Public commenters at Port meeting call for Bremerton municipal judge’s resignation; staff read written parking request for Harper Recreational Pier

During the Port of Bremerton Commission public comment period on Feb. 11, several residents expressed concerns about Judge Tracy Flood of the Bremerton Municipal Court and asked local elected officials to seek her resignation.

Roy Runyon, introduced as a Bremerton resident, told commissioners that Judge Tracy Flood had been suspended and censured by the Commission on Judicial Conduct and that the commission had recommended removal; Runyon listed allegations he said arose from Judge Flood’s management of the municipal court, including claims that an individual was held 30 days because a release was not signed, late or missing signatures on warrants and protection orders, and staff turnover in the court. Runyon asked Commissioner Terry Bozeman to apologize to Bremertonians, to use whatever influence he had to request Flood’s resignation and — if Bozeman had endorsed Flood in 2021 — to consider resigning himself. Runyon’s remarks attributed endorsements for Flood in 2021 to local elected officials; those attributions reflect his remarks in public comment.

Mary Louvain made similar remarks during public comment, saying she was distressed by the quality of elected officials and urging use of influence to encourage a resignation. Commissioners acknowledged receipt of written comments and read one into the record from Paul Lee, who requested the Port consider acquiring a small (about half‑acre) parcel within 200 feet of Harper Recreational Pier to provide parking during peak periods; Paul Lee described vehicles parking on both sides of Southworth Drive and asked the commission to consider acquisition for pier parking.

Staff response and next steps: The port manager noted that the port and the city operate separately and said the commission has no authority over city actions; the manager also said the commission would look into the Harper Pier parking request and explore whether the adjacent parcel is county property and whether the county might provide access. Staff said one written public comment would be entered into the record and another would not be read aloud at the speaker’s request.

Why it matters: The public comments raised legal and accountability concerns about a municipal court judge; they represent citizen concerns expressed during a port meeting’s public comment slot. The Harper Pier written comment could lead to port follow-up with county officials about parking access if the parcel is suitable and county-owned.