Friday, July 13, 2012

City Hires Transportation Director After Rescinding Offer to Portland Official

Posted By on Fri, Jul 13, 2012 at 12:00 PM

Tucsons new transportation director, Daryl Cole, left, accepts an award honoring his 25 years of service to the city of El Paso.
  • Tucson's new transportation director, Daryl Cole, left, accepts an award honoring his 25 years of service to the city of El Paso.
Tucson has a new transportation director, but only after rescinding an offer to Portland’s head of transportation.

Daryl W. Cole, currently El Paso Texas’ transportation director accepted the postion last week.

Michael Graham, the City of Tucson’s public information officer, confirmed yesterday that the position was originally offered on contingency to Portland’s transportation director Tom Miller.

Graham said the city reevaluated the situation and determined that Cole would be a better fit for the position.

Miller, a huge proponent of alternate transportation and separated bicycle infrastructure, was out of the office until July 23 and could not be reached for comment.

Cole, who has worked in El Paso’s transportation department for the last 26 years, said he grew up in Chandler and loves the southwest.

The two come from very different backgrounds and the decision to rescind the offer has some alternative transportation advocates concerned about the city's future. Read more to find out why.

In other bike news, The B-Line will likely continue their bicycle delivery service even though the street is reopening soon. Check it out.

And because of the streetcar construction a pedal powered business is leaving Tucson... for now.

A bike can really improve your mood. Check out person's mood altering ride.

Yet another pedestrian was struck and killed this week.

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