Just a few hours after getting a new political appointment, one city council newcomer got acquainted with a key challenge he hopes to tackle.

Monday, Jesse Helmer was appointed by his council colleagues to the London Transit Commission — and unlike previous politicians overseeing the LTC, the Ward 4 councillor is a frequent rider.

In the winter months, Helmer said he takes the bus pretty much everywhere.

But after midnight Monday, once politicians had ended an eight-hour meeting during which board-and-commission duties were assigned, Helmer walked out to realize no buses were running.

He avoided an hour-long walk thanks to a lift from Coun. Michael Van Holst — but he also took home a top priority for his LTC gig.

“We need to pilot overnight bus service, at least along the north-south, east-west corridors,” Helmer said, noting no buses run from midnight to six a.m.

“That’s the kind of thing we need to try.”

Politicians decided on the appointments to scores of city-funded boards, agencies and commissions during the marathon session Monday. Here are a few of the notable posts:

London police: Matt Brown, Stephen Turner

London Transit: Phil Squire, Jesse Helmer

Library: Anna Hopkins, Tanya Park

Health unit: Jesse Helmer, Stephen Turner

patrick.maloney@sunmedia.ca

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