Stringer: Christie Doesn't Deserve To Be President After Killing Hudson River Tunnel Project
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New York City Comptroller Scott Stringer pulled no punches Wednesday when he ripped New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie for killing a planned Hudson River tunnel that was to have been used by NJ TRANSIT then diverting the money for road projects.
"Chris Christie's delaying of the tunnel and basically walking away from it a number of years ago has disqualified him from ever running for president of the United States, much less being a governor," Stringer told reporters, including WCBS 880's Rich Lamb.
The Democratic comptroller called the tunnel project crucial to the economy of the region.
Stringer: Christie Doesn't Deserve To Be President After Killing Hudson River Tunnel Project
Christie, who is seeking the Republican nomination for president, killed the original tunnel plan in 2010, saying New Jersey would be on the hook for cost overruns. Christie now says he favors a new tunnel project. He met with state and federal transportation officials Tuesday to discuss plans.
Asked about Stringer's comments, Christie spokesman Kevin Roberts shrugged them off with a single-word question: "Who?"
Electrical problems involving two high-voltage cables, or disabled trains in the tunnels, caused delays for NJ TRANSIT commuters several days this summer. Amtrak service up and down the Northeast corridor also has been affected.
Amtrak owns most of the tracks and equipment, most of which is several decades old.
Rail experts and Amtrak officials say a new tunnel will improve reliability.
