Gov. Tom Wolf has pulled the nomination of Marcus Brown to lead the Pennsylvania State Police. The Senate was to vote this week on Brown’s nomination. Last week a committee sent the nomination to the full body without making a recommendation.
Brown’s nomination has been controversial from the start. The former Maryland state police superintendent's decision to wear the uniform while serving as acting commissioner was met with opposition among many troopers, and he was investigated but not charged for removing signs from yards near his home that were critical of that decision.
Brown also came under fire for his use of a homestead tax credit on his Pennsylvania home while he was living in Maryland. He explained that his wife continued to live in Pennsylvania.
When making his recall, Wolf said, “I continue to have full faith in Col. Brown’s ability to lead the State Police, and he will remain as acting commissioner.”
The written statement went on to say, “Col. Brown has been in law enforcement for 25 years and has improved each agency he has led. The Pennsylvania State Police are the commonwealth's top law enforcement agency, and Col. Brown has the experience necessary to serve in the role of commissioner.”
The move comes as Democrats were trying to count votes in the 50-member chamber where Republicans hold a 30-20 majority.
Republicans are intending to move forward with the vote despite Wolf's request.
