Lee Sander Stepping Down

From the MTA press office:

Governor Paterson today accepted the resignation of MTA Executive
Director and Chief Executive Officer Elliot G. Sander. Mr. Sander
offered his resignation to the Governor earlier this year in
anticipation of yesterday’s passage of legislation that joins the
Chairman and CEO positions at the MTA. Mr. Sander’s resignation is
effective May 22, 2009, ending a tenure that began January 1, 2007.

It’s no surprise that Sander would be sacrificed, as rumors had been circulating for months that Governor Paterson was looking for a change. Regardless of Sander’s achievements during his two-year tenure, WNYC is reporting that Paterson earlier today announced the need for a “leadership shake-up” due to the public’s lack of confidence in the agency.

Despite the feckless performance of Paterson and his Albany cohorts during the doomsday debacle, and the short-sighted deal that resulted, we assume the governor managed to keep a straight face.

Follow the jump for the rest of the MTA release.

MTA Executive Director and CEO Elliot G. Sander said: “It has been
a great honor to lead the 70,000 hard-working men and women who run the
world’s greatest public transportation system. I am tremendously proud
of our accomplishments making the MTA a leaner, more efficient and
effective organization. Each of the MTA’s agencies is performing at
peak levels, the relationship with our employees is dramatically
improved and we communicate more frequently with our customers. The
integration of the MTA’s three bus companies, the merging of back
office functions across 7 agencies and the introduction of line general
managers on the subway system will save the MTA millions and improve
the agency’s performance. New innovations like rider report cards, text
message alerts and Select Bus Service have improved the customer
experience. There is more work to be done, but I leave confident
knowing the MTA is headed in the right direction. I am grateful to
Governor Paterson and Governor Spitzer for this wonderful opportunity.
I wish Governor Paterson the best of luck in choosing a successor who
will build on the progress the MTA has made over the past two and a
half years.”