Royson James

Eng takes over the helm of Metro police board

"I'm very proud of her," said her mother, Chuey, after the quick vote made official what was anticipated since Premier Bob Rae announced Eng was his choice as chairperson and June Rowlands term would not be extended.

Chief William McCormack reached across the table and shook Eng's hand when she was chosen with no dissent.

She was the only nominee -- put forward by board member Roy Williams -- and it was over in less than 30 seconds.

Metro Chairman Alan Tonks said statements by Eng since she was announced as the Premier's choice have convinced him there is nothing to fear from having her as chairperson. "She sounds pretty okay from her statements in the press," said Tonks. "What else do we want from this lady?"

In her inaugural speech, Eng said the proliferation of guns was the single greatest threat to Metro.

Eng leaves her 14-year law practise for a job that pays $90,963 and comes with a limousine.

She joked she has been advised by senior officers to keep the limousine and driver for security reasons. "I guess they are concerned that if I got kidnapped or something they couldn't convince the officers to come and get me," she said.