Attack on Wolken reprehensible

It's no wonder Nina O'Neil was bounced from office after serving a single term as an Everett Port Commissioner. Her Oct. 4 letter is a blind attack on Port Commissioner Mark Wolken and was not only reprehensible in its character attack, but also comical in its total lack of substance.

O'Neil repeats the unfounded attacks by Tom Stiger on the port as a whole. Their characterization of the port as "going down the tubes" and "running businesses out" are not backed by facts. Two new commissioners, Mark Wolken and Troy McClelland, were elected in 2009. In that time, businesses on port property have expanded. Shipping business has also increased. The port's bond rating, the second highest among the 83 ports in the state of Washington, was just reaffirmed, indicating strong, stable fiscal management.

We don't need relics from the past throwing around baseless innuendo, and we certainly don't need to resurrect an out-of-touch commissioner from 40 years ago buoyed by a mudslinging commissioner from more than 20 years ago. We need relevant management and vision for today and our future. Mark Wolken has these qualities. His leadership is a big reason why the port is indeed in good shape and getting stronger.

Gary Grim
Everett