Process of reforming the Port Authority
In a joint veto, they undid legislation that would have begun the long-overdue process of reforming the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
The scandal-ridden agency has been a political patronage machine for decades, and a puppet for political manipulation even before the accusations rose about Gov. Christopher Christie’s alleged involvement in the closing of lanes on the George Washington Bridge as political retribution against the mayor of Fort Lee.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo appears to be covering Christie’s political back by also vetoing the legislation. This suggests that both governors would like to keep the Port Authority from public scrutiny. And this makes you wonder why.
The Port Authority oversees a number of activities in the New York/New Jersey region, perhaps most importantly the massive shipping industry, often cited as the growing economic activity in the region. But the Port Authority has also dabbled in real estate, and recently got caught playing a political role for Christie when it purchased land owned by the city of Bayonne to bolster the municipal budget and prevent a default that would have required a state takeover. On top of this, the Port Authority is floating the idea of possibly privatizing PATH service. Jersey City has an ongoing suit against the Port Authority over allegedly unpaid taxes. While both governors have recommended reforms to the Port Authority, the legislation would do much to lift the veil of secrecy that has long shrouded internal operations, and could possibly reduce the perception of Port Authority as a patronage mill.