| Press Release |
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| December 3, 2007 |
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Governor Announces Achterman Chair of Oregon Transportation Commission
Salem - Governor Ted Kulongoski announced today that he has designated Ms. Gail Achterman as chair of the Oregon Transportation Commission, effective immediately.
A Portland attorney who spent 20 years in private law practice with Stoel, Rives LLP, Ms. Achterman began her first term on the transportation commission on November 17, 2002, and was reappointed effective July 1, 2004. She was the commission lead on writing the 25-year Oregon Transportation Plan last year.
“Gail’s long experience in public policy – particularly with regard to transportation, land use and environmental stewardship make her the natural choice to chair the Oregon Transportation Commission as we begin discussions of a transportation funding package for the 2009 legislative session,” Governor Kulongoski said.
Ms. Achterman is the director of the Natural Resources Institute at Oregon State University and serves as a special advisor to the Vice-President for Research. Achterman is also an advisory board member for the Klamath Basin Rangeland Trust.
Though other women have served as members of the transportation commission, Ms. Achterman is the first woman to serve as chair.
Achterman is stepping in to replace Stuart Foster of Medford, who resigned from the commission last week.
Governor Kulongoski also designated Mr. Mike Nelson from Baker City as vice-chair of the commission. Mr. Nelson is in his second term on the commission having been re-reappointed on July 1, 2007. Mr. Nelson represented district 59 in the Oregon House of Representatives during the 1999 and 1981 Legislative Assemblies.
Two positions remain open on the Oregon Transportation Commission with the resignation of Stuart Foster, who resigned as chair last week and Randall Pape, who stepped down from the commission on November 1st.
In his letter to the Governor Foster stated, “After nearly twelve and one-half years on the commission the time has come for new leadership.”
Mr. Pape of Eugene served on the Oregon Transportation Commission for 6 years.
In his departure letter Pape said, “For personal reasons arising from time conflicts with my professional and personal life, I have decided that now is the appropriate time for me to step down.”
The Governor praised the service of Mr. Foster and Mr. Pape.
“Serving on the transportation commission requires statewide travel, long hours, and no pay,” said the Governor. “Mr. Foster and Mr. Pape have unselfishly volunteered their time to building a transportation infrastructure that will serve Oregon’s citizens and economy. They will be missed.”
The Oregon Transportation Commission is composed of five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Oregon State Senate. One must live east of the Cascades, and no more than three can be of the same political party. The Oregon Transportation Commission sets multimodal transportation policy and oversees the operations of the Oregon Department of Transportation.
Contacts:
Rem Nivens, 503-378-6496
ODOT: Patrick Cooney, 503-986-3455
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