POUGHKEEPSIE—As Liz reported earlier, state Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn is resigning, effective in May.
In an interview with the Times Union, Glynn said she is moving back to Boston to be closer to family. A staff member at the Department of Transportation told me the resignation came as a surprise.
In a statement, David Paterson said, "I want to thank Commissioner Glynn for her service to the State of New York. In particular, Commissioner Glynn has led the Department of Transportation's efforts to put together the first comprehensive rail plan for New York State in more than 20 years and has played an important role in securing stimulus money for vital transportation projects across the State of New York. I wish her the best in her future endeavors."
Glynn has drawn some criticism recently for taking a long vacation as the D.O.T. came under pressure both to cut its budget (like all state agencies) and to deal with a tremendous influx of work related to the federal stimulus package.
Glynn's resignation will take effect May 9. Paterson said Stanley Gee, the first deputy commissioner, will serve as acting commissioner in the interim.
Glynn was appointed by Eliot Spitzer, and hers is another in the string of departures from the Paterson administration.
