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Sep 09th

Christie tells Delaware River Port Authority to get its ethics together

christie022410_optCalls for oversight and audit of agency's budget

Gov. Chris Christie is calling on the Delaware River Port Authority to act swiftly to improve transparency and gain public confidence in the bi-state agency by adopting an extensive list of much-needed reforms jointly endorsed by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell, as well as additional reforms advocated by the New Jersey governor.

In a letter to DRPA Chariman John H. Estey and Vice Chairman Jeffrey L. Nash, Christie wrote, "As public officials, it is our responsibility to the people to ensure that government is accountable, transparent and ethical in the conduct of its business. In the light of the recent concerns of abuse and mismanagement at the Delaware River Port Authority, it is clear that reforms are immediately needed from the board and management of the authority."

Christie continued, "I am committed to ensuring that these critical reforms outlined are adopted in a timely manner to restore the public's confidence in the authority and I am pleased that Governor Rendell supports reform at the DRPA as well."

Christie and Rendell agree that significant policy changes be implemented immediately, including:

  • Full oversight, review and audit of the authority's budget and performance by the Pennsylvania auditor general — or an outside auditor — and the New Jersey comptroller.
  • Compliance with Open Public Meeting and Records Acts and Sunshine Acts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
  • Elimination of the existing separate state caucus system to allow for more public transparency.
  • Enacting a "no gifts" policy for board members which clarifies that no commissioner or employee of the authority or a family member shall solicit or accept any gift or anything of value for personal benefit.
  • Elimination of all free toll and fare perks for employees and retirees.
  • Elimination of all car allowances.

In addition, Christie is proposing several other reforms:

  • Requiring that all charitable contributions be presented to the board for approval by resolution.
  • Strengthening the board's conflict of interest policy to make clear that commissioners and employees may not use DRPA time or resources to pursue any political activities.
  • Clarifying the newly proposed political contributions policy as being consistent with the New Jersey pay-to-play law by requiring vendors and vendor principals to disclose all political contributions made within the past four years.

In his letter, Christie said he "will continue to scrutinize the actions of the DRPA for adherence to all of these reforms and will not hesitate to exercise my veto authority over any DRPA board action that does not conform."

— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

 
Comments (2)
2 Wednesday, 11 August 2010 17:02
Tyrone
In Pennsylvania is a perfect example of the white greed and the Buddy System that has destroyed America's economy and kept employment high for many Americans . Especially black Americans! The DRPA operates the four bridges connecting Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the Philadelphia area, including the heavily traveled Ben Franklin and Walt Whitman. It also runs the PATCO commuter rail line. Citizen are paying $4 at the tolls and the corrupt DRPA wants to raise it a dollar! Corruption in the DRPA is a understatement the top person at the DRPA makes more then the Pennsylvania Governor! White greed and the Buddy System has allowed family member to get free easy passes and drive tax own cars. Family member of the DRPA are given jobs over more quantify applicants and this has been the practice from day one! The very shame of it all is 75% of the tolls goes to the toll takers and the administration! This is true of all toll taking scams in America! DRPA vice chairman Jeff Nash after getting caught not doing his job said he did not realize until recently that the 100-toll or train ride per year perk was available to all the agency's workers and retirees. It's a perk that should not exist," he said. Nash said the benefit has existed for years, but has become more objectionable in a time when the toll is up to $4 for cars heading from New Jersey to Philadelphia.Nash and chairman John Estey say they plan to make proposals to eliminate the free rides for managers.Nash said it would have to be worked out with unions representing other workers.Nash said some of the policy changes can be made by the DRPA's top executive while others will need approval from its board, possibly at a special meeting! This is a joke white greed and "The White Buddy System" will find a way around giving up their perks! Governor Edward G. Rendell is a piss poor Governor that has allowed this type of behavior! Mayor Nutter is another politician that is piss poor and allows the same behavior! The taxpayer are told TOO-BAD-SO-SAD we got the power you the taxpayer you get the bill. It is how white America (SO-CALL FOUNDING FATHERS) establish this country. The white welfare system started with enslavement of black people and the free labor and white government approval of discrimination! Today NOTHING has change the DRPA is not alone!They are the very example of the evil of America's pass! Every American institution is infected by the white buddy system and racial discrimination! The thing white people should know is we all paid because the rich white and powerful get richer and more powerful not all white benefit! That why the mostly white Republican Party destroyed the economy and has nothing but criticism for President Obama. The Republican Party wants to make white American believe the big bad first black President is going to stop the first hire last fire from getting special treatment. When in fact more white lost under Republican rule then any other Americans!
1 Friday, 30 July 2010 15:47
Deciminyan
Christie talking about ethics is like Hugh Hefner talking about chastity. Christie's shadow campaign organization, Reform Jersey Now, may be legal - but is it ethical?

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