Opinion: Appoint leaders to TIA board

In the coming weeks, Gov. Jeb Bush will make two appointments to a board overseeing a jewel of the region -- Tampa International Airport. The appointments come at a critical time. New gates and ticketing areas are being added, another runway and terminal are planned down the road and consolidation within the airline industry is posing a host of new business challenges. This is hardly the time for passive leadership.

Applicants for the job should transcend the usual patronage pool. Bush's appointees will shape TIA for years to come. The board needs members with vision, business sense and a commitment to public and customer service. Of the applicants thus far, Ken Anthony has the experience, reputation and personal skills the governor should be looking for.

While much about airport operations falls outside the board's control, the board nonetheless frames the city's relationship with the airlines and the federal government. Neither will invest the money to improve air service at TIA without confidence the airport is ably led.

The aviation authority's executive director, Louis Miller, has made the airport cleaner, more vibrant and easier to navigate. Bush can keep the momentum going by appointing an equally far-sighted board.

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