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Senate panel approves Corbett judicial nominees
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HARRISBURG -- A state Senate panel unanimously approved two appointments to the Allegheny County judicial bench this morning, including Gov. Tom Corbett's former chief of staff.
Bill Ward, of Mt. Lebanon, along with four other nominees to county common pleas courts, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The governor nominated Mr. Ward, his longtime friend, late last month.
"It has been a career goal," said Mr. Ward of becoming a judge. "I have enjoyed my experience as chief of staff for a year and a half. I also look forward to returning home to Pittsburgh."
The committee also moved forward on the appointments of Paul Cozza to the Allegheny County Common Pleas Court; Kenneth Powell Jr. and Roger Gordon to the Philadelphia County court; and Michael Flannelly to the York County bench.
State Supreme Court Chief Justice Ron Castille has said filling those judicial vacancies will require additional funding to cover salaries and benefits. The Corbett administration has said court nominations are the governor's prerogative.
The five appointments now await consideration by the full Senate, where they must receive a two-thirds vote. Erik Arneson, a spokesman for Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, said a vote is anticipated before the end of the month.
First Published June 19, 2012 2:06 pm
