N.J. Gov. Chris Christie was never charged in the scandal that shut down access to the nation's busiest bridge for three days in September 2013 for political retribution. His aide and an appointment to the Port Authority were sentenced to prison.
The scandal, initiated by the infamous line uttered by Bridget Anne Kelly, a deputy chief of staff to Gov. Chris Christie (R-N.J.), "Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee," appears to be coming to a close.
The seven-week trial concluded Wednesday with "Kelly, 44, sentenced to 18 months in prison, (and) Bill Baroni, 45, who served as deputy executive director [and was Christie's top staff appointment] at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, sentenced to two years in prison," reports Nick Corasaniti for The New York Times.
Over five days in September 2013, the gridlock ensnared emergency vehicles, school buses and commuters, even as Mr. Baroni ignored [Fort Lee Mayor Mark] Sokolich’s messages seeking an explanation.
A third person, former Port Authority executive David Wildstein, "admitted in federal court on May 1, 2015 to conspiring with ... Baroni and ... Kelly to 'punish' Fort Lee, N.J. [Democratic] mayor Mark Sokolich for not endorsing Christie's re-election bid [in November 2013]," according to NJ.com.
Referring to the lane closures, “Those are the actions out of the playbook of some dictator of a banana republic,” Lee M. Cortes Jr., an assistant United States attorney, said in court on Wednesday. “It is incomprehensible that such actions could take place here, in the United States.”
Christie's Bridge Toll
Gov. Christie had wanted a decisive reelection victory for his presidential aspirations. Though he was never charged, he could never shake his connection to the lane closures.
From the moment Ms. Kelly’s email became public, Mr. Christie’s then soaring political ambitions were dealt a blow from which he would never recover.
Judge Susan D. Wigenton alluded to the political culture his administration created on Wednesday as she handed down her sentences against Mr. Baroni and Ms. Kelly at the federal courthouse in Newark, calling it a toxic 'with us or against us' mentality detrimental to New Jersey residents.
The bridgegate investigation uncovered an unrelated wrongdoing with a connection to Christie that brought down the Chairman of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
"David Samson, a former New Jersey attorney general and a longtime friend of the governor, was charged separately and pleaded guilty to bribery for personal gain after an investigation showed that he had pressured United Airlines to resume a flight to South Carolina near where he has a home," adds Corasaniti. "Mr. Samson was sentenced this month to a year of home confinement."
The lane closings proved to be one of the biggest scandals in New Jersey history, a state that is familiar with official malfeasance.
FULL STORY: 2 Christie Allies Are Sentenced in George Washington Bridge Scandal
Bridgegate Implications for New Jersey and Beyond
In The New York Times Sunday Review, Matt Katz, a political reporter for WNYC and New Jersey Public Radio, gives an update on the federal trial for 'Bridgegate' and also paints a bleak picture for New Jersey, and maybe the United States.
'Bridge-Gate' Attorneys Make Their Case: You Can't Sue Over Traffic
Attorneys representing the state of New Jersey responded to the allegations of a class action lawsuit rising from the "bridge-gate" scandal.
Three Charged in Gov. Christie's 'Bridgegate' Scandal
A culmination of sorts for the "Bridgegate" scandal—though three former allies of New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie have been indicted (one pleading guilty), Gov. Christie has not been implicated in the controversy.
Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
Texas Bills Could Push More People Into Homelessness
A proposal to speed up the eviction process and a bill that would accelerate enforcement of an existing camping ban could make the state’s homelessness crisis worse, advocates say.
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Ada County Highway District
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service