Port CEO Releases Investigation Response Plan

Disciplinary measures, other initiatives outlined

Port of Seattle CEO Tay Yoshitani today unveiled his response to a special investigation conducted by former US Attorney Michael McKay. McKay's report, requested by the Port Commission, was released last week and listed ten incidences of civil fraud in the Port's contracting procedures. McKay also provided a set of eight recommendations, which Yoshitani directed staff to begin implementing immediately. Today's response plan details how the report recommendations – many of which build on reform efforts already underway – will be implemented.

“Mr. McKay's report reflects a ‘get it done at all costs' culture – that day is over,” said Yoshitani. “We have tough competitors and big projects – but we have to deliver those projects with fair and open competition.”

Yoshitani took several disciplinary measures against staff members involved directly or indirectly in the situations identified by McKay. Before making his decisions, he weighed the severity of the finding as well as the degree to which a staff person was involved. Two staff members resigned when faced with the allegations; other high-ranking officials were given suspensions without pay and letters of reprimand.

For Mr. Yoshitani's full response plan, visit http://www.portseattle.org/news/Accountability.shtml.