Governor Mark Dayton has appointed the state’s Rail Director as new chair of the Metropolitan Council. Alene Tchourumoff (pronounced un-LEEN SHWAR-um-off) will take over after current Chairman Adam Duininck steps down July 31st. Tchourumoff becomes Met Council head at a time when rail transit is a controversial topic both nationally and at the Minnesota Legislature. Republicans strongly oppose the Southwest Light Rail line in the Twin Cities, arguing bus rapid transit is much more cost-effective.