Council likely to defer vote on CATS board

When the new Metro Council holds its first meeting this afternoon, it is likely to defer what was expected to be one of the most controversial issues on the agenda: appointments to the CATS board. The terms of four of the nine board members are up, and 16 candidates, including the existing board members, have submitted their names for consideration. But several Metro Council members say they are getting requests to put off the vote for two more weeks and are inclined to do so. “I’d like to see it deferred, and I think the votes are there for deferral,” says Mayor Pro Tem Chandler Loupe. Among those pushing for deferral is Together Baton Rouge, the community organization that campaigned last year for the 10.6-mill property tax benefiting CATS. “We have made a firm commitment to do everything in our power to make sure CATS has as strong a governing board as possible,” says Edgar Cage, co-chair of the group’s transit reform action team. “Now we have 16 candidates, and we believe those candidates should have the opportunity to present their arguments, credentials and skills that they would bring to the board.” Council member Donna Collins-Lewis, who also serves as the council’s representative on the CATS board, says she will move to defer the issue if no one else does. Council member Tara Wicker says she will be among those supporting deferral. To read more, click here. —Stephanie Riegel