Wagner pleased with emphasis on authority | BY: Jim Panyard

Gov. Tom Corbett will chair his first meeting of the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) Wednesday and it is likely no one is more pleased than New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Mr. Christie has been highly critical of the DRPA for overspending, mismanagement and continuing gaffes that have embarrassed the agency responsible for toll bridges between southeastern Pennsylvania and southern New Jersey. The DRPA also runs the PATCO High Speed Rail line carrying commuters across the Delaware River.

The two Republican governors have discussed the political patronage hotbed and are both dissatisfied with its performance, according to news reports.

New Jersey’s eight appointments to the 16-member DRPA board were all put in by Democrats in late 2009 just before Mr. Christie took office and he cannot replace them. Mr. Corbett gets six appointments, including himself, to the board. Mr. Christie – despite not being a board member – holds veto power.

Two other Pennsylvania board members are Auditor General Jack Wagner and state Treasurer Rob McCord, both Democrats. They are appointed under law by virtue of their elected offices and have both criticized DRPA operations in the past.

Monday, Mr. Wagner said he was “very pleased” the new governor was emphasizing the DRPA’s proper role.

Mr. Wagner said he was looking forward to working with Mr. Corbett and the other board members to address the DRPA’s $1.5 billion in bonded debt.  About one-third of the money was spent on “economic development” projects and other forms of political patronage, he said.

Without those expenses, the tolls on the four bridges between Pennsylvania and New Jersey would be $1 lower than they are now, Mr. Wagner estimated.

There is a $4 one-way toll on the four DRPA-operated bridges.

Mr. McCord also urged the authority to continue working towards serious reforms.

“I’m glad to see the Governor is willing to get personally involved, because I think there’s a lot of work to be done. The Authority should continue to impose new, concrete reforms to improve the oversight and transparency of its operations,” said Mr. McCord.

The new Pennsylvania members of the DRPA, in addition to Mr. Corbett, are:

William Sasso, a prominent Philadelphia attorney and a major fund raiser for Mr. Corbett’s gubernatorial bid.

JoAnn Bell, a lobbyist for Harrisburg-based Pugliese Associates and former aide to ex-Philadelphia Mayor John Street. She was also an officer in the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

JoAnna Cruz, president of the board of Accion Comunal Latinoamericana de Montgomery County, a social service agency for Hispanics. She is also a Philadelphia lawyer.

Walter D’Allesio, vice chairman of NorthMarq Capital, a real estate investment banking firm. One of the best known men in Philadelphia business and political circles for 40 years.

David Simon, a major Corbett contributor and currently senior vice president for Jefferson Health System in Philadelphia.

On the other side of the river, Mr. Christie would like to fire former New Jersey state Senator and current DRPA CEO John Matheusenn from his $240,000 post, but is being stymied by the New Jersey board members.

“It’s been a frustrating thing. I can’t fire Mr. Matheusenn,” Mr. Christie said last week. “Those New Jersey guys who were appointed will not be firing Mr. Matheusenn.”

Mr. Corbett appointed himself to take the position held by John Estey, a prominent Philadelphia attorney and one time chief of staff to former Democrat Gov. Ed Rendell.

Mr. Corbett and Mr. Christie met last week while in Washington, D.C. and discussed changes at DRPA.

As chairman, Mr. Corbett sets the agency’s agenda.