Obama picks NY’s labor chief for solicitor post

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/stories/2009/03/16/daily51.html

Friday, March 20, 2009, 1:24pm EDT

The Business Review (Albany) - by Adam Sichko

M. Patricia Smith has been nominated for the job of solicitor, which means she would have input in forming or changing U.S. Department of Labor policies and defend the department in certain federal court cases.

The nomination of Smith, commissioner of the state Department of Labor, was announced Thursday. Smith has been commissioner since January 2007, overseeing a $4 billion annual budget and 3,700 employees.


Patricia Smith

“New York may be losing one of its most passionate public servants, but our nation’s workers are gaining an extraordinary advocate,” Gov. David Paterson said in a statement.

Smith must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate before the nomination becomes official and she leaves her state job.

“She’s still here. There’s no departure date yet,” said Leo Rosales, a spokesman for Smith.

Paterson will appoint Smith’s successor, if she is confirmed. The governor would likely create a panel to help review candidates, said spokesman Morgan Hook.

FULL story at link.