October 4, 2006
Metro: Tangherlinied Up In Blue
So what does this mean for Metro?
Photo originally published on Live From the Third Rail
Tangherlini was widely regarded as an out-of-the-box thinker who connected with both riders and rank-and-file employees. His work as interim general manager impressed many, as he quickly implemented new ideas and increased transparency of the 10,000 employee agency. His pullout from the candidate pool could halt much of the momentum he created, and there is no guarantee of another quality candidate out there who would be willing to take a job sitting squarely in the middle of three jurisdictions that at times squabble aggressively over differing visions for Metro.
However, while the charisma and optimism Tangherlini brought to Metro may follow him to the John Wilson building, the atmosphere he created — openness, willingness to try new ideas, rapid movement to implement them, and an enthusiasm for running one of the best transit systems in the nation — might just remain with Metro. He had a significant impression on many of Metro's Board members, and there is a likelihood they will seek similar characteristics in any other candidate. As Tangherlini said in today's Washington Post Live Chat:
"...my new position will ... [allow] me to influence WMATA from the jurisdictional sponsor side. Remember, the Mayor gets two appointees to the Board, and I plan to stay in close touch with them."Further, from his potential new post on Fenty's staff, Tangherlini will have the ability to influence more than just Metro. He can use his broad past experience as the head of D.C.'s transportation department, chief financial officer of the D.C. Metropolitan Police, and as an official in President Clinton's Office of Management and Budget to address a much wider range of the District's problems with the same smart, strategic, and affable style that brought him success at Metro.
District residents and Metro riders should all feel optimistic that Tangherlini's decision to leave Metro will benefit everyone. This is why it is so confusing to see our local opinion leaders' eagerness to play the blame game. If you haven't noticed, both the Washington Post and Steve Eldridge in the Washington Examiner were quick to foist responsibility for this turn of events on Metro board members reluctant to give Tangherlini the top job at WMATA without interviewing other candidates. Sure, we thought Dan would make the best Metro chief too, but blaming Virginia for seeking some basis for comparison is hardly productive or deserved (and believe us, we love to blame Virginia for things here). In the end, Tangherlini's larger role in the District government and regional goings-on will be a good thing for both Metro and the Metro-area alike.
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I think you nailed it with the hope that the impression Tangherlini left will remain with the Board and those he oversaw. Having only been in town since February, I've heard almost nothing but positive feedback on his work, and DC is probably lucky to have him broaden his influence.
I wonder, has Kranich announced who he'll appoint as City Administrator?
It is without doubt the VA Board Members who are at fault. If you have an outstanding candidate you hire them, pay them what they want + 10% more and do it all very quickly.
If you mess around, and in the name of wanting to check out other candidates, you will no doubt miss out on the outstanding candidate.
From what I hear, there was absolutely no chance metro was going to hire dan t. on a permanent basis anyway. Both MD and VA board members thought that his thinking was way too district-cnetric. I think he saw that writing on the wall and decided to jump for another good opportunity.
Hopefully they'll hire someone good and forward-thinking and hopefully, mr. tangherlini will turn out to be a better city administrator than he was ddot manager.
I wonder, has Kranich announced who he'll appoint as City Administrator?
Stephen Colbert.
I can't remember if the WaPo article mentioned it, but does D.T. live in the District? Would he need to to be Administrator (I doubt it, but just wondering)?
DT lives on Capital Hill I believe.
He's an excellent choice for city administrator and I am delighted.
I'm pretty sure City Administrator has a residency requirement. Most of the high-level positions here (http://dcop.dc.gov/dcop/cwp/view,a,1222,q,530449.asp) have a residency requirement.
I wonder if he'll be able to influence Fenty into appointing Metro board members who actually ride transit even once in a while - preferably both rail AND bus.
Last I heard Dan does live on Capitol Hill. Which is nice. All he as to do is go a few blocks from his home toward the Capitol to get a glimpse of one of our biggest quality of life issues - commuters taking over street parking. It's reached ridiculous levels. Most days 60% of the available street parking is taken by commuters. It's time to act like a real city and create one side of each street for residents only, and IMMEDIATELY tow anyone without a residential sticker that parks there.
Sinclair Skinner will most likely be Adrian Fenty's first Metro board appointee. His experience in the lower Georgia Avenue area before, during and after the construction of the Green Line should prove quite valuable in this regard.
Dan T has lived in DC for a while. He lived in DC when he worked for DDOT, which preceeded his move to WMATA. He used to live up near U Street, as I'd see him getting on and off there when I did.