Pantele Appointed ABC Commissioner - Is it Cronyism?

Virginia Governor Tim Kaine announced yesterday that he had selected Bill Pantele, former 2nd District City Council President and 2008 candidate for Richmond Mayor, to serve on the Virginia Alcoholic Beverages Control [ABC] Commission. Mr. Pantele will replace Esther H. Vassar from Newport News.

Mr. Pantele, a member of the Democratic Party, was appointed to Richmond City Council on September 24, 2001 to replace Tim Kaine who had resigned on September 10, 2001 to focus on his campaign for Virginia Lieutenant Governor.

In retrospect, Mr. Pantele's quick appointment is a little surprising considering how long the Council recently took to appoint Mrs. Betty Squire to replace Delores McQuinn in the 7th District.

Mr. Pantele also served on the Industrial Development Authority [IDA] of the City of Richmond from October 1996 through July 2005.

On March 27, 2009 Governor Kaine appointed of Former Delegate Frank Hall to the three member ABC Board. Susan R. Swecker of Highland County serves as the Chair of the Board and was appointed by Governor Kaine in March 2006.

The salary for an ABC commissioner is $124,700.

Governor Kaine's Press Release:

August 04, 2009

Governor Kaine Announces ABC Commission Appointment
– William J. Pantele named to state regulatory board –

RICHMOND -Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the appointment of William J. Pantele to the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission, effective August 3, 2009. Pantele represented the Second District for three full terms on the Richmond City Council, including a term as president of the council from 2006-2008.

"I have known Bill for many years and know that he will do outstanding work with the ABC Commission," Governor Kaine said. "He has served the people of Richmond with distinction for many years and I know that he will serve the state well in his new role."

Pantele has been an active member of the Richmond community for many years, with particular emphasis on the city's economic development efforts. He has served as the president of Venture Richmond, a member of the Greater Richmond Partnership, the director of the Richmond Regional Planning District Commission, and a member of the Virginia Municipal League.

He was a partner in the law firm of Butler, Williams, Pantele and Skilling, P.C. from 1994 until 2003, when he opened his own firm focused on small business, corporate, and real estate law. Pantele has an undergraduate degree from Hampden-Sydney College and a law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law.