt Taylor, retired Herald editorial writer; Mike Paoli and Martin Valadez, community representatives.
This story was originally published October 12, 2019 at 5:00 AM.