Christie: No Christmas Bonus For DRPA

The Delaware River Port Authority is under pubic scrutiny after new details keep coming to the surface including allegations of fraud and mismanagement of taxpayer money.

Fox 29’s Steve Keeley reported live from Trenton on Monday, Governor Christie told Steve that he did not think anyone in the authority should get a Christmas bonus and this issue should be added to a long and growing list of reforms.

Christie said, “On the bonus issue, what we are going to look at is, every way that they try to get around the 18 rules that they are going to pass on Wednesday , they now have an authorities unit in the governor’s office that they know is watching – and watching very carefully. If the leadership of that organization tried to get around the rules that they have passed, then the leadership is going to have a significant problem with this governor."

NJ State Senate Stephen Sweeney told Steve, “There should be no bonuses in government. Period.”

One of those men that could potentially cash in on unused sick days and get a bonus is John Havers, ex-Director of the Commodore Barry Bridge.

Havers was suspended for allegedly taking toll money on more than one occasion, according to DRPA CEO John Matheussen.  Havers was suspended for one month. He was not arrested, nor was he fired. There was never a criminal investigation.

He was reassigned as Cruise Terminal director in South Philadelphia, making over $100,000 a year.

Fox 29’s Steve Keeley tracked down Havers who said he could not comment to the media per port authority policy.

Keeley reports that powerful politicians have denied that they acted to protect Havers from arrest and keep him employed.

Governor Christie told Fox 29 News, the thing he misses most about his old job is subpoena power. It is now up to the US Attorney or the Attorney General to criminally investigate Havers and the DRPA.

There is a Board Of Commissioners meeting set for this Wednesday.  Fox 29 will be there to cover this event.