Miller's quick departure from Tampa International

This much is beyond debate. Louis Miller ran Tampa International Airport masterfully, overseeing what is consistently rated one of the best airports in the nation.

Miller, who announced his resignation Wednesday, has been criticized lately by a new board member and has been plagued by news reports of some questionable decisions.

Perhaps, as some critics say, he sometimes overstepped his authority.

But Hillsborough residents can be grateful for his nearly 14-year tenure. He made the airport more efficient and customer friendly.

He undertook more than $1 billion in improvements, including the additions of two new airside facilities. After 9-11 required a security overhaul, Miller implemented a streamlined screening process for checked luggage, reducing the stress on passengers.

When Miller took over, there were frequent complaints about airport police being rude to motorists, yelling at them to move on as they awaited passengers. Miller changed that, demanding civil behavior. Yet he also kept the traffic flowing with sensible steps.

He built a "cell phone" parking lot, where people could await to pick up passengers, and he allowed visitors to park for an hour in the parking garage without charge.

He has some critics. In particular, some say he has not pursued international flights aggressively. Miller has countered that the local business market, not an airport's sales pitch, determines where international flights go.

And he seems to have plowed ahead with some recent decisions without sufficient review. He approved height permits for structures that exceeded federal height limits, though state law says the permits should be given by a board of adjustment. All the projects had been judged safe by the Federal Aviation Administration before Miller gave approval. He terms the lapse a procedural mistake that will be rectified.

And Miller obviously took offense when new aviation authority member Steve Burton began pointedly questioning his decisions last year. His resentment was somewhat understandable, given that Burton had no aviation experience and seemed to possess an anti-Miller agenda.

But while Burton may have been unduly antagonistic, there is nothing wrong with a governing board questioning its director's decisions. Troubles are more likely to occur when there is inadequate oversight.

Miller insists the encounters had nothing to do with his resignation, which he says had been under consideration for a long time. We hope this is so.

Even Miller's harshest critic would have to concede his get-it-done attitude dramatically improved Tampa International Airport, enhanced its reputation and strengthened a foundation of the local economy.