Now this is an interesting development, Rell administration officials are conducting a nationwide search for a new CT DOT chief. The possibility that stellar dynamic and forward thinking DOT head might be hired have risen. There’s not guarantees that the candidate will come from out of state, but that alone would be a good thing. Meanwhile there are 50 other states that might have a pretty good DOT department. Close to home NY seems to do a good job, but a good look at Illinois, Washington state and Ohio might be an idea.
From the Advocate:
The Department of Administration posted an advertisement in newspapers, job sites and transportation trade and industry groups such as the American Association of Highway & Transportation Officials, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Council of Engineering Companies.
Qualified applicants are expected to have at least eight years of top-level management experience.
The ad describes the state’s long-term transportation strategy as focused on smart growth and transit-oriented development.
It also mentions the DOT reform group, a committee created by Rell last year to change the culture and structure of the agency after it was revealed that the department had mismanaged a $52 million drainage installation project on Interstate 84 in Waterbury.
The state is still awaiting the committee’s report, which was originally slated for release last month.
It has been delayed as the group, led by Michael Critelli of Pitney Bowes in Stamford, continues to comb through its research and input from transportation advocates, residents and DOT employees.
Some lawmakers said they are disappointed that the nationwide search is being conducted primarily through state government instead of hiring an outside firm or consultant to find top-level talent.
It’s appropriate to hire a consultant or a committee to help with a national search,” said state Sen. Bob Duff, D-Norwalk. “There are a number of stakeholders” in the state who would be interested in getting involved with the search process, he said.
The state’s current method of promoting the position “isn’t exactly the way to beat the bushes for a national expert on transportation,” said state Sen. Andrew McDonald, D-Stamford, a member of the legislature’s Transportation Committee. “It’s just one element of what’s needed to be done.”
Other lawmakers said they are less concerned by the process and are instead pleased to hear the state is pushing ahead with its search in a timely fashion.
“I’m waiting for the resolution and relying on the governor’s national search to find someone who is equipped to handle a major transition” for transportation policy in Connecticut, said state Sen. William Nickerson, R-Greenwich. “We need to find someone who brings stability, leadership and imagination.”
source: Advocate, State searches for new DOT chief, By Mark Ginocchio, January 13 2008
