Canisius grad tapped for Cabinet post

SNYDER, N.Y. (WIVB) - A Canisius High School graduate of 1979 and Buffalo-area native Thomas Perez is expected to be the President’s pick for the U.S. Secretary of Labor.

After graduating from Canisius, Thomas Perez attended Brown University and then Harvard.

Following college, he served as the Secretary of Labor for Maryland. Currently he is the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division of the Country’s Justice Department which he started in October 2009.

Former Congressman John LaFalce has only met Perez once, but has followed his career that has always impressed him along the way.

LaFalce said, “He's been stellar. I think he really has the potential and promise of being one of the finest Secretaries of Labor that we've ever had.”

LaFalce believes this position would be a natural fit for Perez. He said, “He's committed to the rights of the individual, he's committed to the concept of equality, and he's extremely bright. He will have tremendous responsibilities to help ensure that all Americans who want to work have the opportunity to work, but also that all Americans get a decent wage.”

President Obama is expected to nominate Perez for Secretary of Labor, which will then have to be approved by the Senate.

“He might have a few bumps in the road but I feel very confident if nominated he will be confirmed,” said LaFalce.