A letter published in the June 26 issue by Rick and Debbie Jahnke implied that my motivation for submitting a complaint against City Manager John Mauro for his abusive behavior towards past and current staff, public officials and citizens was disingenuous and lacking supporting evidence. 

They also misrepresented my reason for declining involvement by the city’s internal hearing examiner. 

I submitted my complaint based upon many discussions with former city employees, public officials and citizens.  I have heard from more people since my complaint was reported by The Leader. The city manager’s issues with his abusive temper have been documented in his evaluations as far back as 2020.  City Council members have acknowledged this problem. From the stories shared with me and amongst others this problem is getting worse.  

Further, public records I have obtained support the allegation that his credentials were embellished to get his job. This needs to be fully investigated.

An independent investigator should be appointed and allow individuals to come forward free from fear of retaliation or reprisal.  It is an independent, outside investigator who is required, not a hearing examiner. This is how similar complaints against the prior city manager were handled on more than one occasion — and disappeared.

City Council has a duty to act. There is no denying that the city manager is a very powerful person. Just because he pursued an award from an organization outside Port Townsend — while continuing to engage in improper conduct here — does not relieve him of his responsibilities. In Mauro’s four years on the job, we have lost police chiefs, a city clerk, two finance directors, two human relations directors and numerous other valuable city employees, all while council members looked the other way.

Brent Shirley

Former Port Townsend mayor, 1983-1993

and City Council member, 1981-1982