Strengthening the board's conflict-of-interest policy to make clear that commissioners and employees may not use DRPA time or resources to engage in political activities;
Requiring vendors and vendor principals to disclose all political contributions made within the past four years.
Both governors support ending car allowances and free tolls for workers. Free passage across the authority's $4 toll bridges came under fire following revelations that public safety director Michael Joyce had borrowed another official's free E-ZPass for use by his daughter for 18 months.
Joyce resigned on Tuesday, but the DRPA continues to draw scrutiny.
The New Jersey State Comptroller's Office, which audits public agencies, on Wednesday emailed the DRPA with a request for documents. Pennsylvania Treasurer Rob McCord, a member of the authority, last week demanded an accounting of car allowances, free E-ZPass transponders, hiring of family members, awards of contracts, conflicts of interest, and pension deals.
Rendell's letter, addressed to Chairman John Estey and Vice Chairman Jeffrey Nash, proposed requiring public votes by board members on all contracts; strengthening anti-nepotism and conflict-of-interest policies; ending no-bid contracts; and imposing a "no outside employment" requirement for all employees at the level of director and above, unless approved by board resolution.
He also supported banning commissioners and employees from exerting "any undue influence" on hiring decisions and contract selection, as well as a compensation review study to determine appropriate pay for DRPA senior managers.
