Councilman Richard Conlin has been elected council president, replacing Nick Lacata.

His two-year term began immediately with the adoption of new committees and their chairs.

"We have an obligation and opportunity to create a sustainable and just city, and to contribute our energy, experience, and talent to America's future," said Conlin.

He has also been appointed yesterday to the 18-member board of directors of Sound Transit, the three-county transit agency that operates commuter rail and express buses and is building a light-rail line.

"I am honored to be chosen for the assignment, and want to thank Executive Sims for selecting me and the County Council for confirming that appointment. I am committed to ensuring that the Seattle area implements light rail to Northgate and the Eastside as rapidly as feasible, and look forward to working with others around the region to make that happen."

The council president is the leader of the city's lawmakers and directs the 80-member Legislative Department. If the mayor is absent from the city or is incapacitated, the council president acts as the mayor. The council president also runs the full council's meetings that establish the laws of the city.

Conlin was elected to the Seattle City Council in November 1997 and reelected in 2001 and 2005.

Prior to being elected to the council, Conlin was director of the community and environment department at Metrocenter YMCA from 1985 to 1996 and one of the co-founders of Sustainable Seattle. He lives in the Madrona neighborhood.