Everett, Wash.
Published: Friday, March 7, 2008

State Ferries' ex-chief remains in field

The firm he's with says his work won't be associated with his former employer

By Scott North
Herald Writer

 SEATTLE -- The former head of Washington State Ferries has taken a job with a Seattle engineering firm that works as a consultant on ferry terminal projects.

Mike Anderson, who retired from his state job in December, won't be working on projects where inside knowledge of the ferry system could benefit his new bosses, KPFF Consulting Engineers, officials said Thursday.

"He has no association with Washington State Ferries' business, nor will he," said Joy Goldenberg, community relations and public outreach manager for the ferry system.

Anderson will focus his energies on maritime projects that don't involve the ferry system, KPFF Vice President Ralph Iboshi said.

"Mike is a leader in the marine industry, nationwide," he said.

Anderson left the ferry system amid turmoil after four 80-year-old ferries were pulled from service following a year of leaks, cracks and questions about the safety of their aging hulls.

Anderson announced his retirement in late October. About a month later, state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond took emergency steps to retire the 1927-vintage Steel Electric-class ferries because of concerns about hull corrosion. The ferry system has since struggled to carry passengers, while at the same time trying to meet stepped-up Coast Guard demands for inspection and repairs on the rest of the fleet.

Anderson spent much of his 34-year career with the ferry system working in its terminal division.

KPFF consultants advise the ferry system on terminal projects.

Word of Anderson's new job first appeared Wednesday on the BitterEnd, a blog that focuses on maritime news. The anonymous post raised questions about conflicts of interest.

State law restricts the role former ferry employees can play as paid consultants or at companies that work under contract with public agencies, said John White, director of terminal engineering for the ferry system.

"There are very clear ethical guidelines that are out there, in law, and we are bound to uphold them, as are the firms that work with us," he said.

Anderson is precluded from doing any work for KPFF on ferry system programs, White said, adding that his office requires contractors to submit billings that identify who is involved in projects.

KPFF is one of five engineering firms the ferry system keeps on call to compete for work on projects related to ferry terminals, Goldenberg said.

Under Anderson, the ferry system embarked on ambitious plans for new terminals -- projects that have since run aground under legislative scrutiny. Legislators also have raised questions about the ferry system's reliance on contract employees.
© 2009The Daily Herald Co., Everett, WA