Cuomo's Six New Port Authority Appointees: All White, Male, Bankers and Real Estate Titans

After a year of terrible news for the Port Authority, including a bridge scandal and multiple investigations, the governors who control the bi-state agency promised "wholesale changes."

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo trumpeted a proposed "overhaul" in a joint press release: "These changes call for restructuring the agency's overall operations, including reorganizing the leadership of the Board of Commissioners...The reorganization accepted by the Governors will also return the Port Authority fully to its original mission – developing and maintaining the world's largest transportation system and infrastructure."

But Cuomo named all bankers and real estate titans to the six spots he appoints — and exactly zero board members with transportation expertise. The entire 12-member board, including six New Jersey appointees, is now white and male. 

Cuomo's commissioners include Tony James, the CEO of the Blackstone Group and Scott Rechler, the head of RXR Realty. The other four come from places like MacAndrews & Forbes and MDF Capital, LLC.  Three of his commissioners — Rechler, Ken Lipper, and Michael Fascitelli — have given tens of thousands of dollars to Cuomo's campaign committees. One, Steve Cohen, worked as a top aide to Cuomo. 

When reached by telephone, Veronica Vanterpool of Tri-state Transportation Campaign sighed deeply.  "I thought the Port Authority was looking to do less of the same," Vanterpool said.

Cuomo's office declined comment.