ATLANTA,None — Channel 2 Action News has learned that a finalist to become the next manager of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has dropped out of the running.
John Clark withdrew his name from consideration on Friday. Officials with the Indianapolis Airport Authority, where Clark is currently the executive director and CEO, announced he informed Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and IAA Board members of his decision to stay in Indiana.
"John Clark has informed the board that his focus remains in Indianapolis and his priorities are unchanged. John's leadership will shape the future growth and development of central Indiana's largest airport system for decades," said Lacy Johnson, vice president of the Indianapolis Airport Authority Board. "John is committed to leading the IAA staff toward greater operational efficiency and increased growth."
Earlier this week, Channel 2 Action News obtained records that showed Clark was the subject of several investigations, including an arrest for speeding.
Channel 2's Tom Regan obtained an arrest report from Florida showing police clocked Clark driving a Porsche at 135 mph on Interstate 95 in February.
The arresting officer said he spotted Clark's sports car and two others racing near Miami at 2 a.m., hours after the Super Bowl.
"As I approached the Porsche, I began to receive steady pace clock readings of 120 mph. The Porsche suddenly accelerated. I continued to pace the vehicle at speeds that leveled off at 135 mph," wrote the officer. Clark was charged with reckless driving.
Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed said he knew about the arrest and other issues, but said Clark has an impeccable professional reputation.
"I was told about it. He told me about it privately. He discussed it with me, " said Reed. The mayor also confirmed he's aware of Clark's travel expenses during his term managing the Indianapolis airport.
Records obtained by Channel 2 showed more than $47,000 in expenses in just over a year on the job. The Indianapolis Airport Board told Regan the expenses are justified.
"John Clark has done a good job as our CEO and he has our full support," said the board vice president.
Investigators in the state attorney's office in Jacksonville have subpoenaed expense records from his former position at the Jacksonville airport. A spokesman told Regan, "We cannot comment on a continuing criminal investigation."
[ PDF: John Clark Arrest Report ]
Reed suggested the inquiry may be politically motivated.
"It's not shocking that the No. 1 guy in two airports for 20 years is not scandal free," Reed said.
Clark e-mailed Regan regarding the investigations saying, "In my years that I served as CEO of the Jacksonville Airport Authority, I conducted airport business with integrity and to the best of my abilities. I'm proud of my work in Jacksonville and my decisions and actions during that time."
There are two other finalists for the airport job. Louis Miller is a former executive director and CEO of the Tampa International Airport. Lester Robinson is former CEO of the Detroit Metro Wayne County Airport.