WAMU: MWAA Members Targeted Martire, Reiley

Three members of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors allegedly worked with Republican officials in Virginia to orchestrate the removal of Mame Reiley and union supporter Dennis Martire from the board, according to a story published Wednesday on American University Radio's (WAMU 88.5) website.

MWAA and its board have come under scrutiny in recent years after an audit discovered questionable practices, including sweetheart deals for former board members, questionable travel expenses and nepotism. Martire was among those named for his activities, particularly an expensive trip on behalf of the organization. The Democratic members were removed, despite the internal review of MWAA raising much broader concerns.

MWAA board member Tom Davis denied the accusations in the report.

MWAA was tasked with constructing Metro’s Silver Line from Falls Church to Dulles International Airport and beyond to Ashburn. The organization came under scrutiny as it worked through the first phase of the project and U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf (R-VA-10) requested an investigation by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which discovered the questionable practices.

After the IG's preliminary report, the MWAA board approved a new travel policy and code of ethics, revised bylaws for board members and its Freedom of Information Policy, and terminated contracts with former board members, but the final IG final report found those measures inadequate. MWAA promised to work with Sec. of Transportation Ray LaHood to make improvements. Since that time, LaHood announced he would step down as secretary.

Read the WAMU story here and check out WAMU’s audio report here.