Rules Committee confirms mayor’s MTA board nominee after broad public support

The Rules Committee confirmed the mayor’s appointment of the nominee identified in the meeting text as Lee Soo (the transcript also records variant spellings) to the Municipal Transportation Agency Board of Directors on June 9.

The nominee described his background as a first‑generation American, work in education and technology, experience as a parent and neighborhood volunteer, and emphasized the importance of transit access for seniors, families and low‑income residents. He cited recent research linking commuting time to economic mobility and expressed support for equity measures such as free Muni for low‑income youth and seniors, and bus rapid transit projects such as Geary BRT.

Supervisors questioned how the nominee would address transportation needs in outlying neighborhoods — including switchback transfers and connectivity to southern and southeastern districts — and the nominee repeatedly offered to ride transit and meet constituents in affected neighborhoods. A large group of neighborhood leaders, school parents and civic organizations spoke at length in favor of the nominee, citing his neighborhood leadership, school volunteer work and accessibility to constituents.

Following public comment and committee discussion, Supervisor Marr moved to appoint (motion text uses the name "Li Hsu"), Supervisor Cohen seconded, and the committee approved the appointment "without objection." The transcript includes multiple spellings of the nominee’s name in presentations and motion language; the committee confirmed the appointment for the term ending March 1, 2019, as listed on the agenda.