By Jeff Francis, MILE HIGH NEWS
Phil Washington had a 24-year career in the United States Army. He thinks a “track record of making bold and challenging decisions” will come in handy in his new position — general manager of the Regional Transportation District.
RTD General Manager Cal Marsella announced April 28 he is leaving his position — which he has held for 14 years — next month to work at a private firm. The voter-approved light rail project FasTracks, whose creation he oversaw, has been described by some as in a bad way, with Jefferson County’s West Line being scaled back from its original proposal.
Washington said despite what he sees as minor ailments with FasTracks, the idea is still strong and one he intends to pursue fully.
“I think the project is still on schedule,” he said. “We’ve experienced some sales-tax-revenue shortfalls, some increased cost of materials, but we’re still committed to the investment, and it’s an investment that’s going to pay off in a big way.”
RTD officials have stated publicly the organization is pondering a ballot proposal that could ask voters to pay more taxes to complete FasTracks.
Washington said he will let the RTD board make the final decision on a potential second ballot question. Scott Reed, RTD spokesman, said such a call will likely occur in 2010.
“The board will make the call whether we go out again,” Washington said. “There is the assumption in our plan that talks about going out to the voters and getting increased federal funding.”
Pauletta Tonilas, spokeswoman for RTD, said the district will hire a company to conduct its search for a new general manager. She said the search should take roughly six months.
“The RTD board will go through the recruitment of a permanent general manager,” she said. “Phil is also interested in the job permanently. He was interested in serving in the interim, but he will also throw his hat into the ring for the permanent position.”
Washington has served as RTD’s assistant general manager for administration for nine years. He currently oversees finance, procurement, information technology, human resources, treasury, and disadvantaged business enterprise departments.
Distributed by Colorado Capitol Reporters
