NEWSOM NAMES HUNTER STERN TO MTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

From the Mayor's Office of Communications

Tuesday, September 20, 2005, 9:00 p.m.

Mayor Gavin Newsom today announced the nomination of Hunter Stern to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors. Mr. Stern is currently the Business Representative for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1245.

His appointment is supported by a broad range of labor and community leaders.

"Hunter's extensive experience with local labor unions will be invaluable in strengthening relationships between MTA management and employees," said Mayor Newsom.

"Most MUNI employees are union members and I expect that future relations between line-staff and management will be much smoother with Hunter on the Board."

Mr. Stern has additional experience in San Francisco government as a current member of both the Citizens' General Obligation Bond Oversight Committee and the Treasure Island Citizens Advisory Committee.

His accomplishments have also garnered support from Tim Paulson, leader of the San Francisco Labor Council; Mike Casey, leader of UNITE HERE, Local 2; William Sisk, leader of the Transit Workers Union of America, Local 250-A; and John Hanley of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 798.

"It is a great honor to be chosen by Mayor Newsom to represent and serve San Francisco," said Mr. Stern.

"I look forward to the new challenges offered as a Director and am eager to begin putting my experience to work at the MTA." Mr. Stern is filling a current vacancy in the seven member MTA Board of Directors. His appointment requires confirmation by the Board of Supervisors with at least six members voting in favor of the Mayor's selection. The term of
service is four years. The Board of Directors of the Municipal Transportation Agency oversees the Municipal Railway (Muni) and the Department of Parking and Traffic (DPT).

The mission of the Muni is to provide safe, reliable, clean, accessible, and convenient public transportation. DPT is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents of San Francisco by protecting pedestrians and bicyclists, reducing congestion and air pollution through efficient use of streets, and protecting the City's economic health by prioritizing commercial and residential roadway needs.

Hunter Stern holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Brown University. He is currently a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local Union 1245.

Stern's supporters include the following:
William Sisk President, TWU Local 250-A 922-9495
Mike Casey President, UNITE HERE Local 2 864-8770
Tim Paulson Sec-Treasurer, SF Labor Council 440-4809
Kevin Hughes Asst Business Manager, IBEW Local 6 703-6043
Gabriel Metcalf Executive Director, SPUR 781-8726, ext 113

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