3 Months Into Kenney Administration, Still No Commissioners In 3 Key Departments
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Jim Kenney has been mayor of Philadelphia for three months, but he has yet to choose a Fire Commissioner.
The fire commissioner is one of three key jobs Kenney has yet to fill, along with Department of Human Services and Prison commissioners. They are the subjects of a national search for candidates. Press secretary Lauren Hitt says that stretches the time line.
"Since they're not located here it takes time to get in touch with them and arrange for in-person interviews, and do the vetting, and talk to all of their various references," press secretary Lauren Hitt said.
She stresses the departments are being run in the meantime, by capable 'acting' commissioners, which begs the question, why not make them permanent.
"He just feels like he wants a slightly different approach in these departments and that's nothing against the current people there. They are good and capable and Commissioner Sawyer was the commissioner under mayor Nutter, it's just a different approach that this new mayor wants."
Hitt says an announcement is expected soon.