5 day forecast
Two court nominations advance in Pennsylvania Senate
Share with others:
A state Senate panel unanimously approved two appointments to the Allegheny County judicial bench Tuesday, 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," Mr. Ward said 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 Ronald 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 expected before the end of the month.
First Published June 25, 2012 12:00 am
