Lawmaker gives Metro head ‘certificate of appreciation’ for firing managers

Rep. John Mica (R-Fla) jokingly presented the head of Washington’s Metrorail system with a “certificate of appreciation” for finally firing 20 managers amid ongoing safety issues.

{mosads}Mica, known for using jokes and props to make a point, said during a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing Tuesday that he was creating a new award for general manager Paul Wiedefeld because he “actually responded and took action since March 18 and fired people.”

“Sir, you fired people!” said Mica, who insisted his staff hand Wiedefeld the certificate, held in a blue sleeve. “This is a certificate of appreciation. You’re going to get a silver.”

Some lawmakers had been expecting a shakeup at Metro after a tunnel fire in March — similar to a deadly January 2015 incident — prompted officials to shut down the entire rail system for emergency inspections and immediate repairs.

Wiedefeld has already unveiled a massive new maintenance plan, and the latest round of dismissals could just be the beginning.

Mica, who admitted he can sometimes have a “tough demeanor,” did express some appreciation for the move, even if it was backhanded.

“If we could get more people in other agencies to take the action you had, we’d have much better government,” he said. “Thank you for stepping up to the plate and doing your job.”