The city of Ceres has appointed Larry Lew to represent Ceres on the Measure L Oversight Committee.

The panel is designed to look out for how the recently approved Measure L, half-cent sales tax for transportation, is being expended as it was promised to voters.

Larry Lew and Burl G. Condit expressed an interest in the position. Mayor Chris Vierra and Vice Mayor Mike Kline interviewed both men on Monday and found them equally qualified.

"I think both would serve us well," said Mayor Vierra. "I think Mr. Lew has a little bit more background with his engineering experience in roadway transportation but I also believe Mr. Condit would be a strong advocate for the city of Ceres as well."

Kline pointed out that Lew probably had more experience but would have to step down from the StanCOG Citizens Advisory Committee and argued to appoint Condit. He also wanted to see Condit apply for the city's Measure L Advisory Committee that oversees expenditures of local tax dollars for public safety. Condit is a former Modesto Police lieutenant. Kline suggested Condit filled Lew's seat on StanCOG.

Only Councilman Ken Lane voted against the appointment of Lew.

The city expects to reach out to Condit to see if he would like to sit on the Measure H Oversight Committee and the StanCOG Citizens Advisory Committee.