U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) today ripped into Gov. Chris Christie over his and New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s doubled-up vetoing of bills aimed to reform the Bridgegate-stained Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Menendez also specifically objected to an alternative plan championed by the governors that would privatize PATH.
“As someone who has consistently fought for resources to help New Jersey commuters and expand our public transit systems, I have serious concerns with the Governors’ proposal to privatize PATH or cut system services,” Menendez said. “The notion of using Port Authority reform as a ‘Trojan Horse’ for transit cutbacks is ill-conceived.
“More than anywhere else in the nation, our region depends on transit for our economic viability and quality of life. To that end, we must have a Port Authority that is responsible and responsive to the people it serves. As long as the Port Authority is going to charge New Jerseyans $14 to cross its bridges and tunnels, a viable transit alternative is essential.”
Menendez sawed into the veto.
“I am deeply disappointed in Governor Christie’s decision to veto reform legislation passed unanimously by both the New Jersey and New York State Legislatures,” said the U.S. Senator. “These are common-sense reforms that are key to rebuilding the public trust after decades of questionable decision-making and mismanagement by the Port Authority. Their customers and the taxpayers of New Jersey deserve better.”
