Hiring of port director not handled well

It’s just the opposite of the “Big Ideas” open forums we had recently in Lorain. I read City Councilman Mitchell Fallis’ Another Viewpoint column on Feb. 6 concerning the hiring of a new director for the Lorain Port Authority and at face value, it’s hard not to agree with his assessment.

For the board to assert that due diligence had been done despite the fact there was no advertising for this $90,000 a year position, and only one other application was received after the vote, strains credibility.

This under-the-radar decision reminds one of the back rooms of yesteryear without the cigars.

As for the director-elect not choosing the process in his hiring, his 16 years as a member of the board should have given pause for thought as to how this could be perceived by the public.

I’m sure Thomas Brown will do his best, but I can’t help feeling we missed a great opportunity to interview multiple candidates, no doubt some secondin-command at other ports, for one of the most dynamic public positions in Lorain County.

Imagine the number of ideas and conversations that could have been brought to the table by numerous candidates. Candidates well-versed in the rules, regulations and grant structure that would enable this authority to boldly proceed with ideas unencumbered by living in Lorain’s past and with the ability to concentrate on the future and what could be.

To this past Port Authority board member, it’s disappointing. Mike Beatty Lorain