Spotlight looms for Wolf's cabinet picks

HARRISBURG - A onetime Philadelphia public-school teacher and principal enters the spotlight Tuesday as one of the first of Gov. Wolf's cabinet nominees to face scrutiny from legislators.

Acting Secretary Pedro Rivera will face questions on his policies and educational approaches from members of the Senate Education Committee. But any hurdles shouldn't be large ones.

"I have not heard any concerns that would rise to the level of him not being confirmed," the committee chairman, Lloyd Smucker (R., Lancaster), said Monday.

Rivera is one of three nominees scheduled for Tuesday hearings.

As with Rivera's, hearings for the others - acting Secretary of Transportation Leslie S. Richards, a former Montgomery County commissioner, and Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioner William Lieberman - are expected to proceed without controversy.

But some of the Democratic governor's other nominees may not face as smooth a path to confirmation from the GOP-led Senate.

Wolf's choice to head the Pennsylvania State Police has generated loud debate in the Capitol. Wolf wants acting Commissioner Marcus Brown, the former head of the Maryland State Police, to lead the agency.

Wolf has said he chose Brown for his lengthy career in law enforcement as well as his commitment to diversity and minority recruitment. But Brown almost immediately generated controversy after deciding to don the force's gray uniform despite not having graduated from its academy. Some former troopers say that disrespects the hard work of those who have risen through the ranks.

Last month, Brown removed road signs critical of him. The matter was referred to the District Attorney's Office in Cumberland County, which is deciding whether fines or charges are warranted.

A hearing for Brown has not yet been set. Just last week, Brown was asked by a senator on the committee that will first vote on his nomination to provide proof that he has the certifications and training necessary to lead the State Police.

The letter to Brown from Lisa Baker (R., Luzerne) seeking the information appeared to set the stage for a difficult confirmation.

Through his spokesman, Wolf has expressed confidence in Brown and all of his cabinet picks.

Later this week, the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee will consider the nomination of Theodore Dallas as secretary of human services.

Dates for other hearings have not yet been announced.