Port of Olympia commissioners confirmed rumors Monday night that military shipments could again move through Olympia’s port.
“The Port of Olympia has been in conversation with several potential shippers in an effort to increase marine cargo coming through the port,” Commissioner Joe Downing said at the port’s regular meeting. “One potential shipper is Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The port cannot legally deny some cargo while accepting others.”
Commissioner E.J. Zita — who, as a private citizen, hosted a community gathering last week to discuss potential military shipments — focused her remarks Thursday on how veterans see the shipments.
“There are veterans who support primarily military shipments coming into the port, because returning shipments mean our soldiers are returning,” Zita said. “Returning shipments mean they are coming home with their equipment.”
Zita added: “I heard veterans last week saying, ‘We want to work together, we want to listen, and we don’t want anybody to get hurt.’ ”
Commissioner Bill McGregor, a Coast Guard veteran, said the port’s main priority is handling cargo, not becoming involved in politics. McGregor said he wants the port to take advantage of cargo shipments that can be lucrative for the city of Olympia.
“I support the military,” McGregor said. “I am always supportive of looking for new cargo. If there is an opportunity out there, we want to go after it because that is how we make money.”
Plea for transparency
The topic also was addressed during the time allotted for public comment. Residents voiced opposition to military shipments. One said military shipments cause hostility. Another resident was fearful such shipments would lead to more of the violent protests against military shipments that occurred in 2007.
Terry Zander, a Vietnam veteran and 35-year Olympia resident, said he is not opposed to military shipments but would like transparency from Port of Olympia commissioners.
“If you’re going to have military shipments, why keep it secret?” said Zander, 68. “If you want to do it, tell us. It’s our dollars.”
Robert Rose, a business agent at the Port of Olympia, said if military shipments were slated to begin, there would be months of planning and labor beforehand.
“There has been some talk that there is a military shipment due here in September,” Rose said. “I assure you, we would be informed if that was truly happening.”
The Port of Olympia will hold another commission meeting Aug. 8 to further discuss military shipments and hear more concerns from the public, Downing said.
“The port strives to be as transparent as possible and will work with the cities and the county to create an outcome that serves our community and our port,” Downing said.
