Atlanta leaders react to DeCosta leaving

By Charles Edwards

Atlanta, GA – Ben DeCosta's decision not to renew his contract as Atlanta airport general manager shocked some City Council members.

This week they praised his work and expressed concern over picking his replacement.

WABE's Charles Edwards reports.

The Atlanta City Council that approved DeCosta's appointment as general manager in 1998 included Michael Julian Bond. Bond, who was elected back to council last year, credits DeCosta for expanding Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

BOND: "So, he was able to build a 5th runway, keep that construction ongoing and on time and keep the other runways functioning while they were doing the construction which absolutely amazing."

Under DeCosta's tenure, Atlanta's airport has been world's busiest in terms of arriving and departing flights. City council transportation chair C.T. Martin says replacing DeCosta will be a big challenge for Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed.

MARTIN: "It's his appointment. So, it's on him now to find someone to bring to us that we in a collaborative way try to bring us the best person."

Reed has promised an aggressive national search.

Charles Edwards, WABE News.