Yesterday's unfortunate firing of Utah Transit Authority general manager John C. Pingree, by a 9-6 board vote, leaves a sour after-taste and a few questions.
There's no sense asking the proverbial "why?" at this stage. Political and personal differences between Pingree and several members of the board have been apparent for some time. His termination would have taken place last fall if a majority vote could have been garnered among the then 14-member body.But the Utah Legislature's reconfiguration of the UTA board this past session, giving Salt Lake County an additional appointment, sealed the general manager's fate.
Which leads to the first question: Is the board prepared to properly assert itself - in an open and aboveboard fashion - to keep a currently healthy transit authority on track?
It has accused Pingree of exerting too much political influence regarding light rail and other issues, but the record shows that he has followed the dictates of his board of directors throughout his 20 years of service. Perhaps the board needs a bit of introspection to consider how it can more effectively conduct its business.
Question two: Can the board set aside its differences concerning Pingree and move ahead in unified fashion for the good of UTA's riding public?
Feelings leading up to yesterday's action have run deep. They have been emotional and were laced with accusatory tones. As the general manager is directed by the board, so the board is, in turn, accountable to the public. Residents expect board members to not let personal animosity concerning the Pingree firing hinder their ability to govern the agency wisely.
Finally, what of light rail?
Anti-Pingree board members have said their motivations for ousting the general manager had nothing to do with their sentiments about the TRAX light-rail system. Many residents are now watching with suspicion to see if that is in fact the case.
The board, in its list of reasons for terminating Pingree, said it had lost trust in the general manager. Its reasons for impugning Pingree's integrity were shallow, but it is now the UTA board's integrity that is on the line. It must stick to its promise to push the needed light-rail project forward without delay.
As for Pingree, he deserves thanks for 20 years of able leadership and for leaving UTA one of the top-rated public transit districts in the nation. Too bad he was shown the door for his outstanding efforts.