SAN ANTONIO – In a closed executive session, the Governance Committee, made up of Mayor Julian Castro and a handful of San Antonio City Council members, made the decision to recommend reappointment for existing VIA board members Lou Miller and Gerald Lee.
"I think it's important for the institutional memory as we are going to see up to five new members of VIA, so I think it's important that we do have the continuity of some of our members," Lee said.
At a time when the controversial streetcar system is hanging in the balance, knowledge of the issues and agenda could affect the outcome.
Charlie Gonzalez, VIA Senior Vice President of Public Engagement, said even if the board ends up with several new members, he doesn't think it will jeopardize the streetcar system moving forward.
Miller may be pro-streetcar, but he hasn't always been on board with all of VIA's decisions and has been vocal about it.
Despite this, he was recommended for a third term.
"It's exciting that they were able to keep me on because they feel like even though I may not agree with everything they say, they were willing to listen," Miller said.
The third seat recommendation went to newcomer, Mark Harrison, a 20-year veteran of an inner city transportation system.
"This service is a good service for San Antonio, but it can always be better," Harrison said.
The committee's recommendations will be presented to the full city council Thursday for final approval.
There are two county appointed board member seats expected to be filled by the end of the year.
There is also a decision pending as to who will fill the suburban mayor appointed board member seat, recently vacated by Bill Martin.
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