The Virginian Pilot is reporting that former U.S. Rep. Thelma Drake is getting a transportation post with the McDonnell administration – just not the top post. According to the Pilot:
Stepping into one of the top transportation jobs in the new administration is Thelma Drake, who is to serve as director of the state Department of Rail and Public Transportation.
A former state and federal legislator from Norfolk, Drake comes to the job at a tense time.
A controversy is raging at Hampton Roads Transit because of millions in cost overruns for Norfolk’s light-rail project and the possible embezzlement of $80,000 in bus fares from Virginia Beach. Amid mounting public pressure for his resignation, HRT chief Michael Townes this week said he will retire later this year.
In choosing Drake, McDonnell bypassed another candidate from Hampton Roads: Norfolk City Councilman W. Randy Wright, who serves on the HRT board.
During a brief phone interview Tuesday, Wright, an advocate for light rail and high-speed rail, confirmed that he was considered for the job and praised Drake’s selection.
Asked how that might affect his decision on seeking another council term, Wright said he hadn’t considered it.
Drake, who recently registered as a lobbyist with the state, said Tuesday that she will withdraw that registration.
McDonnell said one of the reasons he picked Drake is her knowledge of state and federal transportation issues.
And here you all thought I was nuts a couple weeks ago. I wasn’t that far off.
