The Kitsap Transit Board of Commissioners voted Tuesday to include an at-large representative and a non-voting member representing the labor unions on its board.

The required change brought criticism of catering to “special interests,” however.

The number of Bremerton representatives on the board will be reduced from three to two to accommodate the at-large member on the nine-member board, who can come from any city in the county and will be appointed by the board chairman. The mayor and one city councilmember will remain.

The non-voting union member will be added in accordance with a state law that requires transit boards include a union representative.

The changes were passed on a 7-0 vote with two members absent. Kitsap County Commissioner Josh Brown, board chairman, upbraided the Legislature for forcing “special interests” upon the board with a union representative.

“I think it sets a bad precedent,” he said.