A belated hat tip to Deb Peterson, the Dean of Dish, for breaking the news that Vince Schoemehl has been appointed to the Metro board by Gov. Matt Blunt.

It’s a fitting position for the peripatetic Schoemehl, who likes to move around as much as anyone in St. Louis politics.

Over the past 32 years, Schoemehl has compiled an eclectic résumé: 28^th Ward alderman (1975-1981), mayor (1981-1993), and School Board member (2003-2005), which included a stint on the district’s pension board.

That’s in addition to his day job, head of Grand Center Inc., the private agency that runs the midtown arts district.

Schoemehl’s greatest hits include trying to lure the New England Patriots to St. Louis, voting to censure himself after some inflammatory words directed at School Board opponents and, of course, his legendary squabbles with former Comptroller Virvus Jones.

So what can we expect from Schoemehl on the transit board?

Not a yes man, that’s for sure.

But while the Metro post is not as high profile as the St. Louis School Board (what is?), it fits with Schoemehl’s pattern of heavy civic lifting.

In other words, Schoemehl likes the big picture, and, in the eyes of many, having a public transportation system that effectively links the region is a big step towards a better St. Louis.

Over the next several years, Metro service could be even more important, as Highway 40 repairs cut off a main artery downtown.

One of MetroLink’s newest stations, near Lindell and Forest Park Parkway, is close to Schoemehl’s home in the Skinker DeBaliviere neighborhood. That positions him as a potential ambassador for residents who could form an emerging Metro constituency.

Who knows - Schomehel himself might become a Metro commuter. It wouldn’t be unlike him to start off his new gig by  going for  a ride.