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Sweeney chosen vice chairman of board

For the first time this decade, John X. (Jack) Combo of Idaho Falls does not bear the title “vice chairman” of the Idaho Transportation Board.

Last month, the distinguished attorney who represents District 6 on the board, asked that he not be considered for the role that he has occupied since 1999. In his place, the seven-member board chose Bruce Sweeney who represents District 2.

Combo was first appointed to the board in 1990 by then-Gov. Cecil D. Andrus. His third six-year term on the board will expire on Jan. 31, 2008. In addition to serving eight consecutive years as vice-chairman he also was chairman of the board from 1993 through 1995.

He previously served as chief counsel and later as deputy manager of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Idaho Operations Office in Idaho Falls. He also was a volunteer member of the Idaho Falls library board for 12 years. Combo holds degrees in both engineering and law.

The new vice-chairman is midway through his second term on the transportation board, having been first appointed by Gov. Phil Batt in 1998. He is no stranger to public service. Sweeney was elected to the Idaho House of Representatives in 1970, 1972 and 1974, and represented Senate Dist. 7 from 1982 through 1998.

He is a partner in Craftin Management Company, Craftwall of Oregon, Inc. and Sweeney Aviation, Inc. A businessman and licensed pilot, Sweeney has served on the University of Idaho Foundation Board, the Youth Endowment Board, Idaho High School Athletics Association and the City of Lewiston Parks and Recreation commission.

His board term expires Jan. 31, 2010.

Published 3-9-07