Optimism About a New GM at WSSC

I am encouraged by today’s announcement that Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett and Prince George’s County Executive Jack Johnson have recommended David E. Chardavoyne as the new Chief Executive Officer/General Manager of the Washington Suburban Sanitary commission.

Mr. Chardavoyne has an extensive background in public utility management, and I’m confident that he will bring the creativity and leadership needed to deal with our aging infrastructure and economic challenges.

As chair of the committee tasked with overseeing the water and sewer agency, I have been an outspoken critic of recent failures by WSSC. In particular, I have chided the agency for its failure to appoint a permanent general manager, saying that the stalemate has contributed to public health and safety risks.

I’m pleased that the two county executives have stepped to the plate on this issue. They have made an excellent first step in moving the WSSC forward. Now let’s get to work on reducing the number of water main breaks and leaks.