Bridgegate Resurfaces with the Resignation of Jeff Smisek
- Details
- Category: World News
- Published on Thursday, 10 September 2015 08:54
- Written by Janet Walker
Jeff Smisek, the Chairman and CEO of United Airlines, stepped down yesterday amid the ongoing investigation into United's connection with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Former chairman of the Port Authority, David Samson, is known to have voted on United's projects at Newark Airport.
Smisek has not been directly linked to Bridgegate by federal investigation although, the former legal counsel and partner with Vinson & Elkins, an internal investigation found the former CEO attempted to use his position to influence officials at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Additionally Smisek was criticized for his leadership of the company’s rank and file that resulted in poor customer services and employee dissatisfaction. His failed leadership at the integration of Continental and keeping a twice weekly nonproductive flight to Columbia, South Carolina which directly served the CEO and his family when they travelled to a vacation home were also noted in the internal probe that directly led to the resignation.
Bridgegate, the retaliatory lane closure scandal that snarled traffic for days on one of the nation’s busiest bridges that became a thorn in the side of GOP governor and presidential candidate, Chris Christie, is rising once again.
Christie, had repeatedly denied all knowledge of any retaliatory action for any persons refusal to support the governor during his recent reelection campaign. Allegations of withholding of SuperStorm Sandy federal funds as well as lane closures and other disruption of public services have been repeatedly described from Hudson County Gold Coast mayors and other public servants as delivered from and directly endorsed by the governor.
Federal investigators who succinctly stated the investigation would end with the indictment of Bridget Anne Kelly, David Wildstein and Bill Baroni. Of the three Wildstein took a plea deal in exchange for a lesser count indictment. Kelly and Baroni each were charged on a nine count indictment.
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