New WMATA Chairman Wants Rider Input: We can hear applause somewhere. WMATA’s new board chairman, Dana Kauffman, says that he wants the system to be accountable to the riders who use it and is proposing many new external relations efforts that will boost the weight of rider’s input into upper-level decisions regarding the transit system.
The Post reports that these efforts will include a riders’ advisory board, public comments at WMATA board meetings, regular town hall meetings and greater access to public meetings by cybercasting them.
In related news, don’t forget about today’s lunchtime online chat with WMATA. Today’s chat will focus on customer service. And be aware of WMATA’s Presidents Day operating schedule.
Council Grills Mayor Over Hospital: Mayor Williams (at right) says that a new hospital that would be run by Howard University in 
Southeast on the site of the old D.C. General Hospital isn’t going to be just a “poor-person’s hospital.” But according to the Post, a number of councilmembers say that is what is exactly needed. The ghost of D.C. General lives on …
Unemployed? The FBI wants you. The AP, via WJLA, reports that the FBI is trying to hire 4,000 new employees with a nationwide ad campaign that is also targeted at the Washington area. Additionally, the Post has a reminder about the Nationals job fair at RFK tomorrow.
Briefly Noted: Virginia’s Sen. Allen wants general aviation back at DCA, the AP, via WJLA, reports … As Richmond considers the future of red light cameras, the Post interviews a professor stuck in the middle of the “political tussle” of whether such cameras improve safety … Donna Britt takes on Matt Drudge in her Metro section column … The Washington Business Journal reports that the Nationals franchise has some radio deals worked out …
