Fleming Confirmed for Transportation Panel

The state Senate on Thursday confirmed attorney David Fleming of Studio City to serve a four-year term on the California Transportation Commission.

Fleming, a Republican who has been active in a wide range of regional philanthropic, governmental and civic affairs for at least 35 years, was approved on a 35-1 vote.

The transportation commission, successor to the old state highway commission and other related agencies, plays a central role in the planning and development of multibillion-dollar transportation systems in California.

Senate President Pro Tem Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) endorsed Fleming as one of Gov. Pete Wilson’s best appointees. “He’s qualified for any job in state government,” Lockyer said.

Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Los Angeles) cast the only vote against Fleming. Hayden agreed that Fleming was qualified for the post, but said the commission has made questionable use of taxpayer funds to help the ailing Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority. Hayden has long been an outspoken critic of the MTA.

Hayden said that Fleming defended the payments to the MTA, which Hayden contended amounted to a taxpayer “bailout” of the MTA “at the expense of transit projects in the rest of the state.”

Lockyer seemed puzzled at Hayden’s explanation of his opposition to Fleming. “I guess that is in some way related to the issue before us,” Lockyer said, urging colleagues to cast an affirmative vote for Fleming.