Harrison facts

To the editor:

On Nov. 15, judge Tana Lin in U.S. federal court heard oral arguments regarding the purchase of Harrison Medical Center for a Bainbridge Island police station. Two issues were a claim to rescind the purchase and sale agreement, and a RICO claim involving corruption by the city.

The rescission claim was focused on grossly incorrect information provided to the City Council by the previous city manager. The RICO claim’s focus was on the past mayor, Kolby Medina, and his refusal to disclose and/or recuse himself from a critical vote Jan. 29, 2019.

Medina solicited and actively participated with and received over $30,000 in contributions by Harrison executives to Medina’s nonprofit fund.

Legalize excerpts: “No municipal officer shall be beneficially interested, directly or indirectly…” Additionally, “a municipal officer may not vote in the authorization, approval or ratification of a contract in which he or she is beneficially interested.”

As an attorney and as the author of ethics rules on recusal and disclosure, Medina acted poorly.

Financial facts are extracted from a subpoena to Medina’s foundation and are indisputable.

Sometimes popular people get caught up doing the wrong things.

At stake is approximately $6 million of overspending for a project in an inferior location when there was a superior logistical and financial alternative.

The choice appears to be political and will get vetted as the case proceeds.

The city should put $6 million back in its coffers for things like affordable housing, environmental control and sustainable transportation.

Dick Haugan

Bainbridge