As we turn the calendar page to 2015, we welcome new leaders to PennDOT, as well as the House Transportation Committee.

Leslie Richards, a Montgomery County commissioner who serves on the SEPTA and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission boards, was nominated today to serve as PennDOT secretary. She has an impressive background in the private sector, as well as public policy and transportation experience. For more information regarding Ms. Richards, click here.

Governor-elect Tom Wolf also announced that current Secretary Barry Schoch would be retained in a temporary role as a transportation and infrastructure policy senior adviser in the governor’s office and will assist with the continuing implementation of Act 89.
Republican John Taylor and Democrat Bill Keller, both of Philadelphia, were selected as majority and minority chairs, respectively, of the Transportation Committee.
They replace Nick Micozzie and Mike McGeehan, both of whom retired at the end of the 2013-14 legislative session. Among their long lists of career accomplishments was the passage of Act 89, the transportation funding measure, in November 2013.
As was the case with their predecessors, John and Bill are capable, highly respected transportation advocates who are expected to continue the bipartisan leadership tradition of the committee. John, first elected in 1984, most recently chaired the House Liquor Control Committee. Over the years, he has sponsored and supported a wide range of legislation benefitting his constituents. Bill, a House member since 1993, has been involved with the House Democratic Policy Committee and has strong ties in the Philadelphia labor community.
In the Senate, Republican John Rafferty and Democrat John Wozniak continue as committee majority and minority chairs, respectively.
We look forward to productive relationships with PennDOT and both legislative committees and will provide whatever support we can in continuing to improve Pennsylvania’s transportation system.

Be of Good Cheer,
— George Wolff