By PAULENE POPARAD

Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District board members gave outgoing chairman David Niezgodski a standing ovation Friday as the St. Joseph County appointee readies to take his new seat representing District 7 in the Indiana General Assembly.

The NICTD board also increased the base compensation of South Shore railroad general manager Gerald Hanas from $125,000 to $140,000. Hanas is the only general manager NICTD’s had since the four-county public agency was created in 1977 to take over operation of the passenger service.

NICTD attorney Michael Harris said the base pay for managers of comparable railroads ranges from $125,000 to $185,000. The $140,000 figure was recommended as needed to attract a qualified replacement for Hanas when he leaves.

Asked after the meeting if he had planned to retire or leave NICTD, Hanas said he’s committed to stay as part of the restructuring of his compensation.

Niezgodski, who’s served as chairman six of his eight years on the board, isn’t the only member leaving. Porter County Council member Al Steele, whose term ends Dec. 31, also was gifted with a commemorative clock and lifetime South Shore pass as his NICTD appointment ends; he plans to retire.

St. Joseph County Councilman Mark Catanzarite, who was elected interim NICTD chairman until a 2007 reorganization in January, praised both Neizgodski and Steele for their contributions to the commuter line and for overseeing a major recapitalization of its assets.

According to Niezgodski, who called his service an honor, he’s been asked to serve on the Transportation Committee in the Indiana legislature where he hopes to continue his support for the South Shore.

Also present Friday was 2nd District U.S. Congressman-elect Joe Donnelly, who defeated incumbent Chris Chocola last month. Said Donnelly, “I wanted to show my absolute commitment to NICTD. It’s critical to economic development of this area. You can count on me to be someone in Washington to be your friend.”

Ist District. U.S. Cong. Peter Visclosky of Merrillville also has been a strong supporter of the South Shore.

Steele was among several board members warmly praising Hanas and supporting his pay increase. “He keeps this thing moving. I have never served on a board with a more competent CEO than Jerry and his staff.” Steele also noted that under Hanas’ leadership, members brought no personal agendas to the board. “Every two months I looked forward to meeting with people I trusted and liked.”

Porter County’s other representative is Leon West of Portage, an appointee of the Porter County Commissioners.

The terms of NICTD board members Dennis Burke representing South Shore employees and Paul Pobereyko representing commuters also expire this month. They are appointed by the governor. Burke said he’s had no indication whether his term will be extended.

By statute Burke and Pobereyko could not vote on Hanas’ salary, but Burke said he’s known Hanas for 25 years and he’s always been fair to the employees.

Posted 12/4/2006