SMP to cut jobs, hire new director

The Times reports on two major pieces of news from SMP today, possible layoffs...

Seattle Monorail Project (SMP) leaders are considering whether to slash up to one-third of its payroll, saying some jobs aren't necessary while the monorail's future remains unknown.

Between 15 and 25 employees may be released, acting Chair Kristina Hill told agency board members last night. Currently, the monorail employs 68 people.

...and the job hunt for a new director

The board last night authorized the staff to sign a contract with a search firm to recruit nationally for a new executive director. So far the monorail project has received one offer, costing about $45,000, from a firm the agency would not name last night, said Stockmeyer. The board also held a half-hour closed "executive session" that he said included early discussion of possible recruits.