King of the road

Monterey Park Assemblyman Mike Eng, perhaps the shyest member of the Legislature, was tapped today to chair the Assembly Transportation Committee. The assignment gives the San Gabriel Valley a bit more influence in Sacramento, although at a time when there's no money to spend.

The promotion also provides a boost to the pro-710 Freeway movement, since Eng favors completing the freeway. Of course, he'll still face resistance from the La Canada Flintridge tag team: former Assemblywoman Carol Liu, who is destined to replace Sen. Jack Scott, and Assemblyman Anthony Portantino.