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A Philadelphia businessman who once chaired the state Ethics Commission is the first of seven members named to Pennsylvania's new Gaming Control Board.

House Speaker John M. Perzel, a Philadelphia Republican, chose Joseph W. "Chip" Marshall III as his appointee.

Marshall, who chaired the Ethics Commission from 1988-89, is chairman and chief executive of Temple University Health System, a network of five hospitals with 8,000 employees.

Among others under consideration for a Gaming Control Board appointment is Stephen Zappala Sr., retired chief justice of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and a Pittsburgh Democrat.

Zappala, the father of Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala Jr., could become one of three gubernatorial appointees, said House Minority Leader H. William DeWeese, D-Waynesburg.

"He would make a marvelous appointee to any board or commission. He has the intellectual dexterity and the gravitas of a senior statesman," DeWeese said. "I'm confident he's on the governor's list. We work closely with the governor."

Zappala was unavailable for comment.

Gov. Ed Rendell is "nowhere near making any decisions," said his spokesman Chuck Ardo, adding that Rendell intends to take his time "to make sure he gets the highest-quality appointee possible."

Perzel said he chose Marshall, 51, because he has the experience needed for unbiased decision-making. Marshall is an attorney who founded the Philadelphia law firm Goldman and Marshall, P.C.

"Pennsylvania's newest industry must be built on a foundation of integrity, honesty and accountability," Perzel said. "With Chip Marshall serving on the state Gaming Control Board, the people of Pennsylania can be assured that foundation is a strong one."

The board will be responsible for approving and overseeing the 14 slot-machine licenses issued to seven racetracks, five stand-alone casinos and two resort hotels. The Meadows racetrack in Washington County will receive one of the first licenses, and one license is available in the city of Pittsburgh. Licenses for tracks and casinos cost $50 million each; resorts will pay $5 million.

Marshall said the Gaming Control Board will need a competent staff and has the luxury of drawing upon experiences of gambling commissions in other states when making tough decisions. Fierce competition is emerging for the right to build a slots parlor in Pittsburgh.

"While it's not certain, I think there's probably a calculus that exists to give us some guidance on who should receive a license," Marshall said.

He said gambling in Pennsylvania will bring opportunities and challenges, and the oversight board will need to "ensure that the public interest is always in the forefront of our decisions."

Rendell and the other legislative caucus leaders must appoint the remaining oversight board members by early September. The governor has formed a committee that will determine board members' salaries, Perzel said.

DeWeese, who is attending the National Conference of State Legislators in Utah this week, said he is working with Minority Whip Mike Veon, of Beaver County, to review names received through letters and phone calls.

"This is a colossal challenge for the state, and certainly it is one of the biggest appointments I will ever make as a public official," DeWeese said.

Senate President Pro Tem Robert Jubelirer, R-Altoona, also has a growing list of candidates with varied backgrounds, including some from Western Pennsylvania, said aide Dave Atkinson.

"I think he's looking first for integrity and intelligence -- and then beyond that for people of judgment, perspective and the fortitude to withstand the pressures they'll come under," Atkinson said.

Tess Candori, spokeswoman for Senate Minority Leader Robert Mellow, of Scranton, said she expects Mellow to announce his selection within two weeks. She did not know who he might be considering.

Appointees to the board will undergo a vetting process that includes a criminal-background check by the state police. Once approved, members are banned from holding elected or political office and cannot accept a job with the gambling industry for a year following their terms.

Marshall voluntarily released his 2003 federal tax return, showing adjusted gross income of $828,749. As a legislative appointee, he will serve a two-year term and cannot serve more than three consecutive terms. Gubernatorial appointees serve three-year terms and not more than two consecutive terms.

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