Port of Port Angeles commissioners censure Burke

Published 2:30 pm Tuesday, April 28, 2026

PORT ANGELES — Two Port of Port Angeles commissioners moved to censure fellow commissioner Steven Burke after his refusal to resign on Tuesday, citing reputation concerns tied to a state audit of the Shore Aquatic Center, where he is on administrative leave as executive director.

The censure — a public statement of disapproval — would remove Burke from leadership roles and revoke his vice president title, committee assignments and his role of representing the port.

Commissioners don’t have the authority to remove another elected commissioner from office, but they will hold a special meeting tentatively scheduled for Friday to allow time for public comment and to take final action.

The motion by commissioners Connie Beauvais and Colleen McAleer followed an almost two-hour executive session during the Port of Port Angeles’ regular meeting.

“He’s got a long history of exceptional service,” Beauvais said. “However, at this juncture, due to what’s happening at the Shore Aquatic Center, I think it’s prudent and important for him to step down from his position.”

Beauvais said the situation has affected how the public views the port.

“The most important capital, the most important thing that any public institution can have, is public trust,” she said. “And we have to preserve that.”

Burke said he was disappointed in the other commissioners’ actions and that he intends to continue carrying out his role.

“Ever since these issues have come up, I think my track record here has shown that I can adequately function in this position,” he said. “I was elected by the public, and they have entrusted into me to do port business.”

He added, “If anything that I have done in the past actually occurred that is incorrect, that affords me due process, and I want to take advantage of that.”

A November 2025 report from the state Auditor’s Office found the Shore Aquatic Center district lacked adequate financial controls and oversight, and it concluded that Burke personally benefited from more than $40,000 in public funds through self-insurance payments, tax refunds and credit card charges.

The audit also identified additional questionable expenses, and the findings were referred to the Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, which referred it to the state Attorney General’s office.

Burke said he plans to issue a response soon.

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Reporter Paula Hunt can be reached by email at paula.hunt@peninsuladailynews.com.