Scott Peters named to Port Commission

Despite the misgivings of two members, the City Council Monday appointed termed-out Council President Scott Peters to San Diego’s Board of Port Commissioners.

The council also reappointed Laurie Black to the commission, which sets land-use policies and manages tenants along San Diego Bay’s tidelands.

Peters’ appointment drew criticism from Councilman Tony Young, who described it a “manipulative” and “pathetic” maneuver that would further erode public confidence.

It doesn’t create a situation where the public has more confidence in what our motives are, but less confidence in what our motives are,’’ Young told his colleagues.

Councilwoman Donna Frye, who was also opposed, unsuccessfully sought to put off the vote until four new council members are sworn in next month.

Peters, an environmental lawyer, will complete his second and final four-year term on the San Diego City Council next month. He will replace Sylvia Rios on the Port Commission.

Peters recused himself from today’s vote.

Black, an environmentalist, previously served on the Regional Water

Quality Control Board and has spent the past 18 months filling in on the PortCommission for Victor Vilaplana, who resigned from the seven-member panel.

Black was nominated by council members Jim Madaffer, Toni Atkins and Kevin Faulconer. Peters was nominated by Atkins and Councilman Ben Hueso.