Sometimes outstanding job performance just isn’t enough.  I guess one could ask Great Falls Airport Director Cynthia Schultz about that.

Today in the Great Falls Tribune, I read that the Great Falls Airport Authority (GFAA) has moved to terminate her contract and hire someone else, “under revised rules” as the Tribune reporter wrote.  The reporter also wrote that the board, “…took the action out of concern over the vague director’s contract, and that Schultz’s performance was not at issue.”  I wonder who wrote/approved “the vague director’s contract,” could it be GFAA?

In my opinion, terminating the Director’s contract was a very foolish move by the GFAA, and that’s putting it nicely. 

Note: I did not say the Board members were foolish.  Even our best and brightest people make foolish mistakes, like in this case.

Coolness Prevails:

When I first heard about this on the Tuesday evening news, I was angry.  Then when I read about in the Tribune, I was steaming.  I wanted to write something quickly – just throw some words on paper and hit submit.  But this evening I have cooled down some – just a little.

I don’t like to see good people harmed by bullies.  I wanted to write about how it seems some successful women in Montana get ridiculed more than successful men, but that will have to wait for another time.

I interpret the revised rules mentioned in paragraph number two (above) to mean, “more control.”  Of course the GFAA can do things like that.  They can also scare off most applicants.  They probably already have.  Who would want to work for them?  Of course, somebody will apply because unemployment is so high.  But if they do a good job…watch out!

I think the Board will be looking for a “Yes” man.

Soon we may see GFAA members checking our luggage, sweeping the floors, filling out grant applications, plowing snow, etc.  That’s a joke, but that’s also where micromanaging can lead, among other things.

Background:

There are seven members of the GFAA to oversee the tiny Great Falls International Airport (the U.S. Supreme Court has nine members).  The Great Falls City Commission appoints four members and the Cascade County Commission appoints three (Note:  Cascade County’s information about GFAA needs updated).  They serve three year terms.

I don’t know if there are other requirements or not.  Maybe if you’ve taken a plane ride, or like airplanes, that counts.  There are no residency requirements.

It’s kind of like whom you know and your willingness to become a member, as it is with most boards.  Yes, I’ve served on boards.

From the City of Great Falls website about GFAA:

Purpose
Governing body and policy setting board for the operation and management of the Great Falls International Airport.  Responsible for employing the Airport Director, who hires staff and oversees the day-to-day operations of the Airport.

The Board meets once per month.

Let’s get ready to rumble:

I’ve heard rumblings around the community of Great Falls for the last few years about the Airport Board and Director Schultz.  People will support one side or the other, just as I am doing.  I do know (and like) people on both sides, but I am siding with Schultz on this one because I have seen the outstanding work she has done over the past decade.

Wouldn’t it be nice?

It would have been nice if the board had written a new contract, presented it to her, and open up the communications some.  If an employee’s job performance is fine, why wouldn’t you want to work to keep them in your organization?  Then if they could not come to an agreement, she could leave, on her own terms and maybe a future job somewhere else.  Due to the foolish thing that the GFAA has done, she may not be able to find work again in this field.  Maybe that’s what the Board wanted?  Get her and get her good.  What a way to treat an employee who has performed her job well.  I certainly hope the six members of GFAA who voted to oust her are proud.

The funny thing is they told Schultz she could apply for the job.  Fat chance she would get it.  Probably even a fatter chance that she would want to work for them.  I wouldn’t.

Maybe the elective bodies who appoint these board members should step in?  I doubt that will happen, as they haven’t the nerve to step on toes.

Home-Grown:

Schultz is home-grown.  Born and raised in Great Falls.  Graduated from CMR.  Higher education at Montana State University.  Her roots run deep in the community.  This is a terrible way to treat one of your own, Great Falls Airport Authority.