Remember a couple of days ago, when I posted an anonymously drafted open letter to Portland Development Commission director Bruce Warner? It was allegedly written by some PDC staffers and “concerned citizens,” although they’ve dodged my questions since they sent the email, and there’s reason to believe it didn’t come from the core PDC staffers who are trying to organize into a union.

Regardless of the letter’s authenticity, Warner has responded—and we’ve got the exclusive (I think) peek at it. After the jump. Good news for troubled staffers—Warner is making himself available for open-door meetings for a total of four hours. Should solve everything.

I’d really love to hear responses from PDC employees, either in the comments, at smoore@portlandmercury.com, or at 503-294-0840.

Dear Staff,

I am writing in response to the attached "An Open Letter to Bruce Warner, PDC Executive Director from Selected PDC Staff and Concerned Community Members" which was sent from a Hotmail account to those individuals listed on cc: of this message. This letter indicated it was being sent from me and this is incorrect. This letter was sent from an unidentified individual(s) who established a hotmail account/address under my name. Since this letter has been sent to the media, I want to ensure you have seen it, along with my initial response.

I have read this letter carefully and acknowledge that many of the issues and concerns identified in this open letter are valid and I am working hard to address them. I am responsible for making the needed changes at PDC. As the letter intimates, changes can only be made with my commitment and that of PDC's Management Team, and Board of Commissioners. Each of us are committed to you and the success of PDC.

As you recall, I was hired as the Executive Director to improve our internal and external relationships. I've succeeded in some areas and have a lot to do in others. Audits and process controls have made changes to address problems in issuing and managing contracts and relationships. "Safe Haven" was put in place for our employees to report concerns, improper or unethical actions. If unethical or illegal business practices exist here, please use Safe Haven, call me or talk to your manager or supervisor. If there is a perception, real or otherwise, "Safe Haven" is not working properly, I must be informed so the process can be evaluated and remedied, as necessary. As much as I would like, I can't foresee all problems, envision all obstacles, and fix things that are broke if I am not first made aware of them. I believe each of us want to come to a workplace that is positive, safe, and where we work together, as a team, to make positive contributions and solve issues in an open and quick manner. I commit to dealing and addressing issues that are brought to my attention.

This may sound like jargon and I wish I had a better choice of words to let you know each of you are the most valuable resource here - the great ideas, vision, and the great services, programs, projects, etc. would not happen without you. I recognize this and so does our Board and Management Team. Although our employee turnover rates have improved since last fall, they are still too high. We have conducted exit interviews and done various assessments to allow us to focus our efforts on the most important issues you've identified. While it's true employees have left PDC for a number of reasons -- including opportunities with the private-sector, concerns over negative media coverage, and uncertainty about the agency's future -- I acknowledge this is not an inclusive list of reasons our employees make other job or career choices.

In order to allow you, as well as the author(s) of the letter, a time and opportunity to discuss any issues that were identified in this letter with me or my Executive Team, we have all cleared our calendar for these dates/times:

* Thursday, February 22 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.
* Friday, February 23 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

I will have an open door during these times and will be open to any individual wanting to share their thoughts, concerns, issues, etc. It is important PDC's employees feel safe and comfortable talking with me in an open and constructive manner. I honestly welcome this. I need to understand your concerns so we can address them together. The Executive Team will be doing the same and also look forward to this opportunity. If you do not feel comfortable talking with me or someone within this Team, I have asked Gar Debardelaben and Steve Hanamura to be available by phone or email. You can go to IRA to find their contact information. Finally, Chair Rosenbaum has also indicated he will be available to meet or talk with any individual. Our doors are always open. I will establish a two-hour time, each week, to be available for you to talk to me about whatever is on your mind.

PDC is a great organization that has great employees who do great things for our community. In order to do this great work, PDC must be a great place to work. Our Board, the Management Team and I are committed to that end!

We have an all staff meeting scheduled for Tuesday, February 27 and would be happy to discuss and/or answer any questions you may have about this issue during this time.

Thank you,

Bruce