A Democratic New Jersey lawmaker has introduced legislation to replace three of Republican Gov. Chris Christie's nominees to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) board, including board Chairman David Samson. The bill seeks to replace those members with "public interest" members nominated by the nonprofit and advocacy organizations New Jersey Future, Trenton, and Tri-State Transportation Campaign, New York; as well as research and advocacy group Regional Plan Association, Princeton.
The move comes amid questions raised over whether the governor played a role in the September closure of two entrance lanes leading to the George Washington Bridge and also whether Samson has violated conflict-of-interest rules related to contract awards. According to media reports, Samson is reportedly under investigation in connection with certain PANYNJ awards to clients of his law firm, Wolff & Samson.