Paterson Taps Cappelli For MTA Board Seat

Governor Paterson Aug. 19 appointed a former key aide to then-Bronx Borough President Fernando Ferrer as the newest member of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority Board.

Allen Cappelli served as Communications Director to Mr. Ferrer from 1998 through 2001, when he narrowly missed becoming the Democratic nominee for Mayor. When Mr. Ferrer's term ended, Mr. Cappelli opened a private law practice. A Staten Island resident, he spent 11 years in state government in executive positions — including two years as Chairman of the Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board — before working for Mr. Ferrer.

"Allen Cappelli will fill an important vacancy on the MTA board," the Governor said in a statement. "Allen will continue to be a strong voice not only for Staten Island, but also for the eight million people who take New York public transportation each day. I look forward to his confirmation."

Mr. Cappelli has also served on the boards of Project Hospitality, Staten Island Community Television and St. Vincent's Medical Center of Richmond.