Port Authority Chairman Resigns In Response To Christie Scandal Report

David Samson, chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, speaks during the New Jersey Transportation Conference, Wednesday, March 2, 2011, in Trenton, N.J. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) on Friday announced the resignation of Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Chairman David Samson.

Samson, the governor’s appointee, tendered his resignation on Friday, after reading the report released Thursday by a legal team representing Christie’s office. The report reviewed the George Washington Bridge lane closures. In addition to clearing Christie of wrongdoing, the report also recommended several reforms for the Port Authority.

“I received a call from David Samson, who informed me that after reviewing the Mastro report, that he completely supports the recommendations laid out for the Port Authority and that he believes the best way to start a new era at the Port Authority is with new leadership,” Christie said at a press conference on Friday. “In line with that belief, David tendered his resignation to me this afternoon, effective immediately. I want to thank him for his service and his friendship.”

In apparent connection with their investigation of the lane closures, federal prosecutors in New Jersey have subpoenaed records from the Port Authority related to contracts awarded to construction companies represented by Wolff & Samson, a law firm founded Samson.

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