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Transportation Commission hires new director
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More from Other NewsDarren Kettle was hired Friday to oversee the development and funding of Ventura County's highways and other regional transportation infrastructure.
Kettle, currently director of freeway construction for the San Bernardino Associated Governments, will take over Oct. 16 as executive director of the Ventura County Transportation Commission. He will replace Ginger Gherardi, who is retiring after 18 years at the helm.
The commission — made up of county supervisors and council members from local cities — voted 11-1 Friday to hire Kettle.
"You're going to be a very valuable addition here, based on everything we've seen," said Commissioner Keith Millhouse, a Moorpark councilman.
The dissenting vote was cast by Port Hueneme Councilwoman Toni Young. She said she would have preferred one of the other candidates considered by the commission's hiring committee.
"I think the salary is way too high, and I think Darren lacks some experience he needs in this job," Young said.
Kettle, 41, has been a transportation policy executive in both Riverside and San Bernardino counties. In San Bernardino, he helped oversee completion of the 210 freeway.
His new job will pay $195,000 a year. The salary, about $15,000 more than Gherardi's, was decided by the commission in a closed session Friday.
Kettle addressed the commission briefly on Friday.
"I'm usually a pretty good public speaker, but my voice is cracking a little here. ... I'm a little emotional over this opportunity you've given me," he said.
Posted by socalcandyman on September 14, 2007 at 4:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Since this article invloves the county transportation commission, just out of curiosity, what happen to the article concerning the van pool program? It seems that it was suddenly removed from the website. Anyone?
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