Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, July 18, 1993 TAG: 9307180114
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B5 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
U.S. District Judge Joyce H. Green said Daniel S. Alcorn, an Arlington lawyer and Democratic Party activist, could continue to serve on the board of the authority, which administers Washington National and Dulles International airports.
Wilder's spokesman, Glenn Davidson, issued a statement saying the decision "damages the commonwealth's authority to name and appoint officials to interstate boards and commissions."
Alcorn, the 11th District Democratic chairman, had criticized Wilder in several instances.
Wilder replaced Alcorn midway through a six-year term with James M. DeFrancia, a Leesburg developer, saying that Alcorn never was confirmed by the General Assembly.
Alcorn sued, saying he had been removed illegally.
Green said in her opinion that Wilder had never disputed suggestions that he replaced Alcorn for political reasons.
An official in the secretary of the commonwealth's office, which handles appointments by the governor, mistakenly had determined that confirmation is not needed for interstate compacts.
When informed of the mistake, the governor's office prepared to submit the names of three men to the one-day special session of the General Assembly April 7.
Wilder submitted the names of the two other men, who were confirmed that day, but not Alcorn's. The governor's office put out a news release saying DeFrancia had been appointed to the authority board, replacing Alcorn, "who has temporarily held the board position since Nov. 24, 1990."
The judge said Wilder sought to "transform Alcorn's commission into an appointment at will." If that were allowed to stand, the authority's "insulation from outside political influence would be substantially reduced," she said.
by CNB