Shapiro stresses diversity, targets school testing

HARRISBURG » Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro hung the proverbial “Help Wanted” sign in Harrisburg on Wednesday, calling on Pennsylvanians of all backgrounds and political perspectives to apply for roles on his transition team and within the budding administration.

One requirement of all applicants: Ditch the partisan mindset.

“Anyone willing to take off the red jersey, the blue jersey and just wear a Pennsylvania jersey, we want you to know that you’re welcome to be part of our team,” Shapiro said.

He also took aim at standardized testing.

Full details on the transition and impending inauguration in January are a work in progress. Three campaign staffers were named to leadership roles for both. Akbar Hossain will serve as executive director of the transition, Amanda Warren as executive director for the inauguration, and Manuel Bonder as communications director for the transition and inauguration.

Shapiro said he will serve in his current role of attorney general until he is sworn in as governor. By law, he said the first deputy, a position held by Michelle Henry, would rise to the position of acting attorney general.

Information, including a link to submit resumes, is available at www.shapirodavis.org.

Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor-elect Austin Davis on Wednesday reiterated campaign pledges of building a diverse, representative administration, saying often that it must look like the citizenry they are elected to represent.

The governor-elect said the same of hiring more law enforcement. More local police officers will be hired under the Shapiro-Davis administration, Shapiro said, and they must live in the communities they will serve and look like the people they will protect.

Public safety, job creation and quality education were stressed by Shapiro, all of which were part of his campaign platform.