On Friday, New Jersey Governor Chris Christie had announced that the chairman David Samson of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has stepped down from his post. The New York Times said Samson's resignation would be the latest fallout from the controversy surrounding the lane closures at the George Washington Bridge, causing a four-day massive traffic in Fort Lee.
Samson is a prominent lawyer and a close ally fo the Republican governor. Prior to his resignation, Samson help run the bridges and tunnels that connect the two states.
Perhaps to downplay Samson's potential involvement in the lane closures, Christie had publicly disclosed that Samson already broached the idea of retiring prior to "Bridgegate" and that his resignation does not have any connection with the investigations on the lane closures.
Christie said, "I think that his role was not central in any of these things, nor has it ever been alleged that his role was central. He is 74 years old and he is tired."
Samson, who also issued a written statement following his resignation, which is effective immediately, read, "Over the past months, I have shared with the Governor my desire to conclude my service to the PANYNJ. The timing is now right, and I am confident that the Governor will put new leadership in place to address the many challenges ahead."
Thee has been a public outcry from lawmakers and the public for Samson to resign from his post in the wake of the lane closures scandal, Reuters said. On Wednesday, local residents and several legislators expressed their concern over Samson's fit for the role as potential conflicts of interest between Port Authority dealings and his private law firm arose aside from "Bridgegate."
Lawmaker James Tedesco of Bergen County had told the Port Authority board on Wednesday, "This is behavior that's not acceptable. It is unconscionable for you to sit idly by and to not address what took place."
