David J. Graban, Centre County's newly appointed public defender, said yesterday he wants to get a feel for his department before making any changes or long-range plans.

Graban said he previously was unaware of the problems some county officials say exist in the public defender's office. He is just beginning to get a sense of the office's environment, he said.

But he refused to comment on the surprise and resentment expressed by those in the department over an outsider being chosen for the position over David Crowley, the county's acting public defender.

Centre County District Attorney Ray Gricar also chose not to speak on the issue, saying, "I won't comment on personnel matters."

Graban was chosen over four other candidates, including Crowley, who worked with the public defender's office for more than two years and served as acting public defender since Allen Powanda's resignation in February.

Commissioner Keith Bierly said Graban was chosen by the Centre County Commissioners Tuesday because "he has extensive legal experience and a solid legal background."

The decision to choose someone from outside the office was not deliberate, Bierly said. "We chose who we thought was the best candidate."

Although the usual policy is to promote someone from within the department, the commissioners were more concerned with finding the best qualified person, he said.

"We think we've found that in Mr. Graban," Bierly said.

He expressed hope that Graban would bring new ideas to the public defender's office. "We're hoping he can bring some stability to the position," said Bierly, one of three county commissioners.

Graban said he intends to strike a balance between his administrative and defense duties. "I intend to practice as a defense attorney" in addition to fulfilling administrative tasks, he said.

Graban also said he interviewed for the position because of a concern that poorer citizens receive adequate legal representation.

"I had a desire to work for those who are less fortunate financially," he said.

The public defender's term is open-ended, but Graban hopes to stay in the position for at least two years, he said.