By Brenda Flanagan
Correspondent
“It is time to fix the Port Authority,” said Sen. Bob Gordon.
“Now it is time to override the veto,” said Sen. Loretta Weinberg.
The heat’s back on. True, they lost the initial fight to overhaul the Port Authority when, a few day after Christmas, Govs. Chris Christie and Andrew Cuomo announced they would veto bi-state/bipartisan reform legislation.
But Democratic Sens. Gordon and Weinberg announced there will be a rematch on March 5, despite admittedly long political odds.
“I’m a realist. I know the history that we’ve had. In five years we have not been able to override a veto. I am hopeful that we can for the first time override this veto,” Gordon said.
Afraid that crossing Christie may be a bridge too far for reluctant Republican colleagues, Gordon hoped a couple senators might be convinced by the pocketbook impact on constituents — who pay $14 tolls at bridge and tunnel crossings.
“It’s been noted that the average middle class New Jerseyan commuting to New York is paying more to the Port Authority in tolls than they’re paying either state in personal income tax. This is a quality of life issue with a widespread impact,” said Gordon.
Failing that, he noted Republicans fearful of bucking the boss might find safety in numbers.
“If your members are concerned about retribution from the governor’s office, why don’t you all vote together as a bloc, to give each other some cover?” Gordon asked.
“I voted one the legislation the first time it came up in the Senate. It passed unanimously,” said Sen. Michael Doherty.
So far, Doherty’s the only Republican who says he has no problems voting to override Christie. The governor sent a veto message, but hasn’t actually signed the veto.
Regardless, Doherty said, “I’m not really afraid of any kind of retribution. I think people should vote as they see it. My veto override vote, I don’t view it as sticking it to Gov. Christie in any way. If Gov. Christie is able to get legislation, present it to the Legislature in New Jersey, I’ll vote for it as well.”
“I don’t anticipate that a veto override will occur,” said Assemblywoman Holly Schepisi.
Republican Schepisi co-sponsored the reform package Christie vetoed and served on the joint committee that investigated Bridgegate. She’d rather focus on working with reform measures recommended by both governors.
“Let’s move forward with that. Let’s not waste the time in attempting to do overrides that probably aren’t going to get us anywhere, anyway,” she said.
It’s been a year since the infamous email surfaced — the message that launched the Bridgegate investigation in earnest. Weinberg repeated it, wryly.
“Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,” she said.
That prompted a federal investigation, mass resignations, new management and political fallout that continues to plague Chris Christie. Weinberg says lawmakers did their job.
“Now it’s time to finish the job,” she said.
New York lawmakers says they’re working on reintroducing identical bills. Meanwhile Democrats are planning a pro-override public relations blitz — including AAA and the AARP. Gordon says without a statute, the governor’s recommendations have as much impact as bylaws at your local Rotary Club.