Director wanted!

I would like to bring to the attention of all U.S. mariners that we still do not have an appointed Director of the U.S. Maritime Administration. President Barack Obama has been in office well over 200 days now without even having submitted a name to the U.S. Senate for confirmation. The Maritime Administration promotes U.S. commerce through the U.S. Merchant Marine. This takes place by insuring an adequate fleet of vessels, trained mariners, and ship building and repair services. This is not only important to the U.S. economy, but it can be critical during times of national emergency.
One name stands outs among all others for consideration that has been endorsed by both Democratic and Republican politicians, government officials, and the private sector of the maritime industry. That person is Captain Art Sulzer of Sulzer Marine and the Ship Operations Cooperative Program (www.SOCP.US).
Captain Arthur H. Sulzer (USN-Ret) is a graduate of NY Maritime College who holds MS in Management from SUNY Maritime, MBA Finance from HOFSTRA and is completing his Education Doctorate at University of Pennsylvania with a focus on primary and secondary maritime education. Captain Sulzer completed 30 years of active and reserve service in the Navy’s Merchant Marine Reserve Program. He is an actively sailing USCG licensed deck and engine, Master Mariner. A founding Board member of Maritime Academy Charter High School in Philadelphia, a middle and high school with 700 students that is maritime themed and career focused. He runs a marine consulting/ surveying firm in Philadelphia that charters barges and marine construction equipment. Captain Sulzer was also the SOCP Maritime Education Conference Chairman.
I support his appointment due to his numerous efforts to train future mariners at a young age. This can only lead to a better functioning and safer U.S. Merchant Marine for the future. I would like the support of my fellow mariners as well. It’s really very easy to do. Just e-mail President Obama at the White House at www.whitehouse.gov/CONTACT/. Just write “Art Sulzer for MARAD Director”. Be nice.
Capt. Marc Deglinnocenti
200 ton near coastal master
Sea Scouts, BSA
By Professional Mariner Staff