Former Essex County Lawmaker Takes Over As Port Authority Chairman

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Do you have a gripe with service or programs at the Port Authority? Now you’ve got a former neighbor to send your complaints to, Essex County.

This week, the Port Authority of NY/NJ announced that Kevin O’Toole - a former Cedar Grove mayor and state legislator who represented constituents in Bergen, Essex, Morris, and Passaic Counties – was elected as the 20th chair of the agency’s Board of Directors.

O’Toole succeeds John Degnan, who served in that post since July 2014.

The veteran Republican politician joined the Port Authority board in July following a nomination from Governor Chris Christie, the Port Authority stated.

• See related article: Longtime NJ State Senator To Retire

“This is one of the most critical periods in the Port Authority’s storied history as we continue to rebuild and overhaul some of the region’s most vital transportation assets, including the Port Authority Bus Terminal, PATH rail system, George Washington Bridge, LaGuardia and Newark Liberty airports and the Gateway passenger rail tunnel project,” O’Toole said.

• See related article: Essex County Senator Kevin O'Toole Raises $30K in Ice Bucket Challenge
• See related article: As ‘Summer Of Hell’ Continues, Transit Execs Play Musical Chairs

“I look forward to working cooperatively with this board to make sure we deliver the projects that will improve the lives of everyday commuters, while enhancing the region’s economy,” O’Toole added.

According to the Port Authority:

“O’Toole is a founding and managing partner of O'Toole Scrivo, a law practice encompassing toxic tort, environmental law, risk management, class actions, complex litigation and corporate investigations. In addition to his law practice, Chairman O’Toole had a long career in public service at the local and state level in New Jersey. After serving in elective positions in Cedar Grove, he was first elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 1995 and served until May 2001. He then served in the state Senate from May 2001 until January 2002. He was elected again to the General Assembly in 2001 and re-elected twice. In 2007, he was elected to the state Senate and re-elected in 2011 and 2013. He left his seat on July 1, 2017.”

Send local news tips, photos and press releases to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Kevin O'Toole, Facebook