Who would have thought awarding the taxi franchise would’ve been such a nail-biter?

It appeared Capital City had the edge going in, with the recommendation of the Urban Transportation Commission. Sheryl Cole made a motion to award them the franchise, but Mike Martinez counted with an alternative giving Lone Star the franchise, seconded by Jennifer Kim. Martinez cited Lone Star’s owner-operated, co-op format and a computerized dispatch system. He got a little heated too, noting an earlier speaker “accused us of trying to line our pockets by delaying this … both of these cab drivers are in support of Capital City Cab.”

But Betty Dunkerley said she’s still in favor of Cap City, noting the staff, UTC, and ad-hoc driver association’s recommendations. “I believe this company has more staying power.”

Substitute passes 4-3, with Martinez, Kim, Will Wynn, and Lee Leffingwell voting yes. Lone Star is your new cab company.

This article appears in March 30 • 2007.

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