NJ Governor Chris Christie finally commented on revelations that one of his top aides in the governor's office was involved in causing interminable gridlock for drivers traveling through Fort Lee, on the approach to the George Washington Bridge. Christie said, "I am outraged and deeply saddened to learn that not only was I misled by a member of my staff, but this completely inappropriate and unsanctioned conduct was made without my knowledge."
Christie canceled a press event (for Hurricane Sandy-related rebuilding efforts) this morning but issued this statement:
"What I've seen today for the first time is unacceptable. I am outraged and deeply saddened to learn that not only was I misled by a member of my staff, but this completely inappropriate and unsanctioned conduct was made without my knowledge. One thing is clear: this type of behavior is unacceptable and I will not tolerate it because the people of New Jersey deserve better. This behavior is not representative of me or my Administration in any way, and people will be held responsible for their actions."
However, one of the people involved in the problem is Bridget Anne Kelly, listed fourth on Christie's senior staff page as "Deputy Chief of Staff for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs."
"Bridge-gate" occurred on September 9 when two lanes to the bridge were closed—allegedly for a traffic study, according to Christie childhood buddy David Wildstein, who worked for the Port Authority. Fort Lee mayor Mark Sokolich, a Democrat, contended that the bridge gridlock was a payback against him because he refused to endorse Christie for re-election.
The traffic nightmare continued until September 12 when Patrick Foye, Governor Cuomo's appointee to head the Port Authority, returned the lanes to use. The scandal gained steam towards the end of the year, as Wildstein and Christie's top PA appointee Bill Baroni resigned. Christie said last month that the bridge issue was "sensationalized."
Emails that were subpoenaed by NJ Senate investigators showed that Kelly had emailed Wildstein in August, "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee." When Foye opened up the lanes back to Fort Lee in September, Wildstein frantically emailed Kelly, "The New York side gave Fort Lee back all three lanes this morning. We are appropriately going nuts. Samson is helping us retaliate." Kelly replied, "What??" Samson is David Samson, Chairman of the Port Authority's Board of Commissioners and appointed by Christie.
Wildstein also emailed Bill Stepien, Christie's re-election campaign manager about Fort Lee, and Stepien called Sokolich an "idiot."
The NY Times reports, "The documents released Wednesday further the perception of what Republicans as well as Democrats in New Jersey have long said about the governor: that he wields fear and favor to get what he wants, and lashes out at even the smallest perceived slights."
