Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 20, 2004

Statement from Metro CEO/General Manager Richard A. White on the passing of Board Member Carlton R. Sickles

It is with great sadness that the Metro family learned of the passing of Board Member Carlton R. Sickles on Saturday, January 17, 2004, at his home in Montgomery County, Maryland. Fondly known as one of the " fathers" of the Metrorail system, Mr. Sickles was also one of the founding members of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. He was a former Maryland Congressman as well. At the time of his death, Mr. Sickles, was an alternate director representing Montgomery County on the Metro Board. He was one of a handful of public leaders who laid the legal framework for the creation of the interstate compact which governs the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s (WMATA) activities. In addition to chairing the Compact Commission in the early years, Mr. Sickles served on the ’shadow" board which operated just before WMATA was created in 1967. He has served almost continuously as a member of the Metro Board of Directors since its inception. He held the position of Chairman of the Board, and he was the Chairman of the Board’s Safety Committee at the time of his passing. A living legacy with an endearing wit and sense of humor, he was an indefatigable champion of Metro and a man who lived life to the fullest. We join his family, friends, and colleagues in mourning his passing, and he will always hold a special place in our hearts.

News release issued on January 20, 2004.