DISSENSION ERRUPTS IN PENNSYLVANIA LIQUOR BOARD

Former Pennsylvania State Senator Joe Conti was named CEO of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board PLCB), but not without some criticism. PLCB Chairman Jonathan Newman loudly opposes the appointment, initiated by Gov. Ed Rendell and confirmed by two other members of the board, on the grounds that more steps should have been taken. Newman claims that there should have been public awareness and a nationwide search to fill the position.

In a statement, Newman said he was “very uncomfortable with the process” and added that he did not “believe it appropriate for the PLCB to pay an unprecedented $150,000 in the style and manner in which this was done.”

A spokesperson for Rendell, however, said the appointment did not happen overnight and that the PLCB has discussed the possibility of creating a CEO position for years.

Newman isn’t alone in his criticism. Three ranking members of the state assembly that oversee the PLCB also disagree with the hiring.

Senator John Rafferty and Representatives Ron Raymond and Robert Donatucci wrote that “if such a position is created, we no longer understand the significance of the board.” They also noted that they knew of no other instances in which a board created by the legislature operated with a CEO.