Posted: October 15, 2009 09:53:56 PST
Bellingham Mayor Dan Pike has selected nine Bellingham residents to serve on the new Bellingham Transportation Commission. They will be considered for appointment by the Bellingham City Council at its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 19.
This new City advisory committee is expected to help shape the future of Bellingham by taking a long-range, strategic look at transportation issues and providing recommendations on policy choices and investment priorities.
Pike said he received more than 30 applications for the nine commission seats. He said he chose members with a range of perspectives and expertise to represent the community's long-term vision for mobility options throughout the City. Pike selected the following people to serve as the first Bellingham Transportation Commission, subject to Council approval:
| Name | Term |
| James Gebhardt | 1 year |
| Carol Berry | 1 year |
| Tim Hostetler | 1 year |
| Therese Kelliher | 2 years |
| Jim McCabe | 2 years |
| Frank Ordway | 2 years |
| Claudia Kelley | 3 years |
| Dan Burwell | 3 years |
| Wes Frysztyacki | 3 years |
Pike said the Transportation Commission also will form partnerships with transportation agencies and seek additional technical expertise as needed, such as from the Whatcom Transportation Authority, Whatcom Council of Governments, higher education and others.
Formation of the nine-member commission was approved by the Bellingham City Council on Aug. 10, 2009. Providing safe, well-connected transportation options is among the City's top priorities, as described in the Council's Legacies and Strategic Commitments. Priorities for the new commission will include making recommendations on how to achieve these and other transportation-related goals, such as those described in key policy documents such as the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Climate Protection Action Plan. The new commission also will absorb the advisory responsibilities of the City's Parking Commission and the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, both disbanded effective at the end of 2009.
Members of the Transportation Commission are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.
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Additional information:
Media Contact:
Janice Keller, Communications Manager, Mayor's Office, 778-8100 or jkeller@cob.org
