Gov. Chris Christie Calls Former Port Authority Chief Chris Ward 'A Disaster'
TRENTON, NJ (WCBS 880) - As the Port Authority looks to get its fiscal house back in order, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie had a few things to say about the agency's old leadership.
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"You heard me talking about, alluding to, the practices of the former executive director of the Port Authority - Chris Ward - was a disaster and this is another example of the secret deals he was making to reward his cronies," said Christie on Wednesday. "It's gonna stop and Gov. Cuomo and I are both absolutely committed to that. That's why we ordered this full audit to be done."
Christie has accused Ward of rewarding "cronies" by using toll money.
"I want every rock looked under," said Christie.
He says this cronyism is a big reason he and Cuomo felt their hands were tied in having to allow September's toll increase on the Hudson River crossings and fare hike on the PATH rail system.
"That makes me angrier about it. It should make the public even angrier about it," said Christie. "Gov. Cuomo and I are going to fix it."
The Port Authority's new executive director, Patrick Foye, says the agency should have been more transparent about hundreds of thousands of dollars in yearly perks given to executives.
Ward is credited with being a key part of getting the 9/11 Memorial completed in time for the 10th anniversary.
Ward had also been considered a viable candidate for New York City mayor, but has already said he doesn't see himself running.
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