Christie administration says Executive Director Michael Restaino had been increasing salaries at the commission in violation of the governor's orders
Gov. Chris Christie holds a town hall meeting about his reform agenda Monday Jan 24, 2011 at the Shirley B. Foster School in Chesilhurst in this Jan. 24 file photo.TRENTON — Gov. Chris Christie has set his sights on another of New Jersey's independent authorities.
Today he demanded that the seven commissioners at the North Jersey District Water Supply Commission provide detailed information on hiring and compensation practices, plus whether they played a role in finding jobs for family members.
The commission, based in Wanaque in Passaic County, oversees the largest water supply system in the state, according to its website.
The Christie administration also said that Executive Director Michael Restaino had been increasing salaries at the commission in violation of the governor's orders.
"This administration once again finds it necessary to write regarding multiple issues that are of great concern to our office," reads the letter from Jeff Chiesa, Christie's chief counsel.
An additional letter was sent to Commissioner Albert Manzo, suggesting he lied about his home address to evade senatorial courtesy, the practice that allows senators to block nominees from their home districts.
The letter said Manzo provided his Paterson business address, not his Franklin Lakes home, when he was nominated.
Manzo could not be reached for comment last night — his voter registration also lists the address and phone number for his business, the Brownstone, an event venue sometimes used for political fundraisers.
Earlier this month Christie hinted that his administration was investigating the commission, saying it "piques my interest at this moment," according to The Record. Christie has previously targeted the Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission, removing six of the seven commissioners. His office said yesterday that his actions, which include freezing fees paid to outside attorneys and firing 71 workers, have resulted in savings of $10 million.
Unlike other independent authorities, Christie does not have veto power over either the NJDWSC or the PVSC. A bill to grant him that power has yet to be passed by the Legislature.
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• Ex-Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners manager pleads not guilty to official misconduct
• Passaic Valley Water Commission also hands out generous pay, perks
• More than 70 Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners employees are terminated
• Top financial officer of Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners resigns, 5 employees are fired
• Wife and brother of Jersey City department head fired from Passaic Valley Sewerage Commission
• Three officials at Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners are accused of misuse of public resources
• Passaic Valley Sewerage Commissioners employees making more than $100K have salaries cut