A Year of Change and Consequences

1993: A Year of Change and Consequences Mark Singel, a Johnstown native and Penn State graduate, won election as Lieutenant Governor in 1986 as Robert Casey's running mate. In 1993, Governor Casey was stricken with Appalachian familial amyloidosis, a rare and usually fatal liver disorder. The governor required multiple organ transplants, which was still experimental at that time. While the governor was incapacitated and recovering, Mark Singel became the acting Governor of Pennsylvania. This book is Mark Singel's recollection of the events that year. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Mark Singel served as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania from 1987 through 1995 and, for a period of time, Acting Governor of the Commonwealth. The only person in Pennsylvania history to serve an extended time as Acting Governor, Singel received high marks for his stewardship. He led the state by enacting the first modern workers’ compensation reform package, refinanced the state’s park system through the “Key 93” program, and helped launch the high-tech era with landmark telecommunications legislation. He was also instrumental in reducing state and local taxes, the implementation of a statewide 911 emergency phone system, and the creation of thousands of new jobs in recycling and environmental technologies. He was the original author of the state’s mortgage assistance bill that has saved 50,000 Pennsylvania homes. Prior to his terms as Lieutenant Governor, Singel served six years in the Pennsylvania State Senate and was chief of staff to two members of the U.S. Congress. Singel ran for U.S. Senate in 1992 and for Governor in 1994. He served as Chairman of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party from 1995-1998 and was the President of Pennsylvania’s Electoral College in January 1997. He was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention five times from 1992 through 2016. Singel founded The Winter Group in February 2005 and has developed it into one of the most effective and prestigious government relations firms in the state. He continues to provide consulting services to clients in retail, hospitality and gaming, manufacturing, technology, energy, non-profits, and healthcare fields. Recent successes include a ban on public smoking, legislation to address child sexual abuse, and consumer protection in healthcare settings. Singel served as Chair of Pennsylvanians for Judicial Reform which was instrumental in bringing talented, progressive jurists to the state’s Supreme Court. Singel has served in various capacities with Pennsylvania’s governors and decision-makers and maintains strong personal and political ties with leaders at all levels today. A magna cum laude graduate of Penn State, Singel continues to teach at the Harrisburg campus and other universities. He has served on the Boards of Penn State and St. Francis Universities and holds several honorary doctorate degrees. Singel is currently active with Harrisburg University and is a regular commentator on local and statewide political broadcast programs. He is a sought-after speaker at both political and academic events and is active in numerous community and philanthropic activities. Singel has been married to Jacqueline for 40 years and has three children: Allyson, Jonathan, and Christopher. He has three grandchildren: Thomas, Felicity, and Henry Boots.