The Port of Port Angeles Board of Commissioners has initiated a formal process to censure a sitting member during a special session convened for Friday. This action marks the culmination of several months of intense scrutiny, precipitated by three investigative reports issued by the state auditor’s office.
The findings from the state audit suggest that the commissioner, who also serves as the full-time Executive Director of the William Shore Memorial Pool District, derived personal financial gain amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. The allegations cite questionable credit card transactions, improper tax refunds, and medical payments lacking sufficient documentation.
A draft resolution from the Port Commission argues that retaining the official in a leadership capacity places the agency in an unsustainable position. The document explicitly links the Port’s reputational standing to the conduct observed at the Shore Aquatic Center. Although the commission does not possess the statutory power to remove an independently elected member, board President Connie L. Beauvais and Secretary Colleen M. McAleer have formally requested that the official resign.
Records indicate that the commissioner has declined to step down. The proposed censure resolution emphasizes that public trust in civic institutions is paramount and asserts that leadership requires recognizing when departure benefits the organization. It further states that the daily operations and mission of the Port should not be eclipsed by the actions of a single elected official.
Should the resolution pass, it will function as an official public rebuke and immediately terminate the commissioner’s role as Vice President of the Board. The measure would also revoke all associated committee assignments, official representation duties, and other commission roles. Additionally, the resolution limits travel expense reimbursement to only those incurred for Port Commission meetings or sessions with the agency’s Chief Executive Officer.
The special meeting is set to begin at 1:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room located on W. First Street. The public will have the option to attend virtually.
Office of the Washington State Auditor Investigation
The drive for censure follows the publication of three reports by the Office of the Washington State Auditor on November 3, 2025. After a routine audit identified irregular payments directed to the commissioner, the state expanded its review into a comprehensive fraud investigation alongside standard financial and accountability audits.
The resulting Fraud Investigation Report, which covered district records from February 21, 2019, through August 19, 2025, determined that the official personally benefited from at least $41,148. This sum comprised self-insurance medical benefits, payroll tax refunds, and personal credit card purchases. Auditors also flagged an additional $25,980 in expenses linked to the commissioner for which a legitimate business purpose could not be established.
The state auditor’s office concluded that the William Shore Memorial Pool District lacked adequate internal controls. This deficiency left critical functions, including cash receipting, credit card management, and disbursements, exposed to potential misappropriation. The Attorney General’s office is currently reviewing the auditor’s findings to determine if criminal charges are warranted.
Fallout
The repercussions of the audit have extended to the Port of Port Angeles. For Commissioners Connie Beauvais and Colleen McAleer, the allegations facing the official at their primary employment site constitute a significant credibility crisis for the port authority.
Commission Set to Address Commissioner’s Conduct
The Port Commission is scheduled to meet on Friday, May 1, to determine if it will proceed with plans to formally censure a fellow commissioner. This gathering will serve as the forum for deciding whether the board will uphold its earlier commitment to publicly condemn specific conduct.
The proposed resolution regarding censure specifically asserts that the matter is isolated to the actions of one independently elected official. It further clarifies that these actions do not reflect the Port's ongoing operations or the contributions it provides to the community.