EWUA members call for third-party review amid workplace, leadership concerns

||| FROM SAM GAILEY, SPECIAL REPORT TO THE ORCASONIAN |||

The Eastsound Water Users Association held a listening session this week as the organization continues to face internal disputes, leadership concerns, labor-related tensions, and questions from members about transparency and governance.

At the start of the meeting, the board stated that the session was intended for listening rather than debate, and that board members would not respond to public comments in real time.

During the public comment period, several EWUA members expressed concern about what they described as deepening division within the organization, low employee morale, and a loss of trust between members, staff, and leadership. A recurring request from speakers was that the board approve an independent third-party investigation, mediator, or arbitrator to review grievances and help address ongoing conflict.

One member said they had been speaking with the board for several months about polarization and competing narratives within EWUA and called for an outside investigation into staff grievances. Others echoed that concern, saying the organization appeared to be struggling to provide consistent leadership and needed help from an independent mediator.

Multiple speakers described the workplace environment as stressful or toxic, with one member saying there was “no safe place” for employees to file grievances. Another said operators were not being respected or heard, while others said poor working conditions had persisted for years. Several members specifically urged the board to listen to the system operators and take their concerns seriously.

A former EWUA employee said she had left the organization five years ago because of dysfunction and also supported bringing in a third-party mediator. Another speaker, who identified as a former board member, said that while the general manager had recently suggested the organization was doing well, he disagreed and believed an outside investigation was necessary.

Several speakers also raised concerns about transparency and board accountability. One member said trust in the association had been damaged and accused the board of operating in secrecy. Others said the membership had a role to play in improving the situation, but that an independent process was needed to rebuild confidence.

The final public commenter said they understood the complexities of running the water association, but believed it was time for the board to listen closely to the operators.

Following the public comment period, board members offered brief responses.

Board member Madeline Danielson thanked speakers for their comments and said she supported a third-party investigation, adding that she wanted to help rebuild trust within the organization.

Board member Jim Nelson said he appreciated the civil tone of the discussion. He said that, from the board’s perspective, arranging an investigation would be complicated. Regarding calls to hire a new general manager, Nelson said he felt the current general manager had not yet had an opportunity to respond to the allegations. Nelson also stated that he was mindful of the concerns raised, but the organization’s problems would not have a simple solution and emphasized that everyone involved was “on the same team.”

Board member Leith Templin said she was concerned about the situation, but believed the board had already investigated the allegations. She said the board was trying to protect the membership and noted that certain members’ or personnel information could not be shared publicly.

Board member Vaughan Ploegar said he believed the board was doing “a pretty good job,” but hoped for improvement and said the board would continue listening to complaints.

After the board members spoke, an audience member asked that, if a third-party investigation or arbitration process is approved, it include past employees who may have left EWUA because of internal complaints or workplace issues.

EWUA Board Letter