B'game finally has representation on the Joint Powers Board that owns and operates Caltrain.  Last night Jerry Deal was selected to fill the seat that was formerly held by the San Carlos mayor who recently passed away.  Deal had been neck-and-neck in the voting the last time and was able to gain the seat this time around.

Given that the B'game City Council's views on High-cost Rail are pretty well known around the County, Deal's selection could be interpreted as a vote by a majority of the other cities for much closer inspection, if not out-and-out challenges, to the California High-cost Rail Authority.  About time!

This also means Deal's re-election to the council this Fall gains importance beyond the city borders.