Port Authority Official Testifies In Probe Into George Washington Bridge Lane Closures
TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Port Authority official appointed by Gov. Chris Christie to the agency's board of commissioners tells New Jersey lawmakers he wouldn't have condoned using the George Washington Bridge for political retribution.
Commissioner Pat Schuber opened his testimony emphatically denying he had anything to do with the controversial closures that led to days of gridlock.
"I have had no involvement in, nor prior knowledge of, the decision which led to the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge, and I would never condone the use of governmental powers to exact political retribution," Schuber said.
Schuber is the latest official to appear before the legislative panel investigating the lane closings. There has been evidence that Christie supporters were involved in the closures.
Fort Lee was locked in traffic for four days last September, apparently to retaliate against the mayor, a Democrat who did not endorse Christie.
Schuber says the plot quickly became political fodder.
Christie has denied any knowledge of the plot.
The U.S. Attorney's office is conducting a criminal investigation into the matter.
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