Published: July 23, 2008 09:05 pm            

BRIDGE COMMISSION: Search set for Garlock successor

Bridge Commission general manager resigns suddenly

Thomas E. Garlock, general manager of the Niagara Falls Bridge Commission and the overseer of numerous multi-million dollar improvements at the border crossings for the past eight years, resigned suddenly, according to a commission spokesman.

Garlock’s departure was not explained and he could not be reached for comment. A search for a successor is expected to extend to both the U.S. and Canada.

Norma Higgs, vice chairwoman of the commission, said Wednesday the decision to replace Garlock was made during an executive session at the commission’s regular meeting on Monday. “It’s a personnel issue and, as you know, we don’t ever discuss such matters (with the media),” she added.

During Garlock’s administration, the commission approved major investments to handle sharp increases in traffic at the Rainbow and Lewiston-Queenston spans. It also promoted the new NEXUS system designed to allow pre-screened, low-risk travelers to cross the border with minimal delay.

Garlock was at the helm when the commission decided to build its $5.8-million, state-of-the-art headquarters at Military and Upper Mountain roads.

A Lockport resident, he had assumed the post in November 2000, replacing Allen Gandell.

Previously Garlock was the communications director for the agency that oversees the wholesale electricity market in the state. In earlier days, he was executive director of the Buffalo Zoo.

Other commissioners on the binational agency: Janice Thomson, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ont., chair; Kenneth E. Loucks, Sauble Beach, Ont., secretary; Patrick D. Brown, Niagara Falls, treasurer; Brian Wilke, Niagara Falls, Ont.; Thomas Pryce, Youngstown; David O’Toole, Toronto; and Diane Vitello, Niagara Falls.

The agency owns and operates the Rainbow, Whirlpool Rapids and Lewiston-Queenston bridges.

        

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