An Upper St. Clair businessman becomes the third Republican on the 11-member Port Authority of Allegheny County board of directors, appointed on Thursday by Gov. Tom Corbett.
Robert J. Kania, Jr., 41, who owns a day care and an information technology business, said he comes to the board without an agenda. He worked on the governor's campaign.
“I can bring a perspective as an employer who has customers and employees using Port Authority. I can look objectively at both sides,” Kania said. “I don't see it being a party-line position on things.”
Kania owns Metropolitan Pre-School and Nursery, Downtown, and Community Pre-School and Nursery with locations throughout Allegheny County. His Direct Technology Solutions is located Downtown.
Steve Chizmar, a spokesman for Corbett, said Kania's business background made him an ideal choice.
Kania joins the board of an agency searching for a CEO and a way to curb persistent financial troubles. A change in state law in July tweaked the board's makeup, adding two members and mandating that the governor and legislative leaders appoint five people. The county executive appoints six, rather than all members as before.
The board will tackle several issues from the outset, including securing additional state funding to head off cuts. State lawmakers are considering a transportation bill to provide more money for transit.
Bobby Kerlik is a Trib Total Media staff writer. Reach him at 412-320-7886 or bkerlik@tribweb.com.
