Editor,

I was very surprised to read the accusation of “backroom scheming” in your piece last week. I am aware that Laura Blankenship was once in charge at Greenbank Farm and that she was removed by the management group.

When she was elected to be a commissioner of the Port of Coupeville I had assumed that her experience with the Greenbank Farm would prove useful.

However, I think the news reports have implied that her motive for election was revenge rather than a positive contribution to the port.

Was that what she was doing?

Why did she so often propose unnecessary changes to the port’s processes and procedures?

Why did she vehemently defend an unauthorized entry into the Port of Coupeville’s computer after the work on the planning of the future of the Greenbank Farm wascompleted?

The executive director, Jim Patton, has gone above and beyond the call of duty in trying to manage the two assets of the Port of Coupeville.

He has consistently overcome all of the challenges presented such as water supply at the farm, storm damage to the wharf, repair of facilities, and coping with abandoned sailing vessels that sunk near the wharf.

He has even under reported his hours to help maintain a balanced budget. He deserves the praise of the community.

Neither he or the remaining commissioners deserved “backroom scheming.”

Robert Yule Elphick
Coupeville