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Lincoln resigns from Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
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Former state Sen. J. William Lincoln resigned Friday as a member of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission, and Gov. Tom Corbett immediately accepted the resignation.
While he was not charged, Mr. Lincoln's name and testimony were cited extensively in the recent grand jury presentment depicting widespread bid-rigging and pressure imposed on the turnpike's vendors and contractors for quid pro quo contributions to political campaigns.
Mr. Lincoln testified before the grand jury under a grant of immunity. He acknowledged receiving gifts from turnpike vendors that he did not report on financial disclosure statements.
In a letter to Mr. Corbett, the former state Senate majority leader said, "Given the additional personal stress over the events of the past two weeks, and my already difficult battle with maintaining my health, I am no longer able to perform the duties required of a member of the commission. It is on this note that I end my 40-year career in public service to the people of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania."
In a statement, the commission chairman, William K. Lieberman, said, "We respect Sen. Lincoln's decision to resign; given the circumstances, he made the right choice."
Mr. Lincoln, 72, of Connellsville, was first appointed to the board in 2004 and reappointed in 2009.
First Published March 22, 2013 3:34 pm
