Letter to the editor: Shaffley ensures confidentiality and appropriate transparency occurs at the port

I am supporting Julie Shaffley for Port of Centralia commissioner.

As the current commissioner, Julie ensures that confidentiality and appropriate transparency occurs at the port. As a public entity, the Centralia Port District is entrusted with the dual responsibility of maintaining confidentiality where required and promoting transparency in alignment with the principles of good governance, legal compliance and public accountability. The Port of Centralia’s prime mission is to encourage and promote businesses within the port district.

Real estate negotiations are sensitive and private so as to protect both buyers and sellers rights. Information that can be released will be, but not prior to finalization of the transaction. As a realtor, I have to abide by these laws and so does the Port. I recognize that transparency is essential to building trust with the public, port users, employees and other stakeholders. In accordance with the Washington state Public Records Act, they are committed to providing open access to public records and conducting open meetings.

At the same time, certain information must remain confidential to protect the interests of the port district, their business partners and the public. This includes, but is not limited to: proprietary or sensitive business information, personnel records, legal matters under attorney-client privilege and information related to ongoing real estate or other negotiations or security operations.

The port is committed to handling confidential information responsibly and only disclosing it when legally permissible and appropriate.

The appropriate time that information can be released is when negotiations are finalized and contracts are signed, not before. Port staff and commissioners are required to adhere to all relevant laws, policies and ethical standards regarding confidentiality and public disclosure.

The port welcomes appropriate public input and strives to balance openness with the protection of sensitive information as part of their public stewardship.

Julie is not only a great asset to the Port of Centralia and our community, but she is also a person of integrity.

For these reasons, I support Julie Shaffley in her re-election for Centralia port commissioner.

Walter Cuestas

Chehalis