PORT TOWNSEND — Washington State Ferries’ new director told a Chamber of Commerce audience Monday that the biggest challenge now facing his agency is restoring public trust.
“I have heard that the ferry system hasn’t been so good at listening,” David Moseley said.
“That’s going to change.”
More than 100 people heard Moseley — named in February to direct the world’s largest ferry system — address the chamber at Fort Worden State Park Commons.
Also scheduled to speak was state Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond, but she was called to Olympia by Gov. Chris Gregoire.
Moseley told the crowd that although he has been on the job for only 25 days, he recognizes and understands the problems communities serviced by the ferries are facing — including Port Townsend, which was left without car service to and from Whidbey Island when Hammond in November idled four leaking 80-year-old ferries on the eve of the holiday shopping season.
Moseley, a former city manager appointed to the ferries post by Hammond, said that while he doesn’t bring any maritime experience to the job, he does bring leadership, management skills, problem-solving skills and a background in public outreach to help prioritize and organize the problems within the ferry system.
“Sometimes it seems so big,” Moseley said.
“But I always remember how you eat an elephant: One bite at a time.”
