Environmental activist Bill LaBorde’s seat on the Tacoma Utility Board is likely to be filled by someone with a similar outlook.

Transit advocate Peter Thein‘s nomination was well-received at the Tacoma City Council’s committee of the whole meeting today and will face a council vote later this month, Mayor Bill Baarsma reports.

Thein is executive director of the Washington Transit Association. He led the successful 2000 campaign against Tim Eyman’s Initiative 745, an anti-transit measure. Baarsma adds:

His interview demonstrated a deep knowledge of the issues facing TPU. And we add a little geographical diversity given that he lives in the 4th district. It is an excellent choice, I believe.

Thein lives on Fawcett Avenue in the neighborhood between Holy Rosary Church and Lincoln High School. LaBorde did not seek reappointment because he is moving to Seattle, where he leads Environment Washington. LaBorde was a transit advocate, too, when worked for Transportation Choices several years ago.