Gov. Tim Pawlenty went outside of the Minnesota Department of
Transportation (Mn/DOT) to replace the commissioner that lawmakers
fired weeks ago.
Pawlenty announced today (April 21) the hiring of Tom Sorel, a Federal
Highway Administration (FHWA) official with a degree in civil
engineering, to lead the 4,400-strong transportation agency.
Meeting the press, Tom Sorrel, brings an impressive string of qualifications to his new position as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)
ECM Capitol reporter
Gov. Tim Pawlenty went outside of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) to replace the commissioner that lawmakers fired weeks ago.
Pawlenty announced today (April 21) the hiring of Tom Sorel, a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) official with a degree in civil engineering, to lead the 4,400-strong transportation agency.
He styled Sorel, 51, who has held various posts at FHWA for 30 years, "a great fit" as a commissioner.
"With 30 years of transportation experience and a civil engineering background, Tom Sorel is the right person to lead Mn/DOT," said Pawlenty.
Sorel placed as his No. 1 priority rebuilding "public trust and confidence" in Mn/DOT.
"There's no question the (I-35W) bridge collapse opened a lot of eyes," said Sorel of public scrutiny of the agency.
Building coalitions
Sorel emphasized transparency and building coalitions among transportation stakeholders were there are none as primary goals.
"I'm very hopeful about transportation in Minnesota," he said.
Sorel will assume his new post at Mn/DOT in a week.
Senate Transportation Chairman Steve Murphy, DFL-Red Wing, indicated Sorel was likely to be confirmed by the Senate. (Photo by T.W. Budig, ECM Capitol Reporter)The Senate refused to confirm Lt. Gov. Carol Molnau as Mn/DOT commissioner earlier this session, removing her from the post.
Murphy indicated the hiring of Sorel could usher in a more cooperative era between the Legislature and Mn/DOT. "I hope so. I really do," said Murphy, one of Molnau's sharpest critics in the Legislature.
Reaching outside of Mn/DOT was a factor in picking a new commissioner, but the only factor, Pawlenty indicated.
The administration contacted Sorel about applying for job, Pawlenty indicated.
It also sought input from some lawmakers about the candidate search, the governor explained.
McFarlin was finalist
Since Molnau's departure, Assistant to the Commissioner Bob McFarlin has been serving as acting Mn/DOT commissioner. McFarlin was one of three candidates for the job.
"It was a very close call," said Pawlenty of choosing among the candidates that include a University of Minnesota official.
Sorel grew up in Upstate New York and has been three years in Minnesota.
He received a presidential honor for his actions in the aftermath of the I-35W bridge collapse and holds a masters of business degree as well as an engineering degree.
Sorel has also holds a certificate of conflict management.
Taking some questions after the hiring announce at the Capitol, Sorel, asked about his views on transit, said "you have to look at all the options"
He opined that he has a "fairly good" working relationship with U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman James Oberstar, D-Chisholm.
Pawlenty said he has advised Sorel to take some time, get a sense of Mn/DOT, before making any decisions concerning personnel changes at the agency.
The governor indicated that he spoke to Molnau about the replacement process.
They're currently exploring different areas for Molnau to focus on in addition to her regular duties as lieutenant governor, he explained.
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