Yes, there were folksy local references – as a boy he spent 
summers in Birch Bay – yet he stuck close to a power point presentation and the pretty SSA brochure that summarized on its front cover: “America needs a new export facility; Cherry Point is the best location; Hundreds of permanent jobs, millions in tax revenues; It's the right idea, the right place, the right time; Let's get America moving again.”
But Cherry Point deserves better than slogans. What was missing from Mr. Cole's presentation is an understanding and a vision of Whatcom County in the 21st Century that combines traditional industry with clean jobs utilizing technology. Why are students in our high schools studying math and chemistry and physics? How can WWU be harnessed in bringing our county into this century? Mr. Cole could speak as a statesman rather than a salesman for one company's solution.
He said that criticism raised by the terminal's critics are only “half right.” Yet he refused to identify those points that he believes are wrong.
Bellingham's Mayor Dan Pike, in attempting to make sure that “accurate facts about the project are put on the table,” produced a two-page outline that can be found at: www.cob.org
When I started to mention this at the meeting, Mr. Cole was quick to say he is a good friend of Mayor Pike. When I asked if he had read the outline he said he hadn't. Then I read one line: “Who will underwrite the cost of mitigation factors,” and said: “If you're so sure the project is safe, indemnify Birch Bay, for the shellfish, values of condos, etc. Have your friends at Goldman Sachs write a bond contract with their friends at AIG.” Mr. Cole shot back, “Mayor Pike has no jurisdiction.”
Technically, perhaps not, but influence?
ak
