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Senate panel advances two Board of Personnel Appeals nominees with bipartisan support
Summary
The committee moved to pass nominations for William O'Connor and Jim Wonnacott to the Board of Personnel Appeals after supporters highlighted legal and labor experience; both nominations advanced in committee votes.
The Senate Business, Labor and Economic Affairs Committee advanced two nominations to the Board of Personnel Appeals following hearings in which proponents described each nominee’s relevant experience.
William O'Connor, an attorney with nearly 50 years of labor‑law experience, was introduced by the sponsor and supported by Department of Labor and Industry staff who noted the board’s need for an attorney member. O'Connor told the committee he has represented both labor and management and asked for the committee’s endorsement.
Jim Wonnacott (transcript spellings vary) appeared as a labor representative and business manager for the Ironworkers; supporters emphasized his apprenticeship leadership, experience negotiating contracts and work on labor‑management issues. Department witnesses and trade unions recommended his confirmation to the quasi‑judicial board.
Committee members asked procedural and background questions (e.g., judicial admissions, apprenticeship program scope, conflict‑of‑interest considerations). After closing remarks, the committee moved both nominations forward in executive action votes; the transcript records do‑pass motions and the chair announced the measures passed.
Next steps: The committee recorded motions to do pass SR 39 (O'Connor) and SR 101 (Wonnacott) and forwarded the nominations to the Senate floor.
