SAGINAW, MI – Glenn Steffens said Oct. 8 that he does not wish “at this time” to publicly discuss his sudden resignation as director of STARS, Saginaw Transit Authority Regional Services.
He adds that he is “very supportive” of Amy Bidwell, the former deputy director and chief financial officer appointed by the nine-member STARS board to serve in the interim, and offers “absolutely the best wishes” for STARS and the future. He declined to discuss his own employment outlook.
Bidwell came to STARS a year ago after serving as manager of Midland’s Dial-A-Ride transit program
Steffens’ resignation was announced after an Oct. 7 special meeting for “financial review,” not mentioned in the STARS press release, Another special session for the same purpose is listed for noon on Oct. 14 at the Rosa Parks Transit Center, 615 Johnson, with the regular meeting at noon on Oct. 28.
Michigan Banner could not immediately reach Kathleen Miller, the STARS board chair, or Floyd Kloc, the former mayor who is vice-chair.
The STARS website, saginaw-stars.com, states that after Steffens was hired eight years ago, “In 2016, due to changes in their funding structure, STARS was on the brink of bankruptcy. The fleet was deteriorating, services suffered, the local community was hurt. When many local and federal levels swung into action, STARS was kept alive.”
He is best known for promoting pursuit of federal funds for the Potter Street Railroad Station, four blocks north of the downtown terminal, for historical restoration as a new STARS headquarters. In addition, accomplishments listed include:
- Formed a public private partnership with Michigan Steel Mills to provide worker transportation, 3 shifts at 1,200 rides per week, funded completely with private funds,
- Saved over $200k for STARS in Union Contract negotiations while increasing union wages for 60 employees by over $120,000 per year due to better/smarter bargaining techniques.
- Restored Saturday services.
- Redesigned system from 7 to 9 routes.
- Extended weekday operating hours from 7:20 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Increased the budget from $5.8 million to $10.9 million in five years.
- Purchased 13 refurbished buses through unconventional and creative means to overcome extreme capital replacement short falls.
- Launched Rides to Wellness, the first county-wide offering in the history of the agency. This cutting-edge service now has dozens of community partners and offers rides to the general public through Michigan Transportation Connection (MTC).
- Currently STARS employs 120 people between Maintenance, Transportation and Administrative Departments and continues to grow.
