Thoughts on Building 408

The Port of Moses Lake has issued an eviction to Sonico, Inc., which has been a long time tenant of the Port of Moses Lake for 33 years. I am employed by Sonico and work in Building 408 for the last 27 years. The Port of ML states that the eviction is based upon a report, which found Building 408 unsafe for occupancy. However, what people should understand, is that Sonico has occupied Building 408 on a daily basis for over fifteen years following the first report that found Building 408 "with some defects". Fifteen years (May 13, 1998) ago the Port made the conscious discussion to not take any action at that time and the building was suitable for lease. A more recent report (June 15, 2012) actually found fewer issues with Building 408, than the report from 15 years ago. Two of the Port commissioners have known about the first report for many, many years, and some are on their second term as Commissioners. Now the Port Commissioners take the stance that the building is unsafe and thus must be evacuated as soon as possible.

As a community member and employee of Sonico, I have an issue with the stance of the Port Commissioners- they are not taking into consideration the ramifications of their decisions. I consider the basis of the eviction absurd and one has to ask themselves, what is the intent of the Port of Moses Lake Commissioners and the Executive Director is. The risks that exist today are no more than the risks that have existed every day for the past 15 years. With that in mind, why is the Port not giving Sonico adequate time to move an established employee based business so as not to interrupt the lives of over 40 employees.

Arthur Wentworth

Moses Lake