John Catoe's contract extended by another 3 years

The WMATA Board has voted to extend General Manager John Catoe's contract by another 3 years. Board members voiced support for the manager, despite recent safety problems and the 6/22 crash. Board member Chris Zimmerman called Catoe the best person in the country for the job. Catoe's new contract begins January 30, 2010 and his salary of $315,000 plus living expenses is unchanged.

Maybe when Metro Board Chairman Jim Graham is finished praising Catoe's wonderful job, he will have a comment about his chief of staff being arrested.

The vote was 5 in favor, 1 against. Roll call information is not available at this time. Catoe's reaction to the approval was that it is a reflection on his staff and the direction the agency is headed.

I know I feel better already.

UPDATE: The one NAY vote was from the District's City Administrator Neil Albert.