Keith McCall of Summit Hill has been given a two-year appointment on the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board.

The appointment of McCall, who served 28 years in the Pa. House of Representatives, was made by House Democratic Leader Frank Demody of Pittsburgh.McCall had voted for the 2004 law that permitted slots gaming at up to 14 venues. That legislation included the establishment of the Pa. Gaming Control Board to regulate the new industry.The veteran lawmaker, who last year was elevated by his peers to the prestigious position of Speaker of the House, opted not to seek re-election, noting he wanted to spend more time with his family.On the Gaming Control Board, he takes the seat of Commissioner Jeffrey W. Coy of Franklin County, who was not reappointed. Coy had originally been given a two-year term by Rep. H. William DeWeese in 2004. He was reappointed by McCall for an additional two year term beginning Jan. 20, 2009.Members to the seven-member commission are appointed by caucus leaders and are paid $145,000 annually.Dermody, in announcing his appointment, said, "Keith McCall knows the issues the board has faced in its early years, and he understands the importance of the gaming industry in delivering tax relief and jobs for Pennsylvanians."He continued, "He earned a reputation for the highest integrity during his years in the legislature, and he will be a valuable contributor to the work of the seven-member board."A statement issued by McCall said, "As a committee chairman and then a leader in the House, I traveled all over Pennsylvania, from corner to corner and everywhere in between. I am familiar with local concerns in every region of this great commonwealth. That knowledge will be immediately useful in my work on the Gaming Control Board."Dermody noted that although the board has been in existence for more than six years, there are still substantive issues to be dealt with to further the growth of gaming in Pennsylvania and maximize property tax relief and job development. He said McCall is ready immediately to work as a board member."Keith McCall will be ready to deal with the matters facing the board on day one," Demody commented. "He has very little homework to do because he helped to write the law that created this board and he monitored gaming developments closely as a house leader. I am proud to name Mr. McCall to the Gaming Control Board."Last month, some Republican lawmakers made an unsuccessful effort to block the naming of McCall, a Democrat, to the board.A measure restricting appointments to the Gaming Control Board was introduced by House Republicans.The bill would have barred sitting or former lawmakers from appointment to the board.When that bill was introduced, sponsor Rob Kauffman of Cumberland County was quoted as saying, "The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is not meant to be an additional retirement plan for the legislature. The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board is meant to have people who are highly qualified regulators on that board, not to rubber-stamp what the gaming industry wants done in Pennsylvania, but to regulate them."