If the last 10 days at the TTC haven’t been weird enough, the transit system’s GM Rick Ducharme is quitting as of November 30th citing political interference as his main reason. You can read his letter of resignation here [PDF download].
The Toronto Star reports:
Rick Ducharme has tendered his resignation as chief general manager of the TTC effective Nov. 30, the Star has learned. It is not clear whether the commission has accepted the resignation.
“I am sure that you will read and hear theories of why I’m leaving,” Ducharme said in his letter to employees.
“The main reason behind my decision is due to political interference. I take the responsibility of moving the organization forward seriously and this involves relationships with all levels of government. I’ve always been a straight-shooter, however, when some Commission members choose to undermine my role and responsibilities then, the game is over!
“My tenure at the TTC has been both rewarding and challenging. I value you as employees for I’ve always said “You’re only as good as your people”. I sincerely want to express my gratitude for the ongoing support you have provided me in my capacity as Chief General Manager.”
5 comments
Just like David Gunn.
How many times will Howard Moscoe force out good managers? Why is that buffoon Chairman of the TTC?
This is huge news. Something tells me David Miller’s “Wonder Boy” Giambrone isn’t what he’s cracked up to be.
I think the problem runs deeper than any one politician, even if Howard Moscoe does seem like the worst possible boss. It’s built into the current structure of the TTC that the commissioners (a group of city councillors) micromanage the running of the system. Look at the minutes of any TTC meeting — it’s mostly little details that should be left to the pros, rather than the goals, budgets, and public concerns that are suited to political involvement.
Sadly, that environment (and Ducharme’s comments on it) may make the best candidates for the General Manager job think twice about whether they really want it.
I agree, the city councillors must stop micro-managing the city and leave it up to the professionals hired to do the job.
But if you don’t have councillors involved at some level their is no one to hold accountable. They are supposed to be our voices in City Hall. That doesn’t mean councillors don’t do stupid things (and they do very often), but there has to be some connection to councillors/voters.
But political interference can also come from the Proinvce who are giving $1.6 to the TTC that is #4 on their priority list. Spend that $1.6 billion on above-ground LRT and ROWs and then we’ll be talking.