Disappointment at manager's dismissal

To The Eagle:

I was shocked and saddened to hear the news that Steve McClain had been “let go” as Port Manager 2 this past week.

Steve has dedicated 29 years of his life to Skamokawa Vista Park starting in 1981 with only 15 campsites. During those 29 years, he has written numerous grants to help develop the park into about 55 overnight camping sites and a new boat launch on Puget Island at Svensen Park. Steve has developed personal relationships with campers to the point of campers donating time and labor to put up the yurts, volunteering to build the decks on the yurts, putting in new horse shoe pits, and donating about $7,000 to purchase new play structures for the park.

The personal service that Steve and his crew brought to Skamokawa Vista Park is what brought many patrons back year after year. I find it alarming that a port commission of three people can make a decision to “let go” such a dedicated employee and that they think this was a good decision.

I ask, ‘What procedure was followed and was this the wish of the community people the Port Commissioners represent?”

As a patron of the park, I would like to thank Steve for the many hours he worked and the time he gave up with his family to make Skamokawa Vista Park one of the nicest parks in the Northwest.

Shawn Murphy

Richland