Is An Attorney, CPA, and Former Mayor The Best Qualified Choice For Valley Metro CEO?

Some people want the Valley Metro Board of Directors to stop looking for anyone else, other than Scott Smith who's there in an interim arrangement to clean up the mess left when Steve Banta, shown with Sally Jo Harrison and John Giles on the cover of Compass Magazine, was thrown off "the gravy train".

Are all these Valley politicians afraid an "outsider" - not Scott Smith - with all the executive management expertise in mass transit systems the job requires will get hired and de-rail the wheeler-dealer Valley politics that are the trademarks of Mesa's ex-mayor who wanted the governor's job and didn't get it?.

Nice try, folks. . . and best wishes to Scott Smith looking for another job after his interim appointment is up

 

 

Copy of Letter to the Valley Metro Board of Directors

 August 17, 2016 

 Valley Metro Board of Directors
101 N. 1st Avenue
Suite 1300
Phoenix AZ 85003 

Members of the Board: 

Valley Metro has had a challenging year to say the least. The misuse of taxpayer funds and executive staff time left the organization shaken and the public frustrated. The swift and corrective action taken by the Valley Metro Board of Directors is commendable. The Board's action set a much-needed new direction for the organization and its management. 

While much of the corrective work is underway, much more is needed. The appointment of Scott Smith as Interim CEO was a tremendous step forward. Scott is a respected business and government leader with the experience Valley Metro needs. 

Scott has made and is making many needed changes in his short time at Valley Metro. However, there is only so much someone with an "interim" title can do. From problem employees that try to outlive the interim status, to processes and policies that need time to fully implement, a temporary leadership title has its limits. 

What Valley Metro needs at this stage in its progress is steady and decisive leadership. As an attorney, CPA, and former mayor with national connections, Scott's background is ideal for the contract management and grant pursuit work of Valley Metro and its members. 

The Valley Metro organization needs a CEO that has the respect of the municipalities that depend on our transit system. Equally important, the agency needs a leader that has the respect and trust of the public. 

For these reasons, we respectfully ask the Valley Metro Board of Directors to cease the national search for a new CEO and offer Scott Smith a contract with appropriate parameters that ensures the success and proper management of the Valley Metro organization and area transit system. 

Valley Metro is a valued partner of the Valley business community. A strong transportation system that includes and effective transit system is a catalyst for economic development. The successful planning, development, and operation of the regional bus and rail systems are critical to the efficient movement of customers and employees. As funders and users of the regional transit system, we hope you will consider our request and act accordingly. 

 

Respectfully,

Larry Johnson
President/CEO
Apache Junction Chamber of Commerce

Deanna Kupcik
President/CEO
Buckeye Valley Chamber of Commerce

Patty Villeneuve
President & CEO
Carefree/Cave Creek Chamber of Commerce

Terri Kimball
President/CEO
Chandler Chamber of Commerce

Scott Soldat-Valenzuela
President/CEO
Fountain Hills Chamber of Commerce

Kathy Tilque

President/CEO

Gilbert Chamber of Commerce

Robert W. Heidt, Jr.
President/CEO
Glendale Chamber of Commerce

Sally Harrison
President/CEO
Mesa Chamber of Commerce

Chris Clark
President/CEO
Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

Mark Hiegel

President/CEO

Scottsdale Chamber of Commerce

Mary Ann Miller
President/CEO
Tempe Chamber of Commerce

Julie Brooks
Executive Director
Wickenburg Chamber of Commerce