patronage

Frank Kempf (FK) chief engineer is becoming a prominent spokesman for the Pennsylvania Turnpike over tolling I-80 and other controversies. Here is a transcript of Kempf's comments to a radio journalist on charges of patronage at the Turnpike:

New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine is confirming that he gave $15k to Rocco Riccio after his aides persuaded him to resign from a position he had just been given at the New Jersey Turnpike, the Newark Star-Ledger reports. Riccio is the brother-in-law of the Governor's former girlfriend and high state union official Carla Katz. Riccio met the governor through Katz.

Via the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette Pennsylvania Turnpike CEO Joseph Brimmeier has challenged us to reveal sources at the Turnpike who have been reporting to us adversely on him. Harrisburg correspondent Tom Barnes in the April 15 edition of the Post quotes Brimmeier: " 'His publication (TOLLROADSnews) is a rag,' even though it's not on paper, but online. He challenged Samuel to...reveal the source of his information." (Slightly edited)

Timothy Carson vice-chair of the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission says that the Turnpike may have been a haven for patronage and boondoggles in the past but that's all history now. The Pittsburgh Tribune quotes him: "We're not your father's turnpike."

In truth the patronage and boondoggles are bigger and more blatant than ever.