SEATTLE — Everett City Council member Mark Olson was elected vice chairman of the Sound Transit board on Thursday, putting in him a leadership position as the agency attempts to deliver on its promise to bring commuter rail service to Snohomish County by the end of the year.
"The transportation system we’re building is absolutely critical to our region’s future," Olson said. "Particularly important to the people of Snohomish County is the launch of our Sounder commuter rail service between Everett and Seattle."
He said he wants to continue to have Sound Transit act as a conduit to improve transit in the county. Created when voters approved Sound Move in 1996, Sound Transit provides commuter rail, light rail and bus service.
"The people of our region put their faith in Sound Transit to address our serious transportation challenges," he said. "The board’s firm commitment is to continue building solutions."
Pierce County Executive John Ladenburg was named chairman of the board, and Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels was named second vice chairman.
The three were voted into their positions by fellow board members. The appointments are for two years.
Incoming Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon will fill current Executive Bob Drewel’s spot on the Sound Transit board, but it’s unclear who will fill the county’s third seat on the board, which is opening up because Edmonds City Council member Dave Earling’s term ends at the close of the year.
The 18-member board has members from Snohomish, King and Pierce counties. State Secretary of Transportation Doug MacDonald also sits on the board.
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