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The Electronic Hallway ? Box 353060 · University of Washington · Seattle WA 98195-3060 THE WELLINGTON STREET PIER PROJECT The Tri-County Port Authority (TCPA) has responsibility for a major saltwater port facility, which includes grain elevators, refrigerated cargo facilities, commercial and recreational facilities, passenger terminals for boat transport, and break-bulk cargo facilities. It also operates an international airport, which is the major air transport facility for cargo and passengers within a 500-mile radius. TCPA receives most of its operating revenue from fees it charges for use of its facilities. As a state-chartered public authority, it has the authority to float bonds to finance its capital projects. Over the past decade, TCPA has roughly doubled its gross revenue from all sources and, as a consequence, has expanded its physical facilities and introduced sophisticated new loading and storage technology. TCPA is governed by a board of five commissioners, elected at-large from a three-county area to four-year terms. In November 1990, three incumbent commissioners were defeated by a reform candidate slate. The reform slate stressed the importance of gaining public control and accountability for port decisions, particularly those dealing with land acquisition and facilities siting. Soon after the election, the executive director of TCPA resigned. He was close to retirement age and was eager to leave after a strenuous and successful career, which included fifteen years at TCPA. Eighteen months later, after a complex and politically-charged search, the commission appointed a new executive director, William Jones. Jones came to the job from a deputy directors post at another port, about half the size of TCPA, and was highly recommended for his management skill and energy. Although the commission vote on Jones’ appointment was reported in the press to be unanimous, the inside word was that he was a reform slate candidate. In the press coverage that at