Assemblyman Jack Conners was named Monday to a recently expanded legislative panel charged with overseeing light- rail projects throughout the state. Until recently, Conners had vigorously opposed the light-rail line now under construction from Camden to Trenton.

"It's one of the more interesting things that has happened to me since I've been in the Assembly," Conners said before the formal announcement of his appointment Monday, "but I appreciate the opportunity. It will give me a chance to have input, not only on the line down here - to make sure promises are kept - but on light rail statewide."

Conners, who lives in Pennsauken and represents the riverfront communities of Burlington County, is the first South Jersey resident on the Assembly Light Rail Transit Legislative Panel.

The panel was created in 1993 by former Assembly Speaker Chuck Haytaian, R-Union, to oversee construction of the Hudson-Bergen line in North Jersey.

This year, after control of the Assembly shifted to the Democrats, the new speaker, Albio Sires, D-Hudson, decided to expand the panel from three to five members and to include someone from South Jersey.

"Jack Conners was the logical choice because of his experience with the South Jersey line," Sires said.

Sires announced Conners' appointment Monday at the site of a light-rail station under construction here on West Broad Street.

The light-rail panel is strictly advisory in nature.

Its members are Joseph Doria, D-Hudson, the chairman; Paul Sarlo, D-Bergen; John Rooney, D-Bergen; and Rose Heck, R-Bergen, the former chairwoman.

The 34-mile South Jersey light-rail line is expected to be completed and ready for operation by the start of next year.