Report: Wolff & Samson profited from Port Authority takeover of Atlantic City airport

[Laxman]

From WNYC, NY's NPR station:

For Samson, though, the deal was more than a big win for the political and economic development agenda of Governor Chris Christie, who appointed him to the Port Authority board and who has made the revival of Atlantic City a prime goal of his administration.

Rather, it was an opportunity — one of many, WNYC has learned — for Samson to advance his own business interests while doing the public’s business at the Port. As chair of the Port Authority, head of a successful law firm, and — above all — as a confidante of Christie's, Samson has been able to maximize his connections, which spin out across the region's transportation network.

Don't give up digging yet. Another instance of Wolff & Samson profiting from the Christie/Samson relationship. This was a "major initiative" of the Christie administration. It's good if you can both expand your political empire and make a few bucks at the same time. It just doesn't stop!

Read it here: http://www.wnyc.org/story/atlantic-city-airport-samson/?utm_source=Newsletter%3A+WNYC+Daily+Newsletter&utm_campaign=6e75377c4d-Daily_Brief_Jan_27_20141_26_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_edd6b58c0d-6e75377c4d-70663857

and from NJ Biz:

During Samson's tenure at the Port Authority, his firm has also profited from work done for other transportation agencies such as NJ Transit and the New Jersey Turnpike Authority, WNYC reports.

While Samson recused himself from the Port Authority vote to acquire the airport, he did vote for a $256 million upgrade of Harrison's PATH station despite representing nearby property owners, a move that the radio station has previously reported.

Last month, WNYC reported that Wolff & Samson's lobbying business increased from $40,000 annually prior to Christie's first election to more than $1 million per year afterward. Additionally, the firm's municipal bond counsel businesses quadrupled during Christie's tenure, going from handling $2.4 billion worth of bond sales under Gov. Jon Corzine to more than $10 billion under Christie.

read it here: http://www.njbiz.com/article/20140211/NJBIZ01/140219965/Report:-Wolff-&-Samson-profited-from-Port-Authority-takeover-of-Atlantic-City-airport

[Laxman]

1. I Wanted To Provide...

a little more detailed commentary on this story today but it was just "one of those days" and tonight is teaching night. So I just stuck the excerpts from the stories here. This deal is yet another example of how its Samson who is pulling the strings in this administration. (please Westly, don't post that Boris Karloff video again) This is so far outside the purview of the Port Authority's mission, it's not even in the general neighborhood.

He and Christie did this as part of a deal with the south jersey democrats. Additionally, it was an opportunity to both expand Samson's empire and make more money (after all isn't that what public service is all about?) while solidifying their unholy alliance with the Norcross crew. Just like when Tony cut his deals with John "Johnny Sack" Sacrimoni in The Sopranos.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

2. I had the opportunity to pay a visit to Wolff & Samson today

let's just say there was a different vibe in the office compared to my other visits!

[Laxman]

3. This Matter Has Been Re-visited....

in NJ Spotlight this morning.

Samson Uses Position, Proximity to Christie to Build Business

Some 12 months ago when the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey voted to take over the Atlantic City airport, the move puzzled many aviation experts.

After all, the airports that the authority managed were themselves in need of investment, and AC was far beyond the 25-mile radius from the Statue of Liberty that defined the port's scope of operations.

read it here: http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/02/11/samson-uses-position-proximity-to-christie-to-build-business/

[Beach Rat]

4. Is there anything these guys won't do?

I mean seriously. Atlantic City is 150 miles outside the Port Authority's territory. The Tappen Zee Bridge was built by the NY Thruway Authority instead of the Port Authority because it was 2 miles outside the Port Authority's jurisdiction. Does Wolff & Samson know how to get any business without some kind of unfair advantage? What's their firm's motto? The Fix Is In!

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

5. Quad Est In Loco

That's the fix is in in Latin. So much more elegant!


QUAD EST IN LOCO

[malaise]

6. K & R

for truth