Munoz plans to quit as VIA’s boss on Feb. 1 [San Antonio Express-News]
By Vianna Davila, San Antonio Express-News | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
Munoz, board chairman for five years, will step down
His decision surprised many, although Munoz had indicated since last fall that he might not complete his term because of competing demands.
Besides serving as VIA chairman, he's the CEO of
"It was getting harder and harder for Henry to devote the time that he once did," Gonzalez said. The squeeze was only going to get worse next year, he said, because of the 2014 mid-term elections.
In a written statement to VIA trustees, Munoz said he knew he might depart before completing his term but stayed on because he didn't want to leave so soon after
"Today, I believe VIA is well positioned for the future," wrote Munoz, who didn't comment for this report.
But his decision to leave still shocked some of Munoz's colleagues, including several board trustees. Even
Since he was appointed chairman of the VIA board in
During Munoz's tenure, VIA approved the 5.9-mile,
VIA also launched its bus rapid transit line, VIA Primo, and the agency secured millions in federal grants to improve its bus system and add electric and diesel-electric hybrid vehicles to its fleet.
"VIA is now viewed as a leader at both the statewide and national levels," Munoz wrote, "and is respected as a well-run and innovative institution that proudly represents its users, its community and the public transportation industry."
But it's not yet clear who might replace him or come armed with his many political and business connections. Munoz is an adept political fundraiser.
None of the nine other members of the VIA board -- one position remains vacant -- has a national profile like Munoz, who co-founded a Latino fundraising initiative with actress
The next VIA board chairman could come from within the ranks of the board or, like Munoz, be elected at large.
One of the possible internal candidates is
Gambitta said Friday he's been approached about the position but that it's "entirely up to the board."
"It's a major position," Gambitta said. "I would have to reflect upon it."
VIA Trustee
"I'd love to be the chairman," said Miller, a
$70 million short of the projected cost. Munoz was a strong advocate for funding, Gonzalez said, but what matters more is the availability of federal dollars and the quality of the project.
"I'm not going to tell you that that wasn't important. It is," Gonzalez said. "But I think we can continue the momentum."
Munoz had a panache for embroiling himself in controversy, both in his actions and attitude.
Most recently, he came under scrutiny after the
He said an ethics attorney, hired by VIA, later cleared him of any wrongdoing or conflict of interest, but he still recused himself from a vote on the streetcar line.
Munoz could dominate discussions at VIA board meetings, and never hesitated to grill staffers, drill down for more detailed information, or send them back to the drawing board if a presentation did not answer all of his questions about a particular subject.
The chairman could be "direct, hands-on, focused," said VIA trustee
"He brought some controversy and some problems," Allison said, "but I think the benefits far outweighed that."
By pushing for the streetcar and other system improvements, Munoz took VIA to a different level, said
"I believe he was very instrumental in taking this (streetcar) movement forward, to actually get it off the ground," Rodriguez said.
In his letter, Munoz said he will work closely with VIA President and CEO
Wolff said he will look to Mayor
Five years ago, Wolff pushed for Munoz's election to the VIA board.
Castro did not respond to questions about what he would look for in VIA's next chairman.
In a text message, Castro said, "I commend Henry for his leadership as chairman of VIA. During his tenure, VIA has increased ridership and made tremendous progress in developing a long-range vision for a 21st century transit system."
It was that fierce desire -- for a more modern transit system -- that ultimately made Munoz a target, Wolff said.
"I think the record shows he had a very successful term," Wolff said. "He's not ashamed to ask for something for
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