Thompson out as port commissioner

Port of Manchester Commissioner Jim Thompson resigned on Friday due to what he describes as the “negativism” he has faced over the past several months while trying to fulfill his duties to the citizens of Manchester.

Thompson, 71, has served as a Port of Manchester commissioner for eight years. “I feel fine,” Thompson said about his resignation, a decision he said he made earlier this month.

In his resignation letter, addressed to fellow Commissioners Jim Strode and Bob Parks, Port Attorney Ron Thompson and the citizens of the Manchester Port District, Thompson outlined his contributions to the Port of Manchester and the reasons why he is resigning.

“I have given it my all in order to build a recreational facility that the people of the Manchester Port District would be proud of,” Thompson wrote. “I put in countless hours trying to ensure that the port could save thousands of dollars. I developed an accounting system that shows (how) every dollar is spent, how it relates to the overall budget performance and how much cash the port has on hand at any given time.

In addition, Thompson said he spent countless hours developing the port’s Web site, where meeting minutes, formerly illegible, are published for the residents of the district.

“(In spite of) all that I have done to improve the port’s operations,” Thompson said, “the negativism that I have encountered the past few months by a certain couple and their friends leaves me with bitterness. I cannot perform my job knowing that a certain group wishes that I fail in my duties as Port of Manchester commissioner. I can find better things to do with my time that are appreciating and rewarding.”

Thompson said anyone who would like to be considered for the vacancy should send a letter to Port of Manchester Attorney Ron Thompson, P.O. Box 2091, Gig Harbor, WA 98335-3189, or e-mail retpllc@att.net by April 10.

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