Speaker tells Port Orchard council silence and inconsistency have eroded public trust

A Port Orchard resident criticized the City Council for what he called a pattern of silence, secrecy and inconsistent treatment of members of the public, saying the failures have eroded community trust.
"This is a pattern. Citizens come forward with concerns, with ideas, with questions and you don't respond," Robert McGee said during the council's public-comment period. "The silence is destroyed confidence and the silence is broken trust."
McGee referenced earlier meetings and other speakers who had raised concerns about secrecy and lack of engagement. He alleged inconsistencies in how the mayor and council members respond to speakers and accused the council of allowing favoritism and dishonesty about compliance with "GMA requirements" — a reference to the Growth Management Act.
His remarks were not followed by a substantive council response in the public-comment portion; the presiding official thanked him for his comment and the meeting proceeded. No motion, vote or staff directive followed during that agenda item.
The remarks were delivered as public comment; the speaker requested accountability and follow-through on prior promises to engage citizens outside of meetings.