Former Pittsburgh Mayor Gainey appointed to state gaming management board

Just a month after stepping down because the mayor of Pittsburgh, Ed Gainey has been sworn in because the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board’s latest commissioner.

“[Gainey] was appointed by House Speaker Joanna McClinton and replaces Frank Dermody,” mentioned a spokesperson for PGCB. “Commissioner Gainey’s first meeting will be Feb. 25.”

The new place comes with a $145,018 wage, per info obtainable as of December: Had Gainey been re-elected as mayor final yr, he would have earned $140,286.

The board oversees the state’s playing business, regulating slot machines and desk video games at casinos, in addition to sports activities betting and on-line gaming.

The company has energy to levy fines and revoke licenses for operators who violate state guidelines, and it might probably additionally bar particular person gamblers from gaming places.

Word of Gainey’s future appointment to the board had been circulating for weeks amongst politicos, although with out official affirmation. Dermody, a former state consultant from Allegheny County who as soon as led House Democrats, didn’t reply to a request for remark made by WESA final month.

McClinton’s workplace mentioned it might haven’t any additional remark, and Gainey didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Friday afternoon.

Gainey’s new job was authorised on Thursday, after a compulsory state police background verify — which is required for all potential gaming management members — got here again with out points.

The company shaped after the state legalized playing in 2004. Since then, it has usually been a touchdown place for former elected officers: Some Harrisburg observers have referred to as the place “a golden parachute.”

Commissioners approve the company’s yearly price range and oversee operations, a activity that takes place at board conferences held as much as twice a month. Commissioners additionally collectively function the boss of the board’s government director Kevin O’Toole, who has been within the position since 2009.

Most commissioners are chosen by state leaders, and so they can serve as much as six years. Party leaders within the House and Senate can appoint a commissioner for 3 two-year phrases, and the governor can appoint candidates for 2 three-year phrases.

Dermody, who lives in Oakmont, was in workplace for 30 years between 1991-2021. He was beforehand appointed by McClinton in 2021, and he might have served till 2027.

The former mayor will be part of gaming management chair Denise J. Smyler and commissioners Sara Manzano-Díaz, George Dunbar, Shawn Dillon, Christopher W. Huffman, and the board’s second-newest member, Maria D. Quiñones Sánchez.

He’ll additionally serve alongside state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, state Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne, and Agricultural Secretary Russell Redding. All three maintain what are thought of “ex-officio” positions.

Sanchez, a former member of Philadelphia City Council, was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro and sworn in Jan. 14. She participated in her first board assembly this Wednesday, in keeping with a spokesperson.

This story is growing and shall be up to date. Chris Potter contributed.