Thursday, August 24, 2006
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Charles Kamp, the manager of transit in the Appleton-Fox Cities region, has been named general manager of Madison Metro. Kamp replaces Catherine Debo, who left the agency in a dispute over renewal of her contract amid growing dissatisfaction by city officials over financial shortfalls and bus ridership numbers. In announcing the hiring, Mayor Dave Cieslewicz stressed Kamp's capacity to help expand the Metro system. "As our community continues to grow, we need a robust, affordable, innovative transit system. Chuck will help us build that system," Cieslewicz said. "I also hope he will use his experience building a regional system in the Fox Cities to help us continue our push toward regional transit in the Madison area," the mayor added. Metro, facing a funding gap of more than $1 million, last year raised fares and secured a 4 percent boost in city funds. For its 2007 operating budget, the agency is seeking $10.4 million in city funding, up 13.2 percent from last year. While all city agencies have been asked to cut spending by 3 percent, Metro's budget request fits under that guideline because its base was adjusted to reflect rising gasoline prices, mayoral aide George Twigg said. The agency also receives more than $40 million in federal funds. Middleton, a longtime buyer of Madison bus service, is expanding its routes this fall, while Verona started Metro commuter bus service last year. Oregon, Stoughton and Sun Prairie also are considering contracting for bus service. Pending confirmation by the City Council, Kamp is expected to begin work on Oct. 16. He will be paid $100,000 annually. Kamp has served as general manager of the Valley Transit system since 1991. Before that, he held various management positions for 10 years with the Washington, D.C., Metro Area Transit Authority. He is married and has three children aged 23, 20 and 15. "I'm looking forward to building on the successes of Madison Metro," Kamp said. "It will be an exciting new challenge to work on new visions for public transportation in the Madison region." Back to Articles |