PORT TOWNSEND — Port Angeles Mayor Dan Di Guilio spent his first day as interim general manager of Jefferson Transit on Friday meeting with staff and examining records.
Di Guilio, 61, replaces Peggy Hanson, who resigned.
He had served as general manager for Clallam Transit System for nine years, retiring in 2004.
He came out of retirement when he was contacted about the vacancy, he said.
“I didn’t ask for this job,” he said, “but I was asked to do it, so I’m here to help out.”
Di Guilio said the “day job” as transit manager will not interfere with his mayoral duties. The transit board has agreed to some flexibility in his hours in order for him to meet some committee responsibilities in Port Angeles.
“There may be some days where I need to come in early or work late,” he said.
Di Guilio said he wants to meet with each employee to make sure he or she has the needed resources to do the job.
He also must fill the finance director position to replace Sarah Crouch, who resigned last month.
The application period has been extended to Friday, April 15, after which time “we will get someone in here as soon as possible,” Di Guilio said.
His first meeting with the Transit Board will be at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at Mountain View Commons, 1919 Blaine St.
At that time, the board will begin discussion of a new transportation development plan, said board Chairman Catharine Robinson, who is also a member of the Port Townsend City Council.
“We are happy that Dan is at the helm, where he can help us distribute the new revenue we expect from the sales tax increase,” Robinson said.
Voters approved a 0.3 percent increase in February, with the money earmarked to maintain transit services.
Di Guilio plans to go out into the field and ride the buses as soon as his initial orientation period is finished.
He doesn’t know what to expect in the new position but said he does not envision merging Jefferson Transit with any other system.
“Anything is possible,” he said.
“But I think the citizens here are more interested in a system that adequately serves Jefferson County’s needs.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
