Governor Rendell Writes to Delaware River Port Authority Administrators

HARRISBURG, Pa., July 29 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Governor Edward G. Rendell today wrote to John H. Estey, Chairman, and Jeffrey L. Nash, Vice Chairman, of the Delaware River Port Authority, concerning recent reports of issues at the bi-state agency. The text of the letter is as follows:

Dear Chairman Estey and Vice-Chairman Nash:

I am requesting your immediate assistance in dealing with recent reports of what appear to be Board of Commissioners and management issues at the Delaware River Port Authority ("DRPA"). I recognize that over the past several years, the Authority has implemented a number of important policy and process changes, including requiring that all contracts be let through a competitive bid process, eliminating the use of new DRPA bond proceeds for economic development projects, maintaining budgetary discipline, and cutting the DRPA staff by 120 positions (or 12 percent).

That said, however, the continuing controversy surrounding the issuance of free rides and other "perks" demand that additional steps must be taken to restore public confidence in the administration of the DRPA. I understand that the DRPA's management is supportive of these proposals, and I urge you to enact the reforms outlined herein as quickly as possible.

Based on my discussions with you and your recommendations, and with the understanding Governor Christie may have additional suggestions and that that we may propose additional changes for Board consideration in the future, I support the following immediate policy changes:

• Allow full audit of the Authority's budget and performance by the Pennsylvania Auditor General (or an outside auditor) and the New Jersey Comptroller.
• Comply with Open Public Meeting and Records Acts and Sunshine Acts of Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
• Eliminate the existing separate caucus system (allow Executive Session for litigation, personnel, contracting or other confidential matters), and convene regular meetings of Board committees.
• Enact a "no gifts" restriction for Board members which clarifies that no Commissioner or employee of the Authority or a family member shall solicit or accept any gift or anything of value for personal benefit under any circumstance which could be reasonably expected to influence, or which is likely to be perceived as being reasonably expected to influence, the manner in which a Commissioner or employee conducts the public business of the Authority.
• Require Pennsylvania Commissioners to file financial statements under both the Governor's Code of Conduct and the State Ethics Act.  New Jersey Commissioners will continue to file financial statements under New Jersey Ethics Laws.
• Require public Board votes on all contracts.
• Strengthen the Board Anti-Nepotism policies to preclude more than one member of a family (defined as a Commissioner's or employee's spouse, children, parents, and their children) from being employed simultaneously at the Authority.
• Strengthen the Board Conflict of Interest policy to make clear that all Commissioners and employees shall avoid all situations in which their personal interest, activities or financial affairs either are, or are likely to be perceived as being, in conflict with the interests of the Authority; prior to each Board meeting, require the Authority to circulate a list of entities that will be the subject of Board action and require Board members to identify conflicts in advance of the meetings.
• Enact an Undue Influence policy that precludes Commissioners and employees from exerting any undue influence in the selection of contractors, the hiring of employees, or the making any other decision where the influence either is, or is likely to be perceived, as interfering with the independent, objective decisions of the Authority.
• Enact a "no outside employment" requirement for all employees at the level of director and above, unless approved by Board resolution.
• Eliminate all free toll/fare perks for employees and retirees.
• Eliminate all car allowances.
• Use best practices in all procurement efforts, including eliminating no-bid contracts.
• Enact a Post-Employment restriction rule that precludes all employees at the level of director and above from accepting employment with any vendor or independent contractor of the Authority for a period of two years after the termination of his or her employment with the Authority.
• Enact a Political Contributions policy that requires all current and prospective DRPA vendors to disclose a list of political campaign contributions.
• Conduct a compensation review study to determine appropriate levels of compensation for all DRPA senior managers.

I recognize again that the DRPA has implemented a series of important reforms in recent years that have significantly improved the efficiency and transparency of the Authority's operations.  But I also believe that the proposals set forth here are critically important to the task of restoring public confidence in the DRPA, its Board and management. The Authority should always focus on its mission – to serve the public efficiently and effectively.

Sincerely,

Edward G. Rendell, Governor

cc:  The Hon. Chris Christie

DRPA Board of Commissioners

Media Contact: Gary Tuma; 717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor