A New Jersey Assembly member is reintroducing legislation, already vetoed once by Gov. Chris Christie, to increase transparency at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Spencer Platt, Getty Images
Spencer Platt, Getty Images
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Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle's bill would require external audits of Port Authority spending, and more convenient hours for public hearings where toll hikes are proposed.

Huttle, D-Englewood, said she is putting the measure back on the table while the recent and ongoing "Bridgegate" scandal remains in the public consciousness.

"Hopefully, when we reintroduce this new bill," Huttle said, "we will get support from my colleagues and the governor."

According to Huttle, lawmakers from both New Jersey and New York worked diligently on the original legislation. She said two particular issues have since increased the need for accountability: concerns about $90 million in overtime costs, and contradicting statements about how money from toll hikes will be applied.

Huttle is also concerned about what she claims are $4 million in patronage hires by the Christie administration, and outlandish perks for Port Authority members and retirees -- both of which she said require a closer and continuing look.

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