Statement of Commissioner Fred Felleman re: Agenda Item No. 10b

Port of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman issued a formal apology on September 26, 2023, accepting an ethics ruling stemming from his repeated requests to attend meetings of the Quiet Sound Leadership Committee, a group focused on reducing ship noise affecting endangered Southern Resident Killer Whales. The Ethics Board found no financial wrongdoing, but determined his conduct toward Port staff was inappropriate. Felleman pledged to improve his workplace communications while reaffirming his commitment to the Quiet Sound Program and the Port's Code of Ethics.

Notes

Statement by Port Of Seattle Commissioner Fred Felleman dated September 26, 2023, acknowledging and accepting Order No. 2023-11, which adopts the Board of Ethics’ Findings and Conclusions re: Complaint No. 2022-01. Felleman apologizes for conduct related to his request to observe quarterly meetings of the Quiet Sound Leadership Committee (QSLC), which oversees ship-induced underwater noise reduction efforts affecting Southern Resident Killer Whales. He notes no financial interest was found and no protected status was violated, and reaffirms commitment to the Port of Seattle Statement of Values, Bylaws, and Code of Ethics for Port Commissioners.

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