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C O M M I S S I O N N E W S R E L E A S E |
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Contact: |
Bill Capone (717) 939-9551, ext. 3040 |
February 4, 2003 |
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MITCHELL RUBIN ELECTED CHAIR OF TURNPIKE COMMISSION HARRISBURG, PA (Tuesday, February 4, 2003) – The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission reorganized today electing a new chairman and naming a new Executive Director. Mitchell Rubin of Philadelphia, who has served on the Commission since June 1998, was elected Chairman. Timothy J. Carson, a Philadelphia attorney and member of the Commission since November 2000, was elected Vice-Chairman. Allen Biehler, newly appointed by Governor Ed Rendell as Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Transportation, attended his first meeting as an ex-officio member of the Commission. Also serving on the Commission are James J. Dodaro, a western Pennsylvania attorney and the longest serving member of the Commission who was elected as Secretary-Treasurer and Pasquale T. (Pat) Deon, a Bucks County businessman who also serves as Chairman of the Board for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA). The Commission named Joseph G. Brimmeier of Pittsburgh as the Turnpike’s new Executive Director. Brimmeier, who holds Bachelor of Science and Masters degrees from Youngstown State University, has more than 30 years of public service experience at the local, state and federal levels and served as chief of staff to former U.S. Representative Ron Klink. Brimmeier replaces John T. Durbin who has served as Executive Director since 1995. Brimmeier said “I am looking forward with great anticipation to my new position with the Commission. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Commission and staff to meet the difficult challenges that lie ahead for the Turnpike Commission. I am committed to the enhancement of customer service and safety and to the betterment of the entire Turnpike system.” Rubin said, “I am honored to serve as Commission Chairman and privileged to work with the other members of the Commission and a team of dedicated employees. We all have one common goal – to manage ‘America’s First Superhighway’, upholding its reputation as a safe, reliable and valued highway system. “I am confident that our new Executive Director, Mr. Brimmeier, possesses the skills, abilities and experience to effectively lead our organization as it responds to the transportation needs of our Commonwealth. Improving all aspects of Turnpike operations and providing our customers and stakeholders with the highest level of service and safety are our highest priorities,” Rubin said. Durbin thanked Turnpike employees for their hard work and loyal and dedicated service saying, “The last eight years have been the most professionally rewarding years of my career. I want to wish the Commissioners, Joe Brimmeier and the entire Turnpike staff the best of luck as they continue to prepare for the challenges the Commission can expect to face in coming years.” The five-member Turnpike commission was created by the Pennsylvania Legislature in 1937 with authority to construct, finance, operate and maintain the Turnpike. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, “America’s First Superhighway,” opened to the public in October 1940. Four Commissioners, appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate, and the State Secretary of Transportation serve on the Commission for four-year terms. |
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P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676 Phone: (717) 939-9551 Fax: (717) 986-9649 |
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