Lake County Board Chairman Appoints Hainesville Mayor to Pace Board

Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor announced today that he is nominating Hainesville Mayor Linda Soto to serve on the Board of Directors for Pace Suburban Bus Service to replace the late Dick Welton, who served on the board for the past 20 years.

Lawlor said he was looking for someone with the right set of experience and expertise that could help address a number of transportation issues facing Lake County, including future paratransit services and the corporate shuttle bug program.

“Mayor Soto certainly has big shoes to fill, but she unquestionably shares Dick’s passion for public service and commitment to improving transportation,” Lawlor said. “Linda has a proven track record of working collaboratively on regional issues that impact Lake County families, workers and businesses. I know she will represent us very well."

Soto has served three terms as Hainesville mayor. She also serves on the Solid Waste Agency of Lake County Board. 

Soto said, “It would be an honor to complete Dick Welton’s term. I have always been an advocate for expanded, affordable transportation options in Lake County and I recognize the need to improve both user and financial efficiencies in these areas. I look forward to bringing my knowledge, skills and abilities to the Pace Board.”

The county board is expected to formally approve the appointment at its meeting next week. Soto would complete Welton’s term which ends June 2018.  By statute, the appointee must be a current mayor or former mayor who still resides in Lake County. 

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Contact: Jennie Vana

Communications Manager

Lake County Administrator's Office

Email Address: jvana@lakecountiyl.gov

Phone Number: 847.377.2154