Reibman Out, Dowd In, at DRJTBC

In addition to its periodic toll hikes, passed with no meaningful notice to the public, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission (DRJTBC) is very good at inventing jobs for politicians with no place to go. So when Glenn Reibman was defeated for a third term as Northampton County Exec, then Governor Ed Rendell had the Commissioners create a brand new job for Glenn - Director of Policy and Planning. At the time he was hired, in 2006, the job topped out at $99,000.

Now that Republican Tom Corbett is Governor, he's decided to replace Reibman. Inside sources tell me Reibman was allowed to stay long enough to ensure he qualifies for yet another pension, but he's being shoved out of the way to make room for another politician who lost an election bid.

Except this one, like Corbett, is a Republican.

Former Northampton County Council member Mike Dowd, who lost a bid for a fourth term in November, will take over the reins as the DRJTBC's new Director of Policy and Planning. We'll never see him again until a Democrat is elected Governor.

Is It Time to Abolish Joint Toll Bridge Commission?

New Jersey legislators may vote to do just that, according to The Express Times. That's their reaction to the latest toll increase, which goes into effect in July. By a 5-4 vote last night, Northampton County Council supports that idea.

Council member Ron Angle, proposing this measure, argued that the last toll increase drove businesses like Roadway and Estee Lauder away. Indicating that the DRJTBC was only supposed to exist as long as it took to pay for bridges crossing the Delaware, Angle pointed out that this agency is sitting on $400 million. "All we have been paying for is for politicians to run around and spend money," he said, noting it is a rest home for people like former County Executive Glenn Reibman.

Council member Mike Dowd argued that the resolution is premature and that turning these assets over to PennDot could be troublesome. John Cusick actually praised the Toll Bridge Commission, saying they were an excellent partner during his time as a Williams Township Supervisor.

Joining Angle in approving this measure were Ann McHale, Lamont McClure, Bruce Gilbert and Barb Thierry.