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Gov. Christie praises decision
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officials Thursday moved to
put an end to the practice of providing free E-Z Pass perks for commissioners, retirees and non-unionized employees and the action was hailed by Gov. Chris Christie.
"The action taken by the Port Authority board to begin ending E-Z Pass perks is a positive step that complies with my September directive to eliminate these abuses that are provided at tollpayers' expense," Christie said in a statement. "It's time for the authorities that have not yet acted on my directive, the Delaware River Bay Authority and Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Authority to end these abusive practices as well.
"These perks and giveaways are completely indefensible, particularly at a time when the public and local government are being asked to do more with less," the governor stated. "My Administration will continue to take action to rein in these and other abuses wherever they occur."
On Sept. 16, Christie vetoed resolutions of the Delaware River Port Authority to reinstate E-Z Pass perks for commissioners, officers, employees and retirees of the agency and the PATCO commuter rail line. The perks had previously been abolished at Christie's direction.
Christie also sent letters to five other bi-state agencies that utilize E-Z Pass, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, directing them to abolish the practice and other forms of free passage that are not available to the public.
The action by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey on Thursday makes it the fourth agency to comply with Christie's directive. The others are the Delaware River Port Authority, the South Jersey Transportation Authority, and New Jersey Turnpike Authority.
Christie has already exercised his veto authority extensively to stop what he sees as waste, extravagance and abuses at various state authorities and commissions. He has made 15 such vetoes since taking office 10 months ago.
— TOM HESTER SR., NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM
