GOVERNOR DAVIS APPOINTS MEMBERS TO CALIFORNIA TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION

SACRAMENTO -- Governor Gray Davis today announced the appointments of Jeremiah "Jerry" F. Hallisey and retired U.S. Representative Esteban E. Torres to the California Transportation Commission.

Congressman Torres, 69, of Los Angeles, served in the United States House of Representatives from 1983 to 1999, representing the 34th Congressional District which includes Pico Rivera, La Puente, Whittier, Montebello and parts of East Los Angeles. During his tenure in the Congress, Torres was a member of the House Committee on Appropriations, where he served on the Subcommittee on Transportation. He also chaired the House Banking Subcommittee on Consumer Affairs and Coinage. Congressman Torres played a central role to bring transportation dollars to Los Angeles for the Metro Red Line subway project and also funding for the Alameda Corridor Transportation Project.

In the late 1960's Congressman Torres started TELACU (The East Los Angeles Community Union), a community development corporation, that has grown into one of the largest anti-poverty agencies in the country. A veteran of the Korean War, Congressman Torres was appointed by President Carter in 1976 as ambassador to the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Mr. Hallisey, 60, of San Francisco, has served as president of the law firm of Hallisey and Johnson since 1971. He previously served as special trial counsel for the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District for two years. Mr. Hallisey was recently appointed to the Governor's Building for the 21st Century Commission. He previously served as a trustee of the California State University and for two years served as a University of California Regent.

Mr. Hallisey earned a bachelor of arts degree from Boston College, a master of arts degree from Cornell University and a bachelor of laws degree from the Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of California at Berkeley.

Members do not receive a salary. These positions require Senate confirmation.

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