Union official appointed to public library board

2/8/2006

Lucas County commissioners yesterday appointed Steven Thomas, a former Toledo Public Schools board member, to fill a vacancy on the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library board of trustees.

His seven-year term began immediately. He replaces Bernard Judy, who retired from the library board Jan. 11.

Commissioner Maggie Thurber voted against the appointment because she said Mr. Thomas did not have the financial background that library officials had requested in a new board member.

Mr. Thomas is business manager of Laborers International Union of North America Local 500. He was appointed to the school board in January, 2005, to replace Anita Lopez, but lost his bid for election to the seat in November.