Three from region named to Shapiro transition team
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Victim of child abuse by a priest in Altoona-Johnstown Catholic Diocese, Shawn Dougherty tells his story to Tribune-Democrat reporter Dave Sutor. Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016.
By Todd Berkey/tberkey@tribdem.com
Mark Pasquerilla
Michael Kiel
By Dave Sutor
dsutor@tribdem.com
Dave Sutor
Author twitter
JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – At least three people from the local region have been appointed to what Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro described as a "diverse, experienced" transition team that has been assembled to help him address "the most pressing issues and priorities we face."
Shaun Dougherty, president of the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, will advise on the health and human services committee.
Greater Johnstown Regional Partnership Chairman Mark Pasquerilla will be involved with economic development. Michael Kiel, from the University of Pittsburgh School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, who is contracted to the Hiram G. Andrews Center, was appointed to a spot on the group dealing with education/workforce.
"I was truly honored to be asked," said Pasquerilla, a prominent local businessman from Southmont. "I've been a big supporter of Josh. It was an incredible honor."
Pasquerilla emphasized the importance of people from Johnstown – where Shapiro launched his general election campaign – and the surrounding communities being included.
"I'm pleased to represent Cambria County and the other parts of Pennsylvania that aren't part of Pittsburgh or Philadelphia," Pasquerilla said. "I think Josh is sincere about getting economic development in all of Pennsylvania. One of my goals is to represent places like Cambria (County) in his strategy."
Approximately 300 people have been appointed to the seven transition advisory committees – economic development, environment/energy, public safety, education/workforce, health and human services, consumer protection, and state government operations. They will provide input to the Democratic governor- elect.
"I think we're all on there for our own expertise and to contribute to the governor-elect's plan, and all of the stuff he wants to do and all of the ideas he has going on," said Kiel, a rehab specialist from Portage Township. "He's focused on building a bunch of bridges. The way he comes across, it seems like he's going to be better at building bridges than most."
Dougherty said they will provide a "large think tank of ideas and people to better help assist the governor-elect to form his agenda and get some sense of what type of policies that he would like to enact during his tenure as our governor."
Shapiro and Dougherty, a Westmont resident, became allies in the process of child sexual abuse being publicly revealed within the commonwealth's Roman Catholic dioceses over the past few years.
"He cares about this issue," Dougherty said.
"He means what he says on the issue of mental health reform, the need for survivors and vulnerable people to have a seat at the table."
Shapiro's transition team also includes former Mount Aloysius College President Tom Foley on the education/workforce committee. Patrick Gallagher, chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh, which oversees the Pitt-Johnstown branch campus, is chairing the education/workforce committee.
Dave Sutor is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at 814-532-5056. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Sutor.
Shaun Dougherty
Tom Foley
Dave Sutor is a reporter for The Tribune-Democrat. He can be reached at (814) 532-5056. Follow him on Twitter @Dave_Sutor.
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