Metro proceeds with nationwide search
The Metro Board of Directors voted 3-2 yesterday to proceed with a nationwide search for a permanent General Manager, and paid $90,000 to a New York firm to do the job. This was done despite a last minute effort by Councilmember Jim Graham, a board member from the District, to appoint Interin General Manager Dan Tangherlini to the permanent position.
However, board members from Virginia, concerned by the circumstances of the departure of the previous General Manger, Richard White, as well as their perception that Tangherlini is ignoring Virginia in favor of the District in improvement measures, along with what they consider to be “gamesmanship” by Councilmember Graham, voted against the measure.
Board Chairman Gladys Mack joined the two Virginia members in voting to keep the search process on track. “This is a way not only to look at the candidates around the country but also a way to confirm Tangherlini’s appropriateness for the job,” Mack said.
Though I am nervous about the nationwide search, I do agree that it would be fairer to conduct it, rather than simply appointing Tangherlini. However, I wonder why the Board did not instruct Metro’s Human Resources department to conduct the search, rather than shell out $90,000 that it can ill afford to spend? I am dumbfounded!
Having said that, I will say out loud that I cast my vote with Tangherlini. Things have been so much better at Metro since he came aboard in February. He is approachable and accessible, unlike his predecessor, Mr. White. He listens to his staff, and the community. Metro folks say that morale is much higher, and I can feel this not only when I go into the Jackson Graham Building, but I feel the vibes from bus operators, train station managers, and other Metro personnel. within a few months, Tangherlini has made the Metro experience a more positive one for passengers with disabilities. The bus fleet is now 100% accessible. Accessible trains are being rolled out. Metro Access department heads report directly to him. Tangherlini has been at every Metro event highlighting accessiblity for passengers with disabilities, whether the media was present, or not. Dealing with him strongly reminds me of my work with the head of Denver’s Regional Transportation District, which was very fruitful and positive. I sincerely hope that he comes out on top in this nationwide search, because I hate to see all of his good work go for naught if the next general Manager is like Mr. White. Good luck Mr. Tangherlini! I’ll keep my fingers crossed, and send some words out to the Universe in your behalf.
August 5th, 2006 at 10:31 am
At a recent conference for transportation related issues for people with disabilities I attended in Washington DC last week (commemorating the 16th anniversary of the ADA), I heard mention of the great job this interim General Manager has been doing.
It was also evident with the accessible buses now on line as well as the good things I heard about what he has institueted since being hired there.
Hopefully he’ll continue to remain so that he can keep doing good things for DC!
August 5th, 2006 at 5:19 pm
I was out and about today, and got into a conversation with a bus driver who feels the same way we do about Mr. Tangherlini. She noted all of the positive changes that he has brought about, and says that she loves him, as do all of the bus drivers because he takes the time to come out and talk with them, and really listens to their concerns. She hopes that he can stay, as well.