Steve Bland out as PAT CEO?

[Blackbeauty212]

Originally Posted by bmantz65

The consolidation part has the Western PA region right in the bullseye of that target. The state loves the SEPTA model while the second largest region in the state is not consolidated = yes, the state is going after Western PA.

I agree that people more than Fitz wanted Bland gone. John Brooks, a Bland supporter, was not re-elected to the PAT Board of Directors at the same meeting where Bland was fired. Now the board is just made up of Fitz appointees and/or Fitz cronies. Fitz will pretty much get his way in the short term future of PAT.

I wouldn't be surprised if Fitz, PennDot and State POL's pull some people from SEPTA to provide "Oversight" "Expertise" to how best Consolidate all these Agencies. Because there's going to be a lot of back n' forth main from the Collar Counties as to how much control they'd have, how routes are streamlined, how much representation they'll have on the Board, how much tax dollar each Collar County will contribute.

[pman]

Originally Posted by Blackbeauty212

I wouldn't be surprised if Fitz, PennDot and State POL's pull some people from SEPTA to provide "Oversight" "Expertise" to how best Consolidate all these Agencies. Because there's going to be a lot of back n' forth main from the Collar Counties as to how much control they'd have, how routes are streamlined, how much representation they'll have on the Board, how much tax dollar each Collar County will contribute.

the city makes up the majority of SEPTA's ridership but a minority of votes. each county has the same votes. tax dollar contribution is fixed by the state, count me as surprised if they elected to contribute more than the minimum.

[Evergrey]

Scarnati targets PAT, Fitz

Scarnati targets PAT, Fitz

“Given the recent fiasco surrounding the dismissal of the former CEO, it is clear that the policy being set by the County Executive is not moving the Port Authority in the right direction,” Scarnati continued. “Further, the raises which were granted to non-union employees, then rescinded the very next day, are just another example of the urgent need for a change in leadership at the Port Authority.”

Scarnati’s proposal would restructure the composition of the Port Authority Board. Currently, all nine full-voting members of the board are appointed by the Allegheny County Executive.

“To truly facilitate change at the Port Authority we need to start at the top,” Scarnati explained. “No one individual should have complete and unchecked control of the Board and its operations.”

[captainmidnight]

Heh, there is something amusing about a senator from rural Jefferson county proposing this. Does he really care that much about PAT? How is I-80 treating you over there, Mr. Scarnati?

[Moby Hick]

Originally Posted by bmantz65

Does he really care that much about PAT?

What does that matter? The local governance structure is absurd in many ways. If you are going to have something run by a separate board, you don't want the whole board picked by the executive/mayor. And if you do want the mayor/executive to run without requiring input from a board, why pay the administrative costs for a separate board? (Answer: Off-books borrowing, but still.)

[pman]

Originally Posted by Moby Hick

What does that matter? The local governance structure is absurd in many ways. If you are going to have something run by a separate board, you don't want the whole board picked by the executive/mayor. And if you do want the mayor/executive to run without requiring input from a board, why pay the administrative costs for a separate board? (Answer: Off-books borrowing, but still.)

very true. at least the city and state should be able to appoint their own members

[pman]

highlights how the move was perceived outside of fitz's inner circle of cronies. he's also talking out both sides of his mouth

I, along with any members of the County delegation, would be happy to sit down with him and talk about the Authority's achievements over the past few years related to service efficiency, addressing of legacy costs, increased revenues and economic development opportunities if he would like a better understanding of the agency.

Read more: Scarnati plans legislation to overhaul Port Authority - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
so the guy he just fired did a good job? and for all the talk of a regional agency, PAT already is partially a regional agency. Allegheny county is almost as big as delaware, philadelphia, and montgomery counties combined.
the biggest development that will come out of "regional" transit is taking power away from the county commissioner

[pman]

ao scarnatis bill would allow the mayor and state appoint members. seems like a good bill
State Sen. Scarnati wants to overhaul Port Authority - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

[Evergrey]

Fitz pick for PAT charged with corruption

Fitz pick for PAT charged with corruption

Published by Tim McNulty on Wednesday, 13 March 2013 11:53 am.

Former Pa Turnpike head Joe Brimmeier -- the man county exec Rich Fitzgerald appointed to the Port Authority board, and wanted to take over the agency -- was charged with corruption today by Attorney General Kathleen Kane.

...

[pman]

if she's doing an incredible job why not promote her?
Port Authority boosts pay for interim CEO | TribLIVE