From the Daily News, Cowlitz County Commissioners, apparently fearful of further union thuggery have requested U.S. District Court Judge Ronald Leighton “to expedite a decision in the dispute over union labor at the new EGT grain terminal.”

Commissioners maintain “they aren’t taking sides but want the conflict resolved quickly,” citing the reason they fear the already “very volatile situation” could escalate into “serious injury.”

The letter sent to Judge Leighton states, “We believe the situation is at a high risk of escalation with potential serious injury to citizens or law enforcement.” Commissioner George Raiter added, “We don’t want to take sides. We just want to get this resolved as soon as possible.”

Union officials say they are opposed to rushing the decision and in spite of commissioners saying they do not wish to influence the judges decision either way, maintaining a neutral stance, the union also questions whether or not they are truly neutral.

Leal Sundet, ILWU Coast Committeeman is quoted from his statement, “It is totally inappropriate for the Cowlitz County commissioners to interject themselves in the judicial process. And suggesting that ‘someone will get hurt if the protests continue’ is an incendiary remark that appears designed to create bias in the judge’s mind against the union.”

EGT CEO Larry Clarke said in a written  statement, “We share the commissioners’ concern regarding the toll the ILWU’s illegal activity is having on our community. We look forward to Friday’s next step in the legal process.”

I am left wondering, Have the commissioners taken into account that even with an expedited decision now, what about the years of likely appeals by whichever side loses? No matter what is decided, it is highly doubtful the matter will end with that one decision.