“I am disappointed that Governor Pataki vetoed legislation that would have added the New York City Police Commissioner to the Board of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey.

“Even though the NYPD is the most sophisticated counter-terrorism police force in the world, much of New York City’s transportation infrastructure is policed by the MTA and the Port Authority. 

“I am particularly disappointed in the Governor’s veto because between the time this bill passed both houses of the Legislature and the time the Governor vetoed it last night, another Al Qaeda plot to attack Lower Manhattan was publicly revealed.  According to the FBI, Al Qaeda was planning to flood Ground Zero and Lower Manhattan by attacking Port Authority facilities.

“One of the most important lessons of 9/11 was the need for greater communication and integration among government agencies.  We need to establish a security protocol for our City’s vital transportation infrastructure that is more integrated, accountable, and effective.  Adding the New York City Police Commissioner to the Board of the Port Authority would have been a large step in the right direction, and I am disappointed that Governor Pataki stopped it from happening.”