PA’s DCNR Sec. Steps Down

Pennsylvania's Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Michael DiBeradinis is leaving state government to head the Philadelphia Parks and Recreation Department. DiBerardinis has run the DCNR since 2003. It's a move back to DiBerardinis' roots. He ran the Philadelphia Rec Department from 1992-2000 when Governor Ed Rendell was mayor. Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo disputes the notion that DiBerardinis' departure for another government job is a sign the governor is approaching "lame duck" status, with less than two years left in office. He says DCNR will keep working toward the same goals under a new secretary. “There are lots of capable people in government… to see us through. The direction has been set. Mike DiBerardinis set the direction for the agency. And it's a matter of executing for the rest of the time that we're here.” Says Ardo. DiBerardinis will start the new job April 6th.