Statement Regarding Resignation of GCRTA Board President

Statement Regarding Resignation of GCRTA Board President

Agency Must Rebuild Trust; Board Should Include RTA Riders

Cleveland, OH, March 30, 2018

Clevelanders for Public Transit is disappointed to learn that Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Board of Trustees President George F. Dixon III has allegedly received health insurance benefits from RTA without paying premiums. For RTA riders, this news comes at a critical time when RTA should be building trust and support for expanded funding within Cuyahoga County. It is imperative that Mr. Dixon’s resignation be met with a sincere commitment to positive change within the organization and its Board.

If these allegations are true, President Dixon has failed to live up to RTA’s stated values of Ethics and Integrity, while RTA has failed to live up to its stated value of Fiscal Responsibility. Board members and RTA staff must be responsible stewards of public funds and critical services. Clevelanders For Public Transit supports President Dixon’s decision to tender his resignation as requested from his fellow RTA Board members.

The City of Cleveland must now appoint President Dixon’s successor. The terms of city-appointed Reverend Charles Lucas and Cuyahoga County-appointed Gary Norton, former mayor of East Cleveland, expire this month as well. Clevelanders for Public Transit believes that this is an opportune time for the City of Cleveland and Cuyahoga County to appoint at least one regular RTA rider to the Board of Trustees.

Clevelanders for Public Transit looks forward to working with RTA’s Board of Trustees and RTA staff to transform RTA into a high-performing organization that lives its values, is worthy of public support and serves the interest of RTA riders.