Orlando toll gets new chairman, Ketcham (PERSONNEL)

Orlando Orange County Expressway Authority (OOCEA) gets a new chairman, Walter Ketcham, as mayor Rich Crotty steps down. Ketcham, 62, has been a member of the board for less than a year. He is a trial lawyer who says he does "insurance defense, automobile liability, products liability, personal injury, dental malpractice, subrogation, wrongful death, municipal and governmental law, amusement park liability and legal malpractice."

Orlando Sentinel says he has specialized in defending local governments at trial.

A registered Republican he describes himself as "apolitical" and has supported Democrats - what is often called a RINO, Republican In Name Only.

Ketcham says he wants to see a continuation of the planned toll expressway system in the area, including the Wekiva Expressway, a 42km, 26 mile stretch in the northwest which will complete a belt route.

At OOCEA the chairman is traditionally the most influential personality at the toll authority. CEO MIke Snyder maintains a low profile.

http://www.growerketcham.com/Walter_Ketcham.htm

TOLLROADSnews 2010-02-07