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Whistleblowers say CJTC failed complainants; agency says it will reopen declined cases
Summary
During public comment, a group of whistleblowers alleged CJTC investigators failed to interview complainants and prematurely posted 'decline' notices; agency staff acknowledged notification problems and said they will reopen those cases and interview complainants directly.
Tina Erwin, who identified herself as a U.S. Navy commander (ret.) and said she represents whistleblowers seeking to preserve the Sumas Aquifer, told the commission that complainants in a case about Blaine Police Chief Roger Funk were not interviewed before the agency posted a "decline" outcome. "The press knew before we did," Erwin said, adding that investigators "rubber stamped" declines and that complainants were not given their due process.
An agency official said staff had identified two procedural problems: the database was updated before decline notices were mailed, and complainants had not been interviewed as policy requires. The official said, "I have instructed the investigations division manager to reopen these cases, and the investigator will be reaching out to the complainants for interviews," and that staff did not intend to require complainants to file a formal appeal to obtain interviews.
Commissioners asked how the commission could know whether this was an isolated error or a broader problem. Agency staff said the requirement to interview complainants is recent, that they will implement training and checklists for investigators, and that they would audit related cases if other instances are reported. The agency committed to follow-up and to notify the commission about corrective steps.
