Chief
12-17-2007, 03:18 PM
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/230931.html
New state leader looks at overhaul
SCOTT NORTH, LUKAS VELUSH AND JERRY CORNFIELD; The (Snohomish County) Herald
Published: December 16th, 2007 01:00 AM
In the days leading up to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s decision to retire the state’s Steel Electric-class ferries, Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond left no doubt that bigger changes are on the horizon for Washington State Ferries.
The state’s new transportation secretary knows many people consider ferry leadership to be as shaky as the 80-year-old boats Hammond ordered tied up Nov. 20 because of safety concerns from extensive hull-pitting.
Embarrassed state lawmakers – many of whom had been assuring people for years that all was well below decks on the boats – are circling for blood.
Hammond told ferry employees that there’s no choice but to retool a culture that outsiders view as out-of-touch, obstructionist and unworthy of trust.
“I told them we had an obligation to change people’s impressions of the ferry system, and I told them we were starting that day, and they rallied around that,” Hammond said.
Hammond, who has been in her new job since October, enjoys wide and deep support among department employees and is respected by Democratic and Republican legislative leaders.
She’s received high marks for swiftly making tough decisions on how to replace the state’s oldest ferries and assist the governor in developing a plan to build new boats. Those were problems her predecessor, Doug MacDonald, said he regretted never fixing.
Hammond will face tough questions next month when lawmakers convene and hearings are held on the effects of her decisions and the future of the ferry system.
yah. Blame the new guy...
Sorry, but the Legislature owns this one lock stock and barrel, becasue they hold the purse strings.
That won't stop this hearing from getting seriously rowdy though...
Developing...
New state leader looks at overhaul
SCOTT NORTH, LUKAS VELUSH AND JERRY CORNFIELD; The (Snohomish County) Herald
Published: December 16th, 2007 01:00 AM
In the days leading up to Gov. Chris Gregoire’s decision to retire the state’s Steel Electric-class ferries, Transportation Secretary Paula Hammond left no doubt that bigger changes are on the horizon for Washington State Ferries.
The state’s new transportation secretary knows many people consider ferry leadership to be as shaky as the 80-year-old boats Hammond ordered tied up Nov. 20 because of safety concerns from extensive hull-pitting.
Embarrassed state lawmakers – many of whom had been assuring people for years that all was well below decks on the boats – are circling for blood.
Hammond told ferry employees that there’s no choice but to retool a culture that outsiders view as out-of-touch, obstructionist and unworthy of trust.
“I told them we had an obligation to change people’s impressions of the ferry system, and I told them we were starting that day, and they rallied around that,” Hammond said.
Hammond, who has been in her new job since October, enjoys wide and deep support among department employees and is respected by Democratic and Republican legislative leaders.
She’s received high marks for swiftly making tough decisions on how to replace the state’s oldest ferries and assist the governor in developing a plan to build new boats. Those were problems her predecessor, Doug MacDonald, said he regretted never fixing.
Hammond will face tough questions next month when lawmakers convene and hearings are held on the effects of her decisions and the future of the ferry system.
yah. Blame the new guy...
Sorry, but the Legislature owns this one lock stock and barrel, becasue they hold the purse strings.
That won't stop this hearing from getting seriously rowdy though...
Developing...