Sometimes Good Guys Finish First By John McLaurin
May 23, 2013
Things are changing at the Port of Long Beach. Dr. Robert Kanter, Director of
Environmental Affairs and Planning is retiring, taking years of valuable
experience and talent dealing with environmental issues with him.
Bob has been with the Port for a number of years - with his last assignment
overseeing the Port's environmental, transportation and master land use
planning divisions. With the support of previous port commissions, Bob
and his talented team achieved the goal of making Long Beach into "The
Green Port" - overseeing some of the most transformative and innovative
environmental programs in the history of the port industry. Despite the
local political distractions, Bob always served the Port with distinction and
integrity. He stayed true to the principles of real science (versus
political science) in developing environmental policy on issues - bringing
about positive changes effectively.
Over the years I had some disagreements with Bob (he was always wrong), but I
never questioned his sincerity. Despite the long hours, countless
meetings, mind-numbing reports, his commitment to the Port never wavered.
At the same time, Bob continued to maintain a focus on the important
things in life - his family, surfing and drinking fine wine. A new
chapter has opened up for Bob, but sadly one has closed at the Port of Long
Beach. |
