Two seats on Thomason Hospital's Board of Managers were filled Monday by Commissioners Court with no discussion.

The court unanimously voted to reappoint board Chairman Ron Acton to his at-large seat at the request of Commissioner Luis Sariñana.

It also approved the appointment of Tracy Yellen to replace board member Arturo "Tury" Duran. Yellen will fill the Precinct 2 seat, and was nominated by Commissioner Veronica Escobar.

The appointments were in stark contrast to those that took place last year, which were plagued with arguments and politicking.

"We wanted to avoid a repeat of the first time," Sariñana said. "We didn't want to use this podium to bicker anymore."

Commissioner Dan Haggerty said he may be ready next week to nominate someone to fill the Precinct 4 seat.

Escobar said the advantage of appointing new members now is they will have a chance to get acquainted before they begin serving in April.

Acton said he is eager to continue contributing to the board, especially as Thomason breaks ground on a children's hospital, a hospital expansion and continues its transformation into a university medical center.

Erica Molina Johnson may be reached at emolina@elpasotimes.com; 546-6132.