Mike Diamanti resigned today as president of the board of commissioners for the Port of Coupeville.
His resignation comes four days after the other two commissioners, William Bell and John Mishasek, surprised him with a vote to terminate Executive Director Forrest Rambo.
“The surprise motion to terminate our executive director at the Sept. 29, 2016 meeting is completely at odds with my goals and objectives for the Port of Coupeville,” he wrote in his resignation letter. “Coming on the heels of the resignation of our events coordinator, Kristi O’Donnell, and our financial services provider, Jones Accounting Associates, this motion stops the flow of port operations at a time when a steady hand was required.”
Diamanti said he feels he is no longer effective as a commissioner and that Bell and Mishasek have created an “unworkable” situation.
“As president of the board, it has become impossible to facilitate port meetings and efficiently accomplish necessary priorities in a timely manner without support from the other two commissioners, the executive director is having his judgment questioned, is frequently under attack, and is expected to fix, resolve and promote all the port’s objectives, which are not, by definition, a moving target,” he wrote.
Diamanti submitted his resignation and turned in his keys and port iPad this afternoon.
“My resignation comes reluctantly because of the widespread support I have received from many Central Whidbey residents in the 10 years I have been associated with the Port of Coupeville,” Diamanti wrote. “My advice to them is that they should consistently ask for explanations for all Port of Coupeville motions, actions and policies and attend port meetings to witness first-hand commissioner behavior.”
A special meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. tomorrow at the port office at Greenbank Farm. The purpose of the meeting is to go into executive session with the port attorney and insurance provider to discuss the executive director transition and personnel matters.
Possible action may follow.
