John Pingree, the head of the Utah Transit Authority for 20 years, was expected to be ousted from his job Monday afternoon at a special board of trustees meeting.
"I guess it's payback time," said James E. Clark, the board's chairman. Clark said he's frustrated that there was nothing he could do to stop the firing of Pingree."John's done an excellent job. This is very troubling to me," Clark told the Deseret News. "He's Mr. UTA. He took a third-rate bus company and built it to national prominence - this is the reward he gets."
Clark blamed the board's decision to take action on Pingree on "strictly petty power politics." Most of Pingree's problems have been with Salt Lake County commissioners.
Pingree survived a 7-7 vote to fire him last October, but lawmakers recently added a 15th member to the board - who was appointed by the commission. The director's fate was sealed less than two weeks ago when eight board members requested the special meeting.
Pingree, 57, declined to discuss his situation before the meeting, other than to say he serves at the pleasure of the board, and that he accepts their decisions.
He also released a statement:
"I'm grateful to have been a part of this great team. Together we have built one of the finest transit systems in the country for the people of Utah. I thank the good people of UTA and wish them my very best."
Clark said that Pingree, who earns $151,710 a year, is entitled to a life insurance annuity valued at $400,000 plus whatever severance pay the board chooses.
Monday, the board also was expected to name UTA official John Inglish as acting general manager and establish a search process to find a permanent replacement for Pingree.