Christie said he would not renew DRPA CEO John Matheussen's contract if changes were not implemented
Gov. Chris Christie, left, vetoed the minutes of the Delaware River Port Authority and told CEO John Matheussen, right, that he would not renew his contract if stronger reform did not take place.Gov. Chris Christie this morning put the leader of the embattled Delaware River Port Authority on notice: clean the place up, or else.
Christie came down on the board of the DRPA, vetoing what he described as a "weak" set of conflict-of-interest limits and other reforms he said did not go far enough.
Though he did not fire the authority's Chief Executive Officer John Matheussen, Christie said he would not renew the former Republican state senator's contract if the changes are not implemented.
"It's game time now, and it's time to get these things done," Christie said.
For example, the governor vetoed the authority's decision to hire a law firm to investigate its insurance contracts. Instead, Christie said the matter should be handled independently and referred it to the state comptroller.
Christie also demanded the board pass a policy to ban workers from performing political activities while on duty.
More coverage from the Gloucester County Times:
The authority, which runs the bridges, ferries and other transportation along the Delaware River, is controlled jointly by Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Christie said he reached out to Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell to let him know what he would do today.
The authority has been under scrutiny for months over its corporate rules, spending and decision-making, even as it pushes to raise tolls.
Christie has the power to veto the minutes of the authority's meetings, effectively stopping them from taking certain actions.
Previous coverage:
• Star-Ledger editorial: Enough: Clean house at Delaware River Port Authority
• Delaware River Port Authority meeting to consider reform measures
• Delaware River Port Authority gives $700K for Pennsauken football field
• Delaware River Port Authority revokes free train rides, bridge tolls for employees