Corbett Taps Charles Zogby As Top Budget Adviser

Centre Daily Times

Tom Corbett filled the hot seat in his prospective Cabinet on Wednesday by appointing former state education chief Charles Zogby as his budget secretary, while the man Corbett tapped to become his chief of staff said he has changed his mind and is accepting a job with the governor-elect’s longtime political consultant.

As Republican Corbett’s top budget adviser, Zogby will play a central role in a looming debate over state spending that is almost certain to be contentious even though his party’s takeover of the House in this year’s elections gave it control of both chambers of the Legislature.

Corbett vowed during his election campaign to balance the 2011-12 budget without increasing state taxes or fees, despite widespread expectations of a potential deficit of $4 billion or more.

Wednesday’s announcement ended weeks of speculation about whom the incoming governor would choose for the post.

“Charles Zogby’s experience and knowledge of the inner workings of state government make him an ideal choice,” Corbett said in a statement.

Tom Corbett filled the hot seat in his prospective Cabinet on Wednesday by appointing former state education chief Charles Zogby as his budget secretary, while the man Corbett tapped to become his chief of staff said he has changed his mind and is accepting a job with the governor-elect’s longtime political consultant.

As Republican Corbett’s top budget adviser, Zogby will play a central role in a looming debate over state spending that is almost certain to be contentious even though his party’s takeover of the House in this year’s elections gave it control of both chambers of the Legislature.

Corbett vowed during his election campaign to balance the 2011-12 budget without increasing state taxes or fees, despite widespread expectations of a potential deficit of $4 billion or more.

Wednesday’s announcement ended weeks of speculation about whom the incoming governor would choose for the post.

“Charles Zogby’s experience and knowledge of the inner workings of state government make him an ideal choice,” Corbett said in a statement.