Wolf names transition team leaders, including Casey aide Jim Brown

Gov.-elect Tom Wolf named his transition team Thursday and it’s an interesting mix of people.
Start with transition chairman John A. Fry, the president of Drexel University.
The three vice chairs are York Mayor Kim Bracey, Allegheny County community leader Cindy Shapira and Sen. Bob Casey chief of staff Jim Brown. Mr. Brown is a Dunmore native and a former top official in several roles under Gov. Robert P. Casey.
Mr. Wolf also named:
— Attorney Denise Smyler, a commercial and public finance lawyer, as transition counsel. She’s also well-versed in municipal law, according to Mr. Wolf’s transition news release.
— Former Gov. Ed Rendell budget secretary Mary Soderberg as budget deficit and fiscal stabilization task force chairwoman.
— Montgomery County Board of Commissioners Chairman Josh Shapiro as budget deficit and fiscal stabilization task force vice chairman. He’s a former state representative who has long been viewed as a rising star in the state Democratic Party.
If I had to guess, I would think that of these people, Mr. Shapiro is likeliest to join the administration because he knows how to work the corridors of the General Assembly.
Mr. Wolf, a Democrat, will have to make deals if he’s to get anything in a Republican-dominated assembly.
Naming two people first to focus on the budget clearly shows he understands the budget woes he will face as he takes office. He’s got a $2 billion deficit to close before he even starts worrying about doing the things he wants to do.
“I am looking forward to working with a diverse group of leaders to move Pennsylvania forward,” Mr. Wolf said in a news release. “My transition team leadership will help me address the major issues facing our commonwealth, and they will help make Pennsylvania work for middle-class families.”
— BORYS KRAWCZENIUK