For DRPA, lasting reform seems a bridge too far

Reform has fit the Delaware River Port Authority like a tight, itchy sweater someone made them buy and now they're doing some alterations.

The beleaguered bistate agency tried to adopt sweeping changes over the last two months to do away with political patronage and longtime employee perks while overhauling how it spends toll money.

Some resolutions aimed at reform have been bogged down by language, or vetoed by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie. Yesterday, the commissioners restored free bridge tolls and PATCO rides for some employees.

Workers said that rescinding free tolls would have been akin to a company charging an employee to work.

Commissioners also reinstated the 100 free E-ZPass crossings for members of two unions that had filed grievances, because that "benefit" was in their contract.

Board vice chairman Jeff Nash felt that the angered DRPA employees didn't fully understand public sentiment on the perceived perks.

"The average citizen on the street who is paying taxes, or in this case tolls, will not stand for it," he said.

Christie, who vetoed other reform measures that he felt didn't go far enough, will have the opportunity to veto the free tolls.

"I think I can guarantee you that the governor is going to be very unhappy about this," Christie spokesman Mike Drewniak said.

"These actions are contrary to his vision for the DRPA's future."

The board also tabled a resolution prohibiting DRPA workers from taking jobs with companies with which the agency does business.

After an executive session, Pennsylvania commissioner John Dougherty called for the resignation of embattled chief executive John Matheussen, citing, among other things, the recent hiring of a criminal-defense attorney to handle subpoenas from New Jersey over financial matters.

The resolution didn't pass, and Matheussen, in a rare show of emotion, took offense.

"When you throw out pieces of information, suggesting I'm under criminal investigation, you've crossed the line," Matheussen said, as he rose from his chair.

"You crossed the line."