Port Authority Chairman David Samson, has come under intense scrutiny recently over his involvement in Port Authority decisions that appeared to benefit clients of his private law firm. David Samson is an ally of New Jersey Governor Chris Christie and according to Bloomberg News, federal prosecutors in New Jersey began looking into the deliberate traffic jams at the George Washington Bridge.
The New York Times and The Star-Ledger have also reported on Port Authority votes by David Samson that some observers say have presented a conflict. It has been reported that Federal prosecutors in Manhattan took steps late last week to open an inquiry into Port Authority Chairman David Samson, only to withdraw their subpoena for documents. The reason for the withdrawal was unclear.
Port Authority Chairman David Samson apologized to drivers for the inconvenience caused by the lane closings at the George Washington Bridge. Michael Chertoff of Covington & Burling LLP, David Samson’s attorney reported in a statement that “There continues to be a good deal of erroneous coverage of matters pertinent to my client. That will become evident in due course.”
Jerika Richardson, a Bharara spokeswoman, and a Fishman spokesman, Matthew Reilly, declined to comment on the probe. Port Authority spokesmen, Steve Coleman and Chris Valens did not respond to a request for comment either. The Port Authority formed an oversight committee on February 19, to improve governance at the agency, which runs airports, bridges, tunnels and a rail system in the region.
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