I have to think that the speculation on specific appointees embedded in this Jeff Montgomery NJ story is based in at least some off the record background sourcing. Let’s assume it is anyway….
Visalli’s name has come up frequently as a potential replacement for Jennifer “J.J.” Davis to head the Office of Management and Budget, where she would immediately confront state revenue shortfalls recently estimated at $400 million and growing.
As discussed on this blog previously, Visalli would seem to be a great pick for either OMB or Treasurer.
Acting budget office director Mike Jackson has also been mentioned as a possible holdover for a finance position
Anybody?
*Rep. Peter C. Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, a retired state police captain, has been mentioned for Homeland Security and Public Safety, a job now held by David Mitchell. Schwartzkopf also could be in the running for a new House Democratic majority leadership job.
Schwartzkopf lost some of my respect for being a big Atkins booster, but that is water under the bridge,
*Office of Workers’ Compensation chief John F. Kirk III is a candidate to replace Labor Secretary Thomas B. Sharp.
From my myopic perspective the Worker’s Comp office has been well run. Anyone know this guy?
*Brandywine school board President Nancy Doorey and WSFS chief Marvin N. “Skip” Schoenhals have been mentioned as possible education secretaries.
Is that “the Clat’s” boss?
*State Coastal Programs Management Administrator Sarah Cooksey’s name has come up for the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control job now held by John A. Hughes.
The word is that it would be a big upgrade to replace Hughes with a box of crayons. However…
Several other names have circulated in recent months as potential DNREC secretary. They include Air and Waste Management Director James Werner and former DNREC Secretary Nicholas A. Di Pasquale.
I vote a big “yes” on Di Pasqual.
Markell also is reportedly considering a medical doctor to serve as Health and Social Services Secretary. That person would replace Vincent P. Meconi, a former lawmaker and political operative who served as Administrative Services secretary before taking over HHS, an agency lashed by repeated crises and scandal.
I can’t imagine Meconi staying on.
Two possible holdovers, Peterson said: DelDOT Secretary Carolann Wicks, a professional engineer and career DelDOT employee, and Corrections Commissioner Carl C. Danberg. Both are held in high regard in the General Assembly and manage complex departments.
People named “Wicks” represent a pretty big voting block on their own, but with the Indian River Bridge debacle and budget problems on the horizon, maybe it is time to give someone else a turn standing infront of the shit fan.
nemski adds: I would hope that Markell search looks for the best people regardless of race, sex, ethnicity, sexual preference, etc. However there are way too many white faces in the picture on the News Journal.