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This collection contains the record of the Select Committee to Investigate State Contract Practice, 1973-1974 Session, Republicans in Majority. Chairs Patrick Gleason (R) serving with Vice Chair Harry Comer (D).
This committee initiated a wide-spread investigation of state contracts over several counties, including but not limited to Westmoreland, Greene, Mercer, Monroe, Indiana, Cambria, Montour, Montgomery, Lycoming, Chester and Blair Counties. Parties involved included the Highway Department, Franks C. Hilton, Department of Property and Supply and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PENNDOT). Several testimonies from lessors, business owners, party campaign workers and government employees were recorded and multiple subpoenas were issued.In their final report, the committee concluded that there was "widespread and systematic abuses in the Department of Transportation, General State Authority and the Department of Property and Supplies." In response to their findings, the committee members recommended further investigation, a change in the office of the Attorney General of Pennsylvania from an appointed to an elected position, creation of an Independent Commission, fillings with the Bureau of Election by legislative mandate, the abolition of the General State Authority and the replacement of it by the Department of Building and Construction and assimilation of PENNDOT employee into the civil service system.
