Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D-Bergen), a member of the Legislative Select Committee on Investigation who represents the town of Fort Lee in the General Assembly, released the following statement on Friday’s actions by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for New Jersey:
“Today’s announcement confirms our worst fears about the Port Authority. Whether it’s wasting taxpayer dollars or threatening public safety, the Port Authority has run amok for far too long. The rampant abuse of power that has long been reported underscores the urgency for reforms.
“While the U.S. Attorney’s Office pursues justice for the residents of Fort Lee and the surrounding area who were victimized by the lane closures, the legislature must work simultaneously to enact real reforms to end this culture of corruption once and for all.
“It’s time for Gov. Christie to get on board as well. Throughout this process, he has displayed an alarming lack of concern that has bordered on indifference, vetoing our efforts to reform the Port Authority not once, but twice.
“The new reform bill we announced the other day, in consultation with New York legislators, is all the more critical now. It’s time for the governor to stop hiding behind excuses and his veto pen and join us in supporting this legislation.” said Vainieri Huttle.