NEWARK – In testimony this morning in federal court, former Port Authority employee David Wildstein said he and former Port Deputy Director Bill Baroni told Governor Chris Christie about the George Washington Bridge lane closures on September 11, 2013, the third day of the debacle.
Wildstein said he and Baroni were “bragging about it” to the governor at a 911 memorial service.
Prosecutors presented photos of that event as evidence at the trial.
Also during his testimony so far today, Wildstein described how Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop wanted a meeting with Baroni. Once he decided not to endorse Christie, however, Baroni ignored his emails, the same way the port deputy ignored those entreaties made by Fort Lee Mayor Mark Sokolich.
“Radio silence” was how Wildstein characterized their reception of Fulop.
Christie Campaign Manager Bill Stepien subsequently said in an email that Fulop was “getting a little snippy” when he couldn’t reach Baroni. According to Wildstein, former Christie Deputy COS Bridget Kelly was also aware of the port brass’s punishing treatment of Fulop.
The prosecution also honed in on a Sept 1st text between Baroni and Wildstein in an effort to illustrate the degree to which Baroni was involved in the scandal.
Baroni in the text exchange wants to know when Jersey City starts school.
Wildstein says Thursday.
“Anything we can do?” Baroni wants to know.
“Probably not,” texts Wildstein.
Baroni says that’s unfortunate.
On the stand today, Wildstein said he didn’t think that inquiry was serious on Baroni’s part. Nonetheless, prosecutors saw it as germane.
For more on Wildstein’s testimony, go here.
