Rendell fires turnpike commissioner over charges from Fumo evidence

    By: Scott Detrow

    Governor Rendell has dismissed Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioner Mitchell Rubin for allegations that emerged during former state Senator Vince Fumo’s corruption trial.

    By: Scott Detrow

    Governor Rendell has dismissed Pennsylvania Turnpike Commissioner Mitchell Rubin for allegations that emerged during former state Senator Vince Fumo’s corruption trial.

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    Transcript: In a letter made public by the Rendell Administration, the governor told Rubin the decision has a lot to do with the jury’s “guilty” verdict on charges that Rubin’s company never did any work on a $150,000 state contract.

    Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo says the governor spent the weekend reviewing court transcripts and consulting with legal advisors.

    Ardo: “They determined between those two that it was both prudent and legal to remove Mitch Rubin from the Turnpike Commission.”

    Republican state Senator Rob Wonderling, who chairs the Transportation Committee, says Rendell made the right decision.

    He expects a new Commissioner will be named soon.

    Wonderling: “I believe it’s imminent. I spoke to the governor’s office this morning, and I think  a name will be forthcoming very shortly.”

    Wonderling says he’ll work with the Administration to plan confirmation hearings for the new nominee.

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