M Pratt Philly lawyer to replace Rubin, SA Pat Driscoll laid off (PERSONNEL)

Governor Ed Rendell is nominating A Michael Pratt, a partner in the Pepper Hamilton law firm in Philadelphia to take the place of Thomas Rubin on the board of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. He removed Rubin this morning on the basis that that he was involved in the corruption for which ex-state senator Vincent Fumo was convicted.

Pratt's appointment is subject to senate confirmation, and is for a term of four years.

"Michael Pratt is extremely accomplished and well qualified to serve as a member of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission," Governor Rendell said in a press release. "He is widely respected for his expertise in dealing with such issues as complicated contracts and litigation, which will certainly benefit the work of the Turnpike Commission and its customers."

Pratt, 50, has a law degree from Harvard and an economics and english degree from Washington and Jefferson College. He has worked as chief deputy solicitor in the City of Philadelphia commercial litigation unit and been chief litigator for Honeywell based in Morristown NJ, and has been chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association.

He has a number of published articles in his litigation specialty.

Pat Driscoll laid off at San Antonio Express-News

The newspaper business is suffering a double hit - the economic depression and the structural shift from print to web publishing.

Patrick (Pat) Driscoll was the dominant transportation reporter in San Antonio TX but was one of 75 journalists - a third of the editorial staff -  laid off last Friday afternoon at the San Antonio Express News. He provided excellent coverage of transportation issues in Texas' third metro area for the past eight years.

Anyone with a research and writing assignment can find Driscoll at pdriscoll@satx.rr.com

Taking over transportation is Scott Stroud.

TOLLROADSnews 2009-03-23