August 6, 2009

Markell Taps Dennis Rochford to Chair Sports and Video Lottery Commission

DOVER – Gov. Jack Markell announced Thursday that he has selected Dennis Rochford to serve on the Sports and Video Lottery Commission and serve as the panel’s chairman.
 
Rochford will join Acting Secretary of Finance Tom Cook and Economic Development Director Alan Levin as the administration’s representatives on the panel. Rochford is the president of the Maritime Exchange for the Delaware River and Bay, a nonprofit trade association serving port businesses throughout Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
 
“Dennis’ private-sector experience will be invaluable as this commission tackles significant economic questions, ” Markell said.
 
The group, created by House Substitute 1 for House Bill 100, will announce next week its first meeting date. The legislation charges the commission with issuing two reports to lawmakers. The first, which is due by Oct. 15, will examine the economic impacts of the state issuing licenses to additional racinos. The second report, due April 1, will examine the economic impacts of authorizing sports lottery-only venues.
 
The respective majority caucuses in each chamber of the General Assembly selected two members, while the minority caucuses selected one a piece. Representing Senate Democrats will be Senate Majority Whip Patricia Blevins and Sen. Nancy Cook.  Sen. Colin Bonini will represent the chamber’s Republicans. House Majority Leader Pete Schwartzkopf and Rep. Helene Keeley will represent House Democrats. The House Republicans selected Clifford “Biff” Lee as their representative.