Smethport native and longtime GOP aide Roger Nick on Tuesday was
elected chief clerk of the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives.
Nick succeeds Ted Mazia, who retired after holding the job since
1995, and becomes the 81st man to hold this position since
1682.
According to Act 104 of 1979, the Bipartisan Management
Committee of the House, comprised of House Speaker John Perzel and
the majority and minority leaders and whips, actually nominates
candidates for this post.
The nominees must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the
House.
Nick, who was the unanimous choice of the committee, was
confirmed in the House by a 196-0 vote.
Nick described his new position as being in charge of the
day-to-day administrative duties of the House, including
responsibilities for pages, security, custodians, purchasing, mail
room, and communications, as well as internal telecommunications.
He will supervise a staff of 170 employees.
After serving as an intern in state government in 1972, Nick
began his full-time employment with the Commonwealth as executive
director of the House Transportation Committee in 1973, just one
day after graduating from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania with
a bachelor’s degree in political science.
In 1976, he was appointed executive assistant to former State
Sen. Robert Kusse and was responsible for the operation of the
senator’s district offices.
Seven years later, Nick was named liaison between the
legislature and Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
After two years, he became chief of staff to the late Matthew J.
Ryan of Delaware County, when he was minority leader and later when
he was elevated to Speaker of the House. Upon Ryan’s death in 2003,
Nick moved to the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency
where he was vice president in charge of legislative and board
affairs.
Nick returned to the House on Nov. 22.
During the swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday, Perzel invited
Nick’s wife, Karen, to join her husband at the podium where Perzel
administered Nick’s oath of office.
Leaders of both parties offered remarks about Nick and his
appointment.
Perzel noted that the new chief clerk had to be able to handle
the challenges of his office. “We needed someone we could trust,
who was forthright yet kind, someone who knows and appreciates the
workings of this great institution.
“We also needed someone who is admired and respected by all, who
is thoughtful in actions and blessed with passion for accuracy,
maintaining the record of all proceedings when we are in session
and our day-to-day in and out activities of this House.”
Majority Leader Sam Smith, R-Jefferson, said, “I think everyone
would agree that he is a person who is a gentleman of high moral
character and someone with great integrity. He is an individual
whose level of dedication to this institution has never been
questioned and his record of service and his relationship he has
developed in this building in these 30 years speak for
themselves.
“He is someone who is well-known and respected on both sides of
the aisle and can certainly claim many friends within both
parties.”
Similar praise came from William DeWeese, D-Green, the minority
leader.
“Those of us who are privileged to have some seniority in this
process have a very warm and special feeling for Roger Nick, and it
is amplified by the fact that he was such a quiet and steady part
of Matt Ryan’s team.”
In his comments, Nick said, “Public service is a noble calling,
and I am proud to once again join you in this great mission.”
After acknowledging the backing and friendship of several
colleagues in the House, Nick also thanked Karen and their son,
Nathan, for their support.
“They know that working in the legislature is not a nine-to-five
job and are willing to share the commitment with me.”
