Michael van Baker

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:25:33 -0800

That's Seattlest: unfair and unwarranted criticism since 200-whatever. (Fair and balanced was already taken.) Thanks for that link to Yoshitani's letter. It turned out to be interesting reading. I know Yoshitani is walking a tightrope right now, but I think it's telling that while he's publicly "defending" these practices as part of an earlier git-r-done culture, he's also tightening up on informal procedures. I also like the Port-Commission-approved smack. Holla for our watchdog commissioners!

Veritas non sequitor

Sat, 02 Feb 2008 11:09:57 -0800

It is simply unfair and unwarranted for Seattlest and the Times to criticize the Port for using the tummy rub method of negotiating change orders. According to Port CEO Tay Yoshitani, "the Port’s use of tummy rubbing is consistent with best industry practices and supported by our airline partners, whose dollars pay a significant portion of Sea-Tac’s redevelopment. Major airports, including Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington Dulles, LAX, San Francisco and San Diego, utilize tummy rubbing in similar ways. The Port Commission originally approved this contracting approach and also re-approved it each year." [See the CEO's complete "Letter to the Community" at http://www.portseattle.org/about/organization/ceomessage.shtml .]

Seattlest: New Port Of Seattle Rule: No More Tummy Rubs

Michael van Baker

Veritas non sequitor