Gov. Andrew Cuomo nominated labor union leader/Cuomo superfan Gary LaBarbera to fill one of the open vacancies on the board of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Cuomo has in the past shown favor to LaBarbera and the construction workers he represents, such as including a minimum wage requirement in the renewal of 421a.
Last week, at the ceremonial signing of 421a, LaBarbera called Cuomo “the greatest governor” in state history and currently serving across the United States.
A spokesperson for LaBarbera, head of the Building and Construction Trades Council of New York, said he is awaiting confirmation from the State Senate, Politico reported.
Cuomo has a unique opportunity to reshape the board at the Port Authority, and many observers believe he will look to fill it with loyal appointees who will show him some favor. There are two existing vacancies and three appointees on the way out.
Cuomo is also considering former mayoral candidate and Doe Fund co-founder George McDonald, according to Politico, and wants to appoint his secretary of state, Rossana Rosado.
RXR Realty’s [TRDataCustom] Scott Rechler, a previous Cuomo appointee who left the Port Authority last year, has lamented the agency’s political nature. [Politico] – Rich Bockmann