N.J. lawmakers heading bridge scandal investigation plan to look into Hoboken recovery funds

[highplainsdem]

Source: Star-Ledger

TRENTON — The two state lawmakers heading separate investigations into the George Washington Bridge lane closing scandal plan to look into allegations made today that Gov. Chris Christie’s administration held Hurricane Sandy recovery aid to Hoboken hostage to push for a politically connected development project.

“I’m going to have a conversation with our special counsel and discuss it with him,” Assemblyman John Wisniewski (D-Middlesex) told The Star-Ledger. “And then make a decision on how to proceed.”

State Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Bergen), who heads a Senate committee also investigating the bridge scandal, said she plans to look into it as well.

-snip-

Weinberg said the allegation should be shocking, "but I’m not shocked about anything I hear anymore."

-snip-

Read more: http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/nj_official_heading_bridge_scandal_investigation_plans_to_look_into_hoboken_recovery_funds.html

[madrchsod]

1. looks like chris is in really big trouble he ain't gon`a to get out of...

oh how the mighty have fallen.

[flamingdem]

2. I am curious about how long it took for this all to come out

about Sandy funds.

If Hoboken only got 350 grand out of 100 million requested then how DID it recover?

Were they so taken with Christie that no one wondered about those numbers?

[marions ghost]

5. It hasn't "recovered" is the answer...

There are very expensive major projects that need funding if Hoboken is going to be able to truly recover and prevent the next storm-related flood. They want to call in consultants from Holland. Anyone living or investing in Hoboken would want to see a LOT of money spent on flood control and infrastructure changes. Who would want to live there right now? Hoboken's stock went way down as a result of Sandy.

--only friends of Christie are gonna get the money... so they counted on the mayor to roll over and go along. Which would leave her holding the bag like her predecessor if the spotlight came around on it. She's too smart. And obviously has a shred of integrity left. Now that there is other evidence of malfeasance from the governor's office, she's emboldened to speak out. Basically she was told to comply or get out. Hostage money.

IMO her request was based on very realistic evaluations of the need. The redevelopment area in question (Rockefeller group) is itself dependent on those improvements being done.

[flamingdem]

7. I suppose she was still hoping the funds would come through

and that allowed her to stay safe, considering the potential for anything and everything from the polito-thugsters involved.

[bucolic_frolic]

3. The Beginnings

Chris Christie ranked by Bush administration officials as 'loyal' U.S. Attorney

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/chris_christie_ranked_by_bush.html

[Fred Sanders]

4. Any change in the mandate of the Special Investigaton would need Senate approval....that is

what the the lawyers will tell the two state lawmakers.

[nradisic]

6. The Federales will be looking into this

Mayor political corruption? What happened with Sandy funds? FBI? Inspector General?