I am writing to you today to formally submit my letter of resignation from the position of Director of the District of Columbia Department of Transportation (DDOT), effective February 18, 2006.

 

I resign with both a sense of accomplishment as well as an awareness of the work that remains to be done.  I have attached a description of some of what has been done during my time at DDOT, but that list pales in comparison to the continued stream of successes and innovations that the Department is poised to make.  Therefore, my proudest achievement has been in assembling an unparalleled team of professionals who will sustain and enhance what we have started.

 

None of what has been achieved could have been done without your steadfast and unwavering support of me and of our mission: to make the District’s transportation system second to none.  Your passion for our work, your support of our pushing the envelope and your commitment to seeing the project through, inspired us all.  Ours is but one example of the permanent, profound, positive change you and your Administration have brought to the District of Columbia.  From all of us at DDOT, I offer my gratitude.

 

The positive impact DDOT has had on the lives of hundreds of our community who have less has been particularly rewarding.  Through DDOT’s Progressive Partners Program, hard-to-employ individuals, such as former welfare recipients and reentrants from the criminal justice system, were given access to jobs and careers while our work with the Earth Conservation Corps joined environmental projects with job opportunities to better the lives of hundreds of at-risk young people and improve the Anacostia waterfront.

 

DDOT staff was also directly involved in other community-building efforts. For example, the Paving Your Way to Success program allowed DOOT personnel to gain access to literacy and other life skills, leading to home ownership and deeper community ties. And through our Behind the Curb program, we donated mattresses to children with no beds in Lincoln Heights, engaged in clean-ups and paving projects at schools and recreation centers and provided hundreds of holiday gifts to deserving children.

 

DDOT has been inspiring, challenging and rewarding work.  I have been lucky to serve you, the citizens and the Department, and I look forward to using the lessons I have learned at DDOT in my new position as Interim General Manager at WMATA/METRO. 

 

Thanks again for your support and the trust you have placed in me, I will continue to work to deserve it.

 

Sincerely Yours,

Dan Tangherlini

Director

District Department of Transportation

 

cc.        Alfreda Davis, Chief of Staff

            Robert Bobb, City Administrator

            Herbert Tillery, Deputy Mayor for Operations