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P R E S S R E L E A S E October 18, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Port Accelerates Action on Alleged Improper Expenditures
Oakland, Calif. — October 18, 2012 — The Oakland Board of Port Commissioners has taken the following actions:
- The Board has put Executive Director Omar Benjamin on Administrative Leave with pay effective immediately. Attached please find the resolution.
- The Board has directed and empowered current Director of Aviation Deborah Ale Flint to act with the authority of the Executive Director and to perform the necessary duties. Attached please find the resolution.
Pursuant to the direction of the Board, the Port has engaged the firm of Arnold & Porter to assist the Board in an on-going investigation of allegations of improper expenditures.
To respond to the concerns and stress raised by Port employees, the Port has set up Employee Assistance Program sessions. In addition, the Port has urged employees to utilize the Whistleblower Hotline to report any potential related issues.
“We continue to take this situation very seriously,“ commented Board President Gilda Gonzales. “Holding those responsible, accountable is our highest priority.”
As additional actions are taken and as new information becomes available, the Port will be providing further updates.
About the Port of Oakland:
The Port of Oakland oversees the Oakland seaport, Oakland International Airport, and 20 miles of waterfront. The Oakland seaport is the fifth busiest container port in the U.S.; Oakland International Airport is the second largest San Francisco Bay Area airport offering over 300 daily passenger and cargo flights; and the Port’s real estate includes commercial developments such as Jack London Square and hundreds of acres of public parks and conservation areas. Together, through Port operations and those of its tenants and users, the Port supports more than 73,000 jobs in the region and nearly 827,000 jobs across the United States. The Port of Oakland was established in 1927 and is an independent department of the City of Oakland. Connect with the Port of Oakland and Oakland International Airport through Facebook, or with the Port on Twitter, YouTube, and at www.portofoakland.com.
The Port of Oakland Board of Port Commissioners: Gilda Gonzales, James Head, Alan S. Yee, Victor Uno, Earl S. Hamlin, Cestra “Ces” Butner, and Bryan Parker.
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