HARRISBURG, June 8, 2015: Senator Vincent Hughes released the following statement on the defeat of Marcus Brown’s Nomination for State Police Commissioner:
“I am extremely disappointed that my colleagues in the Pennsylvania Senate have failed to support such a qualified nominee as Colonial Marcus Brown. This is a man who is undoubtedly qualified to lead the Pennsylvania State Police and would have taken the agency in a positive direction. I expected more from my Republican colleagues in the Senate on such a key position.
“Let us not forget that Marcus Brown started as a beat cop in San Jose and rose to eventually become the Baltimore Chief of Police, which is considered one of the toughest cities in the world. He went on to lead the Maryland State Police. Col. Brown has impeccable credentials that include numerous advanced educational degrees, including one from our own Penn State University. He has been recognized by numerous non-profit organizations and charities for his good works outside his role as a law enforcement official. Frankly, Marcus Brown may be one of the most qualified cabinet appointments in Pennsylvania history.
“My support for Marcus Brown is also based on his strong record on the issue of diversity. The Pennsylvania State Police has a troubling history on this issue, including a consent decree requiring more minority hires that was put in place by a Federal judge. I worry that the Senate Republican rejection of Brown may put Pennsylvania down the wrong track. When it comes to making sure that the State Police reflect the population they are policing, we must move Pennsylvania forward and not backwards.”
Senator Vincent Hughes represents the 7th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Philadelphia and Montgomery County. He is also the Democratic Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
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