Mayor Pitches Plan to Give West Hayden Island to the Port

1. 800 acres? Do you realize how many lottery delis could fit on 800 acres??!?

2. Is your link broken?

3. Nope. Just checked all three, and all three worked for me.

4. CRC, Sustainability Center, and now a Deepwater Port 100 miles from the Pacific. Why are big, expensive, economically doomed projects so attractive to our local government agencies?

   A deepwater port on West Hayden Island is an expensive loser project waiting to happen. Here’s why:

   1)We can’t accommodate the largest ships in our Ports and we never will. 25 percent of the container ships coming to the west coast will never be able to off load in Portland (super post-panamax ships). And it will only get worse. 2/3 of ships on order at present are super post-panamax ships.

   2) The Pacific Ocean will always be 100 miles away (give or take a bit as global warming kicks into high gear). Ships must navigate the Columbia for nearly 100 miles and this requires two different pilots operate boat traffic. This is one reason why the Port of Portland has the highest tariffs on the West Coast.

   3) We have too much terminal already. Existing Port of Portland terminals, with planned improvements in place per 2020 Marine Terminal Master Plan, can handle more than double today’s cargo volume and still not be at capacity. And when ICTSI just began operating the exing shipping terminal (Terminal 6) under a 25 year lease Enrique Razon, Jr. of ICTSI said:

   “Right now the port is very well equipped for the work it has,” Razon said. “We could easily double the throughput (using existing equipment).”

   Heck, even Bill Wyatt, Port of Portland Executive Director, knows that the Port’s marine terminal is a loser. He just told Steve Duin the other day:

   (Wyatt) remembers the problems at T6 in the 38 years the Port managed the container terminal — “In a really good year, we almost broke even”

   (http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/s…)

   Tell me again why we should hand over West Hayden Island to an organization that in 38 years couldn’t make it’s existing terminal pencil out?

   Please don’t sit on your hands on this one. It promises to be as disruptive, costly, and a drain on the local economy that only rivals the proposed CRC.

   Contact the Mayor & Council now and tell them to get back to the drawing board on West Hayden Island:

   amanda@portlandoregon.gov
   dan@portlandoregon.gov
   samadams@portlandoregon.gov
   nick@portlandoregon.gov
   randy@portlandoregon.gov

   Peace.

5. The public opposition to this project is apparent, loud and until now relatively unnoticed. The only entities in favor are the Port of Portland, the City and anyone who can make a buck or two.
   What has become startlingly clear is that those who have the power to dictate and guide the future of West Hayden Island, Multnomah County, Portland and Oregon are clear that this whole proposition is of a huge benefit to all. All interested parties already have a good working relationship with a company (ICTSI) who, by the ports statements have” good working relationships with ports operating container terminals around the world”. 
   True statement. However what the Port of Portland failed to inform us is that ICTSI, operator of Terminal 6 (who recently received recognition and monetary compensation in the 3-4 million dollar range from the  Port of Portland and the City)  is in fact a rising multi billion dollar global star with investments in port operations around the world. Currently ICTSI is bidding for a 35% stake for a port in Pakistan where its  own subsidiary company owns 55% with a starting offer of  $113 million. ICTSI announced yesterday that it is investing $225 000 000 (that is millions) for port development and operations  at Tolaram Port, Nigeria, Africa. On 29 June 2012 ICTSI announced the inauguration of its  flagship berth, the $600,000,000 (there is that multi million dollar amount again) Berth 6 in Manilla, Philippines.
   Current operations by ICTSI include  ownership/part ownership and agreements to operate 24 terminals in 17 countries around the world, Philippines (6), Indonesia, Brunei, India, China, Japan, United States, Ecuador, Brazil, Poland, Georgia, Croatia, Syria, Madagascar and involved in ongoing projects in Mexico, Columbia and Argentina.
   The current Board of directors is a Who’s Who list of world wide experts in all fields.They are specialists in diversified fields such as; Operations, Financing, Exports, Imports, Container X-Ray, Nuclear technology, Real Estate Transport, Labor, Shipping, Coal, Oil, Lumber, etc.  With expertise in Local, State and World governments and being operated by a diversified, multi-national based group of  the very best business  people  in the world. In fact a group of people that should be the envy of any world government or power. These are not people hired by governments (local, state or national) in gratitude for election work and political wrangling, then appointed to positions they may or may not be qualified for, but highly trained, dedicated and educated individuals who have diligently worked their way into the boardrooms with knowledge, hard work and a thorough understanding of their related fields and the intertwining intricacies both public and private to manipulate a global conglomerate with the ease of a small business.  
   On 31 December 2011 ICTSI reported a net income increase to $ 130.5 million. There is that million word again. With future expansion on the horizon. 
   Bearing this in mind it appears that the annexation of West Hayden Island and conversion to a terminal facility is a small piece of nothing to ICTSI and even though the Port and City of Portland have said “At this time they don’t know who would operate this new facility”. They would be foolish beyond a doubt  to try negotiations with some small fry operator. The Port of Portland and the City are not as capable as a company like ICTSI in planning, building and operating  a project of this size and magnitude. They do not have the cash flow, funding or tax base to even start building let alone operating without cap in hand for higher taxes to pay for this project.
    Remember all grants, tax considerations  and other allowances to private companies for a project is financed by you, THE TAXPAYER. Whether it is city, county, state or federal. Any monies given are taken directly out of your pocket in the way of levies, taxes, bonds, propositions and special assessments. 
   My thoughts to the Port, The City and State are as  follows.;
   If this is such a money maker and job creator private industry should be willing and indeed eager to build, lease and operate at their expense with ZERO PUBLIC FUNDING the future port on West Hayden Island and in fact anywhere in the U.S. or the world as they are already doing.
   They do this in underdeveloped, poor parts of the world. Guess what? We are fast approaching that category. Homeless, Unemployed, Schools , Crime, Healthcare etc. By, giving grants, tax aid and awards while asking for more taxes from the working class to support vital programs at home, School, fire, ambulance, clean air, clean water, garbage, libraries and on and on, you know the financial burdens that you are carrying for your family.
   Everyone knows that the port does not have the same  expertise that a functioning money making corporation has in building and operating shipping terminals locally and world wide . That is why they leased Terminal 6 to ICTSI. The Port of Portland and the City of Portland needs to adjust its  business model to managing what it has and creating a sound tax base for the city, county and state . 
   Government should act to assist not support and pay for private industry to make fortunes on the backs of the working classes, the fast declining middle class and yes even the 20% or so of the 1% who get richer by the day no matter what.
   The Port and City has declared that it can’t afford to build a fully functioning facility providing adequate and smooth transportation into and around the area. That should be the first thing any business would evaluate. Can I get employees and product moved in a timely efficient cost effective manner that will minimize costs.
   I understand the apparent urgency to complete the annexation process. The  committees, boards, public hearings are fresh in the minds of the present city council and all concerned. A new council etc. would take much time getting up to speed. The port and city have stated that it is not expecting to start construction for 10-15 years, so slow down and get it right the first time with adequate consideration for the communities on all sides of Hayden Island, (east, west, north and south) and the wildlife contained on it. With concern for Wa drivers navigating the Interstate Bridge twice daily. With thought for locals and visitors to the many Hotels in the area.
    Do it right or don’t do it. The alternative to industry on Hayden Island is to promote and support a vacation retreat area. The Hotels, moorages, boat slips and supporting business, are already in place. If done correctly this would create more diverse employment, bring more visitors, more taxes and not  cost the taxpayer. My home town Hartlepool, England took a fully working port that shipped coal, lumber, natural gas etc. that was in anyones estimate the armpit of England, (ask any Londoner or someone south of Manchester) and turned it into an International vacation, regatta, boating, recreation area bringing prestige, prosperity and a bright future to the North East of England. Google Hartlepool Marina and then Google West Hartlepool docks (the same place). Compare the differences from the Dickensian dirt, grime and unhealthy filth to a world class boating, yachting and vacation retreat. Also a wonderful starting point to visit the historic North of England and Scotland.
   Leave West Hayden Island as is, wild beautiful and untouched, allowing only minimal human intervention.  
   West Hayden Island should be annexed as a wildlife preserve .
   West Hayden Island  should be a vision and legacy of the GREEN OPEN SPACES  that Portlanders strived for in the past. Portland has come too far, to be known and respected  internationally for it’s Green Policy to simply turn the last truly wild area in the Green city into a smoggy obnoxious fume sniffing derelict of an area.
   All planning, studies, reports are not wasted time and effort. Turn these over to the people that can interpret it and use it for the good of fisherman. Yes, don’t forget them. They probably are the guys working current ports and spin off industries in the area. The new terminal could damage vital federally recognized wetlands that support up to 15 species of salmon and other sports fishing, (Sorry, I am not a fisherman but I do live in the manufactured home community on the Columbia by the I-5 bridge and see the many boats out there in all weather at all times of the year permits and rods in hand).  
   Mayor Adams, (and city council) lead the Port, the City Council and Portland to a conclusion that will positively impact and improve the lifestyle and recreation for all Portlanders and visitors to the area. Let the port be built in a more suitable location that will give the few workers employed, (in contrast to the whole community) a place to earn a living and not threaten the health of future generations in so many ways for so many years.
   Mayor Adams, let the corporations invest in their holdings and benefit the shareholders and leave the taxpayers money for the use of those that have the greatest need, the taxpayers who entrust the government to spend wisely on their behalf and for their families future.
   Mayor Adams, leave the mayors position on a high note and declare West Hayden Island a true natural green area and your legacy will be greatly admired and appreciated by the people of Portland and Oregon and the movie companies filming here that believe Portland is a progressive GREEN community. Maybe just maybe this stunning natural habitat will be known to future generations as the Sam Adams Natural 800 acre wildlife preserve.
   Mayor Adams, find an alternative site for dredge spoils to preclude further damage to West Hayden Island.  
   Every great leader deserves recognition for a job well done. You have achieved so much in the positive column for generations of Portlanders to come. Don’t let this annexation tarnish all the good that you have done for Portland. The hard work, long hours, the many visits to constituents and the fortitude that you have demonstrated so faithfully. Axe the annexation of West Hayden Island.

   Respectfully , Stefan Karlic. Hayden Island resident.
                       U.S. Navy, Disabled Veteran, Lifetime DAV Member, And now a Portlander For A Better Life. 
                       GO TIMBERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

6. They need a terminal there because the CRC will be too low a bridge for a number of ships to pass under. Maybe after CRC is done, that’s where they’ll dock the then useless dredging ship?

7. Check out this video on the issue!

   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MJUYImwlGg&feature=player_embedded

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