Metro's G.M. has backing of board

Adam Tuss, wtop.com

WASHINGTON -- A fare increase. Deadly accidents. Derailments. Possible service cuts. Metro General Manager John Catoe has had plenty to deal with since he took the reins at the transit agency in 2007. But despite all the issues, the agency's board of directors says it doesn't want the general manager to go anywhere.

"I find John Catoe to be absolutely masterful in representing and navigating all of these waters that he finds himself in," Metro Board Chairman Jim Graham tells WTOP.

"This is one of the toughest transit jobs in the United States for a whole host of reasons, not the least of which is the competing jurisdictional interest. John Catoe is heaven-sent, and I mean that."

Catoe signed a three-year contract with the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority in January 2007, which puts him up for renegotiation in the near future. Agency officials say the general manager wants to focus on current budget issues before beginning any contract talks.

General managers at Metro haven't always had the smoothest ride. In 2006, the board of directors -- some who remain today -- essentially forced then-General Manager Richard White out of office. White still had three years left on his contract, but came under fire for mismanagement.

As far as Catoe is concerned however, every board member polled by WTOP said he'd would like to see him stay with the transit agency:

These comments come from board members representing D.C.:

"Without reservation, I want him to come back."
-- Board Chairman Jim Graham.

"I'm very pleased with his performance and would love to see him stay here for a while."
-- Board Member Neil Albert.

"I have nothing but positive things to say about John Catoe."
-- Board Member Michael Brown, an alternate director for D.C.

It's a similar tune from those in Maryland:

"He is an excellent representative to the outer world. He is careful and thoughtful with the way he handles the board."
-- Board Member Peter Benjamin.

"He takes the bull by the horns. I definitely want to see him back."
-- Board Member Elizabeth Hewlett.

"He is recognized as one of the top flight general managers in the country. There are other transit agencies that would love to have him and do want him."
-- Alternate Board Member Gordon Linton.

In Virginia, members also want to keep him:

"This is a tough job. It is not one of the easier transit jobs in America, and we are fortunate to have him. We have somebody at the peak of his career."
-- Board Member Chris Zimmerman.

"I would love to keep him."
-- Board Member Catherine Hudgins.

"I have a high level of respect for John, what he has done and what he is doing. He has greatly improved the system."
-- Alternate Board Member William Euille.

"It would be a tremendous loss if he left. He has way too much talent. He is fixing the effects of past mistakes."
-- Alternate Board Member Jeff McKay.

Alternate board members Anthony Giancola, who represents D.C., and Marcell Solomon, who represents Maryland, did not return calls for comment.

Catoe is one of the highest paid public officials in the region with an annual salary of $326,000, as well as a $60,000 annual living allowance. Faced with ongoing budget issues at Metro, he recently took a voluntary pay cut of 3 percent. That totals about $9,780 per year.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)